There’s something magical about apple butter — that deep caramel color, the velvety texture, and the way it transforms plain toast, biscuits, or pancakes into something unforgettable. This recipe is slow-cooked perfection, blending apples, spices, and just the right touch of sweetness to create the best apple butter you’ll ever taste.
Whether you spread it on warm toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or gift it in pretty jars for the holidays, this homemade apple butter is a must-have in every kitchen!
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🍏 Ingredients
6 ½ pounds (about 12 medium) apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (use a mix of Granny Smith and Fuji or Honeycrisp for balanced flavor)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Optional: juice of 1 lemon (helps balance sweetness)
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🥄 Instructions
1. Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice your apples. The more uniform the slices, the more evenly they’ll cook. Place them all in a slow cooker (6-quart or larger).
2. Add the Sweetness and Spices
Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and lemon juice. Stir until the apples are well coated in all that spiced sweetness.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 10 hours (or HIGH for 6 hours), stirring occasionally.
As the apples cook, they’ll soften, darken, and fill your home with the most incredible aroma. 🍂
4. Blend Until Silky Smooth
Once the apples are completely tender and dark brown, use an immersion blender (or a regular blender in batches) to puree the mixture until perfectly smooth.
5. Cook Down to Thicken
Leave the lid slightly ajar and cook for another 1–2 hours on LOW, stirring occasionally. This step caramelizes the sugars and thickens the apple butter into that rich, spreadable consistency we love.
6. Finish with Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract at the very end. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
7. Store or Serve
Let cool completely, then spoon into sterilized glass jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.
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🍞 How to Serve Apple Butter
Spread it on warm biscuits, toast, or pancakes
Stir into yogurt or oatmeal for natural sweetness
Add a spoonful to pork chops or roast chicken for a savory-sweet glaze
Use as a filling for pastries or cinnamon rolls
Swirl into cream cheese or whipped butter for an apple-spice spread
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💡 Tips for Success
Don’t rush it! The longer it cooks, the deeper and more complex the flavor.
Taste as you go — some apples are sweeter than others, so you can adjust sugar levels.
For a darker, richer apple butter, substitute half the brown sugar with molasses.
Add a splash of apple cider during cooking for extra depth.
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❤️ Why This Is the Best Apple Butter Ever
✔️ Deeply caramelized, rich flavor
✔️ Perfectly smooth and spreadable texture
✔️ Easy, hands-off slow cooker recipe
✔️ Makes your kitchen smell like heaven
✔️ Naturally dairy-free and vegan
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🎁 Homemade Gift Idea
Pour cooled apple butter into small mason jars, tie with twine, and add a cinnamon stick and label — a beautiful homemade gift for the holidays or a thoughtful thank-you treat.
The Best Apple Butter Ever
