• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cook with Kushi
  • Home
  • About
    • Privacy policy
    • Disclaimer
  • Advertise
  • FAQ
  • Contact Me
  • Media
  • Blog
  • Easy and Healthy Recipes for the Family
  • Recipe Index
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • About
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Resources
    • About
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Fall Recipes

    Best Apple Butter Recipe (Homemade, Easy, Stovetop)

    Published: Sep 12, 2016 · Modified: Sep 7, 2023 by Kushi · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Apple butter is a delicious, rich, and smooth spread made from apple, sugar, and aromatic spices—one of the best ways to enjoy fall flavors.

    Check out our popular apple cheese danish, and apple cinnamon rolls.

    Best and easy homemade apple butter recipe (stovetop, crockpot).

    Jump to:
    • Easy Apple Butter (Homemade)
    • What's the difference between applesauce and apple butter?
    • Best ways to use apple butter
    • Ingredients
    • How do you make apple butter?
    • Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More apple recipes
    • Recipe card
    • User Reviews

    Easy Apple Butter (Homemade)

    Traditional apple butter is a smooth spread with a texture similar to jam or jelly but with a more concentrated flavor. This butter is made using apples, sugar, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and cardamom. It's a perfect fall treat.

    Slow cooking the apples for a longer time releases the sugar in the apples, making the butter rich with the signature dark color. No peeling is required. You can make this recipe on a stovetop, crockpot, or instant pot. I love the stovetop method.

    What's the difference between applesauce and apple butter?

    Apple butter and applesauce use similar spices and follow the same cooking method. The difference lies in taste and texture. While making applesauce, apples are cooked until tender and blended. Apple butter is a richer version cooked until dark brown, thick, and glossy caramelization occurs from a longer cooking time.

    Best apples for apple butter

    Any kind of apple can be used. For best results, try combining apples of different varieties. I have even tried Granny Smith, which has a tart flavor, and we love it.
    To reduce the amount of sugar, use sweet apples like red delicious, golden delicious, fuji, gala, Braeburn, McIntosh, corland, etc.

    How to use homemade apple butter spread in desserts, salads, waffles, toast, pancakes.

    Best ways to use apple butter

    • This apple spread can be used instead of butter on bread toast, waffles, apple pancakes, rolls, and warm biscuits.
    • Use it as a key ingredient in many dessert recipes i, i.e., to make apple fritters, cakes, cupcakes, apple bites, pies, and crisps.
    • As a dip with fruit platters
    • As a glaze while barbecuing meats,
    • Use it to prepare mean salad dressings and many more.
    • We also like to use it in Indian chaat recipes instead of sweet date tamarind chutney during the Fall season.

    How long will homemade apple butter last?

    How long it will last depends on how you are storing it. If you are canning in sterilized jars, then you can keep this homemade butter for a couple of years. Store in an air-tight conatiner in the refrigerator for a few weeks and in the freezer for up to 6 months.

    Ingredients

    Apples: Use a combination of apples for sweet and tart flavor.
    Sugar: Combine brown and granulated sugar for color and flavor.
    Spices: Use fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and cardamom.

    See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

    Spoonful of caramelized apple butter recipe. (easy, traditional, best)

    How do you make apple butter?

    • Cut the apples into quarters. You do not have to peel. Remove only the seeds and stem and not the core, as it contains a high amount of pectin that gives butter its characteristic texture.
    • Add the chopped apples in a pot with boiling water, boil for 15 to 20 minutes, and then drain.
    • Transfer the cooked apples to a blender and blend them to smooth puree in batches.
    • Transfer apple puree to a non-stick pan or back to the same pot on medium heat. Add sugar, cinnamon powder, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, lemon juice, and cardamom powder. 
    • Cook for 45 minutes to 1 ½ hour, stirring occasionally or until the butter thickens. The final consistency should be thick and smooth. 
    • When it turns dark golden brown, switch off the flame and allow it to cool completely.
    • Store it in sterilized glass jars using the canning method for long-term use. If you plan to use it within a couple of weeks, you can skip the canning process, transfer the butter to well-sterilized jars, and store it in your refrigerator. You can also freeze this for up to six months. 

    Tips

    • Any variety of apples can be used. The time it takes to reach the final stage depends on the water content and the type of apple you will be using. 
    • The amount of sugar required varies depending on the desired sweetness of the final product as well as the natural sweetness of the apples.
    • During the cooking process, taste check and adjust the spices as desired.

    Recipe FAQs

    What is apple butter made of?

    Apple butter is a delicious spread prepared using apples and warm spices like cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. It is one of the best recipes to try during fall when apples are in their peak.

    What does apple butter taste like?

    It is smooth and sweet with a hint of tang flavor. You must experience rich, intense apple flavor when you eat it.

    Is apple butter okay to eat?

    Apple butter may be considered a healthier choice of spread, but since you are adding sugar, it is always good to eat it in moderation.

    Does apple butter taste like butter?

    There is no butter in apple butter, but it has a butter-like consistency. It has an intense apple flavor mixed with warm fall spices and is also vegan and gluten-free.

    Is apple butter fat-free?

    It is high in calories and sugar but is low in fat compared to dairy butter, which is full of fat.

    More apple recipes

    • Best and Easy Homemade Apple fritters (old fashioned) for breakfast, snack and dessert.
      Homemade Apple Fritters Recipe (Old Fashioned)
    • How to make the best apple salad recipe for dinner #vegetarian #glutenfree
      Simple Apple Salad Recipe | Easy Apple Salad
    • Homemade classic cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling. Best fall and holiday breakfast & Dessert.
      Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
    • Easy apple Cheese danish - Puff pastry recipes
      APPLE CHEESE DANISH

    Did you like this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and/or a review in the comments section. You can also stay in touch with us through social media by following us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

    Recipe card

    Best caramelized apple butter (easy, homemade on stovetop and crockpot).

    Best Apple Butter Recipe (Homemade, Easy)

    Kushi
    Apple butter is a delicious, rich, and smooth caramelized spread made from apple, sugar, and aromatic spices. One of the best ways to enjoy fall flavors.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 2 hours hrs
    Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast, Desserts, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 50 servings
    Calories 39 kcal

    Equipment

    • Pot

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 pounds Apples around 12 apples - fuji, braeburn, granny smith, red or golden delicious
    • 1 cup Brown sugar
    • ½ cup Granulated sugar
    • 2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon powder
    • Nutmeg ground pinch
    • ½ teaspoon Allspice optional
    • ¼ teaspoon Ground Cloves
    • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
    • ¼ teaspoon Cardamom powder optional

    Instructions
     

    How to make apple butter?

    • Cut the apples into quarters. You do not have to peel. Remove only the seeds and stem and not the core, as it contains a high amount of pectin that gives apple butter its characteristic texture.
      3 pounds Apples
    • Add the chopped apples in a pot with boiling water, boil for 15 to 20 minutes, and then drain.
    • Transfer the cooked apples to a blender and blend them to smooth puree in batches.
    • Transfer apple puree to a non-stick pan or back to the same pot on medium heat. Add sugar, cinnamon powder, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, lemon juice, and cardamom powder.
      1 cup Brown sugar, ½ cup Granulated sugar, 2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon powder, Nutmeg, ½ teaspoon Allspice, ¼ teaspoon Ground Cloves, 1 tablespoon Lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon Cardamom powder
    • Cook for 45 minutes to 1 ½ hour, stirring occasionally or until the apple butter thickens. The final consistency should be thick and smooth.
    • When the apple butter turns dark golden brown, switch off the flame and allow it to cool completely.
    • Store it in sterilized glass jars using the canning method for long-term use. If you plan to use apple butter within a couple of weeks, you can skip the canning process; simply transfer the butter to well-sterilized jars and store it in your refrigerator. You can also freeze this for up to six months.

    Notes

    • Any variety of apples can be used. The time it takes to reach the final stage depends on the water content and the type of apple you will be using. 
    • The amount of sugar required varies depending on the desired sweetness of the final product as well as the natural sweetness of the apples.
    • During the cooking process, taste check and adjust the spices as desired. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 39kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.002gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 36mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Note: We originally posted this recipe in Sept 2016. It has now been modified in Sept 2023 with Expert Chef Tips, FAQs, Storage Instructions, etc.

    More Fall Recipes

    • Protein Vegetarian Salad with Soya Granules & Paneer Dressing is a high-protein salad for any meal.
      Protein Vegetarian Salad with Soya Granules
    • Vegetable Salad with Ranch Dressing | Healthy Salad Ideas | Homemade Salad Dressing.
      Vegetable Salad with Ranch Dressing
    • Apple coleslaw (no mayo) simple cabbage apple carrot salad (vegan, dairy free, paleo, gluten-free).
      Apple Coleslaw (No Mayo)
    • Persimmon pie with custard filling and homemade pie crust - unique dessert recipe for fall & holiday.
      Persimmon Pie with Custard Filling

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tonya Conteh

      September 12, 2016 at 10:31 pm

      5 stars
      I love apple butter; my grandmother would make this for my lunch every week. Thanks for the memories!

      Reply
      • Kushi

        September 13, 2016 at 12:37 am

        Thank you Tonya 🙂

        Reply
    2. Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen

      September 13, 2016 at 5:40 am

      5 stars
      I know what you mean by loving jams and jellies! 🙂 This apple butter sounds and looks fantastic. Love the fact this is Vegan and gluten-free.

      Reply
      • Kushi

        September 17, 2016 at 1:22 pm

        Thank you Anu 🙂

        Reply
    3. David @ Spiced

      September 13, 2016 at 8:31 am

      5 stars
      Oh, I love me some apple butter...but I've never made a homemade version. It sounds easy enough...except I'd probably eat the whole batch in one sitting. Haha! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
      • Kushi

        September 17, 2016 at 1:23 pm

        Thank you David 🙂

        Reply
    4. Priya Santhamohan

      September 13, 2016 at 10:37 pm

      5 stars
      Priya @asmallbite
      Sounds interesting and thanks for sharing...

      Reply
      • Kushi

        September 17, 2016 at 1:24 pm

        Thank you Priya 🙂

        Reply
    5. Sharmila -The Happiefriends Potpourri Corner

      September 15, 2016 at 12:56 pm

      5 stars
      Such a healthy spread..

      Reply
      • Kushi

        September 17, 2016 at 2:08 pm

        Thank you Sharmila 🙂

        Reply
    5 from 8 votes (3 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Sridevi! I am a Software Engineer by qualification, a full-time Food Blogger by passion, a self-published Author, and a happy person two kids (monsters) ago.

    More about me →

    Best Casseroles

    • green bean casserole recipe from scratch with fresh beans, and fried onions, without mushroom soup
      Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe | Thanksgiving and Christmas Green Beans

    • cheesy corn casserole served in a baking pan along with a slice of toasted bread.
      Baked Corn Cheese Casserole | Cheesy Creamed Corn

    Chicken Recipes

    • Best, simple and authentic Indian butter chicken recipe (murgh makhani) with naan, roti, chapati.
      Indian Butter Chicken Recipe | Best Chicken Makhani

    • Best and easy chicken pulao with spicy and flavorful chicken thigh and drumsticks.
      Easy Chicken Pulao | Spicy One Pot Chicken Rice Pilaf

    See more Chicken recipes →

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Contact

    • Contact
    • FAQ
    Lists the popular websites in which cookwithkushi.com was featured.

    Copyright © 2024 Cook With Kushi

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.