Name: Homemade Spiced Apple Butter Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-490681H3M45S
Total time: PT-490681H3M45S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 pounds apples (mix of sweet + tart, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith); 3/4 cup water; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (plus more to taste at the end); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups cane sugar or brown sugar (adjust to taste — start with less if you prefer it less sweet); 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 32 reviews

There is nothing quite like the warm, cozy feeling that Homemade Spiced Apple Butter Recipe brings to your kitchen. This luscious spread is a beautiful blend of sweet and tart apples infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a robust flavor that feels like autumn in a jar. Perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping onto oatmeal, or even stirring into yogurt, this recipe is your new go-to for capturing that seasonal magic any time of the year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a large white bowl filled with about two layers of mixed chopped apples in red, green, and yellow colors with their skin on. Around the bowl are whole apples in red, green, and yellow shades scattered on a white marbled surface. To the right of the bowl, there are small white bowls holding brown cinnamon sticks and powder, a thick amber liquid, light yellow apple juice or vinegar, and white granulated sugar with a wooden spoon. A small round bowl contains some whole spices and ground powders in light brown, dark brown, and white colors. The arrangement of apples and spices is neat and bright, with a clear focus on the fresh and natural ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Homemade Spiced Apple Butter Recipe are wonderfully simple but absolutely essential to achieving that rich depth of flavor and velvety texture. Each element plays a unique role, from the choice of apples that offer balance to the spices that bring warm, inviting aromas and the sugar that gently enhances natural sweetness.

5 pounds apples: A mix of sweet and tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith provides the perfect balance for depth and complexity.
3/4 cup water: Adds just enough moisture to help cook down the apples without diluting the flavors.
1 1/4 cups cane sugar or brown sugar: Adjusts sweetness and adds a luscious caramel hue as it cooks.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The warm spice that brings comforting notes every time you savor a spoonful.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a cozy and slightly nutty undertone.
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: A punch of aromatic spice that elevates the apple butter to something extraordinary.
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness effortlessly.
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and prevents the apples from browning.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Added at the end, it rounds out the spices with a subtle, sweet warmth.

How to Make Homemade Spiced Apple Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples

Start by coring and chopping your apples into chunks. Don’t worry about peeling; the skin will cook down and add beautiful texture and richness to the final butter. Using a combination of sweet and tart apples gives the finished product a stunning balance of flavors.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Place the chopped apples in your cooking vessel along with water, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Give everything a good stir so the ingredients mingle well and start forming that magic apple butter base.

Step 3: Cook the Apples

You have options based on what works best for you. If you’re using an Instant Pot, lock the lid and set it to Manual or Pressure Cook on high for 15 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release of 10 minutes before quick releasing any leftover steam. For a slower approach, a crock-pot on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours works beautifully, allowing the apples to soften into silky goodness. If you prefer stovetop cooking, bring your mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then lower to a gentle simmer partially covered, stirring often, until the apples are tender and fragrant—this usually takes 1½ to 2 hours.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Once the apples are fully cooked, it’s time to blend. Use an immersion blender right in the pot for convenience, or carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a blender. Purée until perfectly smooth, which is the hallmark of an irresistible apple butter.

Step 5: Thicken Your Apple Butter

After blending, continue cooking to achieve that luscious thick consistency. For Instant Pot users, switch to the Sauté function on low and cook uncovered for 10 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture becomes thick and glossy. If using the crock-pot or stovetop, continue to cook uncovered, stirring regularly, for 30 to 60 minutes until your apple butter reaches the perfect spreadable texture and develops its deep golden-brown color.

Step 6: Finish with Vanilla and Adjustments

Turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract for a fragrant finish. Taste your creation and adjust sweetness or brightness by adding more sugar or lemon juice if needed. Let the apple butter cool just slightly before transferring it to clean jars for storage or gift-giving.

How to Serve Homemade Spiced Apple Butter Recipe

The image shows a four-step process in a silver Instant Pot with black handles, placed on a white marbled surface. In the first step, the pot is filled with many small chunks of red and green apple pieces mixed with white sugar, brown cinnamon powder, and ground nutmeg layered on top in the center. The second step shows the apples and spices mixed together, filling the pot with a colorful mix of red and green apple cubes coated with spices. In the third step, the apples have cooked down and look softer, turning a warm orange-brown color in uneven chunks while still filling the pot. The fourth step reveals a smooth, thick orange-brown apple sauce inside the pot, being stirred with a metal immersion blender. Green and red apples are seen near the pot in all images, with a mustard-colored cloth near the bottom corners. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your apple butter spread with a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a dash of extra cinnamon on top. A small drizzle of honey over the spread adds a natural floral sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

This apple butter is perfect alongside warm freshly baked bread, fluffy pancakes, or creamy cheeses like Brie or goat cheese. Imagine a dollop atop your morning oatmeal or even swirled through plain yogurt—simple touches that instantly elevate your everyday meals.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by using the apple butter as a filling for thumbprint cookies or as a layer in your favorite tart recipes. It’s also delightful when served as a glaze on roasted pork or brushed onto grilled chicken, adding a surprising and delicious twist to savory dishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover homemade spiced apple butter in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks, making it easy to enjoy over several breakfasts or snacks.

Freezing

If you want to keep your apple butter longer, freezing is a great option. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. Frozen apple butter lasts up to six months and can be thawed in the fridge overnight when you’re ready for more.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm apple butter gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave for short bursts, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired softness. This will bring back those inviting aromas and make it wonderfully spreadable again.

FAQs

Can I use only one type of apple for this recipe?

Absolutely! While mixing sweet and tart apples adds the best flavor complexity, using just one variety, such as Granny Smith or Fuji, will still yield delicious apple butter. Just consider how sweet or tart your chosen apples are to adjust the sugar accordingly.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Nope! The skins break down during cooking and add extra fiber and natural pectin to help thicken the apple butter without affecting the smooth texture once blended.

Is it possible to make this recipe sugar-free?

You can reduce or omit the sugar, especially if your apples are naturally sweet, but keep in mind that sugar not only sweetens but also helps achieve that rich, dark color and enhances preservation. Consider using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup if you prefer.

How long does homemade apple butter last once opened?

Once refrigerated, it typically lasts about two weeks. Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination and store it in a sealed jar to maintain freshness.

Can I make this recipe without special equipment?

Definitely! Whether you prefer a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or just your stovetop pot, this recipe is flexible and easy to adapt. The slow simmer on the stove is traditional and yields wonderful flavor and texture with a bit more attention.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for that perfect cozy, comforting addition to your kitchen repertoire, the Homemade Spiced Apple Butter Recipe is it. It’s incredibly rewarding to make, bursting with vibrant flavors, and so versatile that you’ll find yourself reaching for it every day. I promise once you give it a try, a jar of this delicious apple butter will always be within arm’s reach at your house!