How to Make Apple Butter at Home | Cozy Autumn Recipe
With a surplus of apples from a crisp autumn day at the orchard, I found myself searching for ways to make the most of these fragrant, juicy fruits. I’ve always loved apples, but I didn’t grow up eating apple butter. Discovering it as an adult completely changed the way I think about apples. Homemade apple butter is a simple yet transformative way to turn an abundance of apples into a silky, richly spiced spread that enhances breakfast, baking, and even savory dishes.
One of my favorite ways to use apple butter is as a natural sweetener in recipes. In fact, one of my most creative recipes, featured by Feed Feed , was an apple butter babka, which combined the depth of spiced apple butter with tender, buttery layers of dough. Apple butter opens the door to countless possibilities, from drizzling it over pancakes to swirling it into oatmeal, using it in baked goods, or even adding it to sauces for a subtle, naturally sweet complexity.
The beauty of apple butter is not just its flavor but its versatility. Infused with fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, it captures the essence of the season in every spoonful. It’s comforting, warming, and makes your kitchen smell incredible as it simmers on the stove. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to refined sugar, adding natural sweetness along with the nutrients of the fruit itself.
Making apple butter is both practical and rewarding. It’s a way to preserve the flavor of freshly picked apples, celebrate the season, and create a pantry staple that elevates everything from baked goods to simple toast. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself thinking of new ways to incorporate this spiced, velvety spread into your fall cooking and beyond.
Ways to Use Apple Butter
Homemade apple butter is incredibly versatile — sweet, silky, and spiced just right. Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy it:
Spread it: Slather on toast, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, or warm muffins.
Bake with it: Swirl into quick breads, cakes, or muffins for moisture and flavor. Try it in my Apple Butter Babka, one of my favorite creative bakes!
Sweeten naturally: Use as a refined-sugar alternative in oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies.
Pair with cheese: Serve alongside a cheese board with sharp cheddar, brie, or goat cheese.
Upgrade sauces and glazes: Stir into BBQ sauce, salad dressings, or marinades for a rich, sweet depth.
Gift it: Jar it up and share it as a cozy homemade fall or holiday gift.
Homemade Spiced Apple Butter
Transform your fall apple harvest into a rich, spiced, and velvety spread. Perfect on toast, in baked goods, or as a natural sweetener in your favorite recipes.
Ingredients
- 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup apple juice, orange juice, or water
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or regular vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the apples, juice (or water), brown sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The apples should become very soft and easy to mash.
- Remove from the heat and let cool for about 10 minutes. Transfer to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the apple butter into clean glass jars or airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 weeks, or freeze for longer storage (6 months for best texture).
Nutrition Facts
Calories
35Carbs (grams)
9 gSugar (grams)
7 gI am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on dontmissmyplate.com should only be used as a general guideline.