I see this fall staple in just about every country gift shop I’ve ever strolled through, but I’ve never bought a jar that tastes better than this tried and true homemade recipe for apple butter! Not only does it taste amazing, but making apple butter makes my kitchen smell like true autumn bliss. Yum!
Ingredients for Homemade Apple Butter
Apples: Use fresh apples, any type you like. I tend to use a mix of sweet and tart apples. Apple Cider Vinegar: The acidity breaks through the other ingredients to balance the flavor. If using tart apples, I recommend swapping this for sweet apple cider. Water: Helps the apples to cook down without burning. Sugar: A mix of brown sugar and granulated sugar sweetens the apple butter and deepens the flavor. Cinnamon: Adds classic warm flavor. Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and cinnamon.
Tips for Success
To thicken apple butter, simply continue to cook it on the stovetop until it reaches your desired consistency. Apples contain pectin, which is a great natural thickener, so an extra thickening agent isn’t necessary. Be sure to keep it on low heat, though, or it could scorch. Keep in mind that it will also continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
How to Store
Store leftover apple butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Enjoy cold or at room temperature. To freeze, store it in an airtight container, with headspace at the top for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 1 year. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Serving Suggestions
This apple butter recipe is the perfect spread for toast, waffles, pancakes, bagels, muffins, apple bread, or anything you like. It’s also a good dipper for fresh apple slices or apple chips (yes, double the apples!). I’ve even used it to make an apple butter old fashioned and apple butter pork chops.
How to Make Apple Butter Step by Step
Cut the Apples: Peel and chop 3 pounds of apples into small chunks. They don’t need to be cut perfectly, but they will cook down best if they are cut into relatively-even sized pieces. Cook the Apples: Add the chopped apples, ¾ cup of apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup of water to a large pot. Cover and simmer until the apples are very tender, about 20 minutes. Process the Apples: Transfer the apples to the food processor, and process until they are broken down into a mostly smooth puree. Then return it to the pot. Finish Cooking: To the pot of apples, add ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until the apple butter thickens to a spreadable consistency, about 15 minutes. Then remove it from heat, stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and enjoy!
