Slow-cooked spiced apple butter is rich, smooth, and deeply flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla. I like how the apples cook down into a glossy, caramelized spread that tastes cozy and homemade.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
6 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 cup apple cider or apple juice
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Directions
I start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into even pieces.
Then I add the apples and apple cider or apple juice to a large pot or slow cooker. I cook them until they are completely soft and easy to mash.
Next, I puree the apples with an immersion blender, food processor, or blender until the mixture is completely smooth.
I stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract.
Then I continue cooking the mixture on low, stirring often, until it becomes thick, dark, glossy, and deeply caramelized. This usually takes about 1 1/2 to 3 hours on the stovetop or several hours in a slow cooker.
I know the apple butter is ready when it holds its shape on a spoon and spreads thickly without being runny.
Finally, I spoon it into clean jars, let it cool completely, and refrigerate it. I like to chill it for 1 day before serving for the best flavor.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 48 servings
Calories: 45 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a deeper flavor. I can also add a little maple syrup instead of some of the sugar for a richer taste.
For extra warmth, I like adding a small pinch of allspice or ginger. For a smoother, brighter flavor, I use apple cider instead of apple juice.
Storage/Reheating
I store the apple butter in clean, airtight jars in the refrigerator. It keeps well for about 2 weeks when chilled.
For longer storage, I freeze it in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. I thaw it in the refrigerator before using.
I usually serve apple butter cold or at room temperature, but I can warm it gently in a small saucepan or microwave if I want it softer.
FAQs
Can I make this apple butter in a slow cooker?
Yes, I can make it in a slow cooker. I cook the apples until soft, puree them, add the spices and sugars, then continue cooking on low until thick and glossy.
What apples work best for apple butter?
I like using apples that soften well, such as Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, or McIntosh. A mix of sweet and tart apples gives the best flavor.
Why is my apple butter runny?
Apple butter can be runny if it has not cooked long enough. I keep cooking it on low, stirring often, until the extra moisture evaporates and the texture becomes thick.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, I can reduce the sugar slightly, especially if my apples are very sweet. The flavor may be less caramelized, but it will still taste delicious.
Do I need to peel the apples?
I prefer peeling the apples for the smoothest texture. If I leave the peels on, I make sure to blend the mixture very well.
Conclusion
This slow-cooked spiced apple butter is a cozy homemade spread with deep apple flavor and warm spices. I like keeping a jar in the fridge for toast, biscuits, oatmeal, pancakes, and simple fall-inspired snacks.
📖 Recipe:
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Slow-Cooked Spiced Apple Butter
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 48 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Slow-cooked spiced apple butter is rich, smooth, and deeply flavored with warm spices and vanilla. This cozy, caramelized spread is perfect for toast, pancakes, or stirring into oatmeal and yogurt.
Ingredients
6 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 cup apple cider or apple juice
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into even pieces.
- Add apples and apple cider or juice to a large pot or slow cooker. Cook until apples are very soft and easy to mash.
- Puree the cooked apples using an immersion blender, food processor, or blender until completely smooth.
- Stir in brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Continue cooking on low heat, stirring often, until the mixture becomes thick, dark, glossy, and caramelized (about 1 1/2 to 3 hours on stovetop or several hours in a slow cooker).
- Check for doneness: the apple butter should hold its shape on a spoon and spread thickly without being runny.
- Spoon into clean jars, let cool completely, then refrigerate. Chill for at least 1 day before serving for best flavor.
Notes
Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for deeper flavor.
Substitute part of the sugar with maple syrup for a richer taste.
Add a pinch of allspice or ginger for extra warmth.
Apple cider provides a brighter flavor than apple juice.
Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for longer storage; thaw in the refrigerator.
Serve cold, at room temperature, or gently warmed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Slow Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 45 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
