Breakfast & Brunch > Breakfast Sauces & Condiments > Condiments > Jams and Preserves

Spiced Apple Butter

Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of fall any time of year with this homemade Spiced Apple Butter. Made with slow-cooked apples and a blend of aromatic spices, this creamy spread is perfect on toast, biscuits, or even swirled into yogurt for a delightful breakfast treat.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
3-4 hours (slow cooker) or 1.5-2 hours (stovetop)
Servings
Makes approximately 4 cups
Ingredients
  • 4 pounds Apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (such as Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
  • 1 cup Apple Cider
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
  • 2 teaspoons Cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon Allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cloves, ground
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt

Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and chop the apples into uniform pieces. The smaller the pieces, the faster they will cook down.

Slow Cooker Method

Place the chopped apples in a slow cooker. Add the apple cider, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well to combine. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Once the apples are very soft, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches. Return the pureed apple butter to the slow cooker and cook on low, uncovered, for another hour or two, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

Stovetop Method

Place the chopped apples in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven. Add the apple cider, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 1 hour, or until the apples are very soft. Remove the lid and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for another 30-60 minutes, or until the apple butter has thickened to your desired consistency. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches.

Cool and Store

Let the apple butter cool slightly. Pour the apple butter into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Seal the jars and let them cool completely before storing in the refrigerator. Spiced Apple Butter will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

← Salted Maple Caramel Sauce Spiced Honey Drizzle →

FAQ

  • Can I use different types of apples?

    Yes, you can use a variety of apples to create different flavor profiles. Experiment with different combinations of sweet and tart apples to find your favorite blend.
  • Can I freeze apple butter?

    Yes, apple butter freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • My apple butter is too thin. How can I thicken it?

    Continue cooking the apple butter over low heat, uncovered, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency. The longer it cooks, the thicker it will become.