Apple Butter - Homemade Recipe

What is Apple Butter?

Apple butter is a type of fruit preserve or spread made from apples. It originated in North America during colonial times when early settlers learned to make this spreadable delight to preserve their apple harvest. The name "butter" comes from its smooth and creamy texture, achieved through slow cooking and reduction. 

The basic ingredients in apple butter include apples (often a mix of sweet and tart varieties), sugar or sweeteners, and a blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. We also incorporate a touch of lemon juice for acidity and flavor.

What type of apples are best for Apple Butter?

That’s a good question because the answer comes down to personal choice and taste. Some people like tart apples like Granny Smith or Honey Crisp apples, and some like sweet apples such as Gala, Golden Delicious, or McIntosh, and that is the actual key to making your decision. If you prefer tart, that means that you may need to add more sweetener, and if you prefer sweet .. well, you know the answer. And, there’s one more option: use a combination of tart and sweet. As you can guess, there is no right or wrong. Our taste leans toward firm tart apples, so we use Granny Smith or Ginger Gold, or Fuji or Braeburn. Ok, ok, you see where we are going here. Pick what you like!

If you are lucky enough to have apple orchards nearby, make a day of apple picking in September or October with your friends and family. There’s nothing better than freshly harvested apples in homemade apple butter.

Ingredients for Apple Butter

• Apples. You can use any kind you like. The sweeter the apple, the sweeter the applesauce
• Agave Nectar or Sugar. You can use brown sugar or even maple syrup
• Lemon Juice. This adds acidity and brightness to cut through the richness of the apple sauce and also adds flavor.
• Cinnamon. The traditional spice and flavor combination is expected from apple butter. Experiment with ginger, cloves and nutmeg.

How to Make Apple Butter

1. Step 1:Toss all ingredients into a saucepan and set it on medium heat.

2. Step 2:Stir the mixture well and let it simmer for twenty minutes.

3. Step 3:After twenty minutes, mash it all with a potato masher and continue cooking it for an additional twenty minutes.

4. Step 4:Stir frequently so it doesn't stick, and keep an eye on it because the cooking time may vary.

• Our apple butter recipe is relatively simple, with four ingredients and 3 cooking steps. It's so easy.
• After twenty minutes, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely in jars or storage containers before you put the lids on. Move it to the refrigerator for storage.
• Apple butter can also be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, but I find it so easy to make on the stove that I don't want to pull out additional appliances.

Variations to the Recipe

• You can either include the peels or peel the apples - your preference.
• If you want a more spiced version of apple butter, add a small amount of nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of ground cloves.
• Some cooks prefer to have a more fine puree for apple butter. If this is your desired consistency, you can use a blender or immersion blender to achieve a smoother result.
• If your apples are bland, you may wish to add a pinch of salt. This can be done at the end, once you have a little taste. Salt also amps up the sweetness a bit.

How to Use Apple Butter

The result of your efforts is so delicious and can be used in many different ways.

1. Spread it on toast or biscuits. Use it as a spread on toast or English muffins for a delightful breakfast treat.
2. Pair it with Cheese. This tasty spread pairs wonderfully with a variety of cheeses, especially sharp cheddar or brie. Serve it on a cheese platter for a sweet and savory contrast.
3. Top Pancakes and Waffles. Drizzle apple butter over pancakes or waffles as a tasty alternative to syrup.
4. Use it to dress up your protein and savory dishes. Apple butter is a lovely addition to your dinner plate.
5. Mix into Oatmeal. Stir it into your morning oatmeal for a burst of flavor.
6. In baked goods. Add to baking recipes instead of applesauce.
7. On yogurt. I like to buy vanilla yogurt or plain yogurt and then dress it up with my own sauces!

Difference between Apple Butter and Applesauce

While apple butter and applesauce share similar ingredients and start with cooked apples, they differ in several key ways:

• Texture. Apple butter is thicker, smoother, and more concentrated than applesauce, thanks to prolonged cooking and reduction.
• Sweetness. Apple butter is sweeter than applesauce because it contains added sugar or sweeteners.
• Flavor. Apple butter is known for its rich, spiced, and caramelized flavor, while applesauce is simpler and less intense in taste.

How to Serve Apple Butter:

When it comes to serving apple butter, the presentation can elevate the experience:

• Jarred Gifts. Package homemade apple butter in decorative jars and give them as gifts.
• Accompaniments. Serve it with fresh-baked bread, scones, or muffins as part of a cozy brunch or tea time spread. In a pinch, you can even dress it up with fancy crackers.
• Dessert Topping. Drizzle it over vanilla ice cream or use it as a filling for pies, tarts, or pastries.
• Incorporate into Recipes. Use it as an ingredient in recipes for cookies, cakes, or glazes for a unique twist.

Can you freeze apple butter?

Yes. Place it in airtight containers or freezer-quality bags in your freezer for up to six months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

More Great Apple Recipes

• Apple Pie Cheesecake
• Sweet Onion and Apple Chutney
• Apple Beet Salad with Pickled Onions
• Oh, So Comforting Apple Oat Bars
• Semolina Apple Cake