Apple Butter

Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of homemade apple butter, a fall-inspired spread brimming with the flavor of slow-cooked apples enhanced by warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of apples—preferably a mix of Gala and Granny Smith—for balance, with a touch of granulated and brown sugar for depth. Simmered low and slow in a slow cooker for 8-10 hours, the apples transform into a smooth, caramelized delight, perfect for smearing on toast, swirling into oatmeal, or gifting in jars. Infused with a hint of vanilla and the option to adjust its consistency with apple cider, this easy-to-make apple butter is a must-have for seasonal comfort. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and can be preserved for long-term enjoyment using canning techniques.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:480 mins

Total Time:500 mins

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 6 pounds Apples (preferably a mix of sweet and tart varieties, such as Gala and Granny Smith)
• 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 0.5 cups Brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground nutmeg
• 0.25 teaspoons Ground cloves
• 0.25 teaspoons Salt
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 0.25 cups Apple cider (optional, for thinning if necessary)

Directions

Step 1

Wash, core, and quarter the apples. Peeling is optional, as the skins will break down during cooking and can later be blended for added texture and nutrients.

Step 2

Place the apples in a large slow cooker (at least 6 quarts). Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir to ensure the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.

Step 3

Cover the slow cooker with the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and darken into a deeply golden-brown color.

Step 4

Once the apples have cooked down, use an immersion blender to puree them until smooth. If you do not have an immersion blender, you can transfer the mixture in batches to a blender or food processor, taking care not to overfill.

Step 5

If the apple butter is too thick for your liking, stir in a small amount of apple cider to thin it out. Continue cooking on low heat for another 1-2 hours, uncovered, to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 6

Stir in the vanilla extract and taste the apple butter. Adjust the sweetness or spice levels if necessary.

Step 7

Allow the apple butter to cool before transferring it to airtight jars or containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage. It can also be canned using proper canning techniques for shelf-stable storage.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3170.8 grams (3170.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2908

Total Fat 6.00g	8%
Saturated Fat 0.90g	5%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 643mg	28%
Total Carbohydrate 765.70g	278%
Dietary Fiber 68.50g	245%
Total Sugars 649.70g
Protein 8.50g	17%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 287mg	22%
Iron 4mg	21%
Potassium 3123mg	66%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 1.7%

Protein: 1.1%

Carbs: 97.2%