Capture the flavor of apple season with our nostalgic Old Fashioned Apple Butter recipe. Perfectly spiced and comforting, this delicious apple butter will become a traditional fall recipe for your family.

Making your own apple butter is the perfect way to enjoy the taste of fall all year long. And what could be more delicious than the old-fashioned way of making apple butter, made with fresh apples.

While it might sound like a complicated process, this small batch apple butter recipe is actually quite easy to make.

Creating a small batch of apple butter allows you to savor the flavors of the season without overwhelming yourself with the canning process.

Apple butter has a smooth and velvety texture, thicker than apple sauce, so it’s perfect to spread or dip.

Use your creamy apple butter in a wide range of dishes, from breakfast to dessert. It’s a wonderful spread for english muffins or pancakes, a flavorful ingredient in baked goods, and even a condiment for savory dishes.

Best Apples for Apple Butter

When making apple butter, it’s important to choose fresh, crisp apples that have the right balance of sweetness and tartness. Here are some apple varieties that are commonly used to make a traditional apple butter recipe:

Jonathan apples have a slightly tart flavor and a good balance of sweetness. They break down well during cooking, making them ideal for smooth apple butter.
Granny Smith are known for their tartness and can add a nice tang to your apple butter. Mixing them with sweeter varieties can create a well-rounded flavor.
McIntosh apples are tender and have a sweet-tart flavor. They cook down easily and create a smooth texture in apple butter.
Cortland apples are similar to McIntosh but are slightly less tart. They’re great for apple butter due to their soft texture when cooked.
Fuji apples are sweet and crisp, and they can add a lovely sweetness to your apple butter.
Golden delicious apples are sweet and tender, making them a good choice for smooth apple butter. They’re often used in combination with tart apples for a balanced flavor.
Winesap apples have a rich, spicy flavor that can add depth to your apple butter. Mix them with sweeter varieties.

Try using a combination of apple varieties for a more well-rounded and flavorful apple butter.

How to Make Apple Butter the Old Fashioned Way

Ingredients:

6 apples, about 3 pounds of apples
1 cup water
¾ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
½ tsp ground ginger
1 cup of brown sugar, packed
1 ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine a medley of sweet and tart apple varieties, peeled, cored, and chopped.

Pour in the water and apple cider vinegar.

Sprinkle in the salt, pumpkin spice and ginger and mix.

Place them in a large thick-bottomed pot such as a dutch oven.

Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon while the apple butter cooks until the apples are very soft, about 25 minutes.

This allows the flavors to develop throughout the cooking process and the apples to break down gradually.

Using a whisk or an immersion blender, stir the cooked apples around until the apples become a sauce.

Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract to the pot, stir, and cook over medium heat stirring constantly until the sauce has thickened to and becomes dark brown, about 15 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Using a whisk or an immersion blender, stir the cooked apples around until the apples become a sauce.

Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract to the pot, stir, and cook over medium heat stirring constantly until the sauce has thickened to and becomes dark brown, about 15 minutes.

Taste the mixture, adjusting the spices or sweetness if desired.

Let the hot apple butter cool before storing in an airtight container or mason jar for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.

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What is Apple Butter Used For?

Here are some popular apple butter uses:

One of the most common uses of apple butter is as a spread for toast, bagels, muffins, or biscuits. Its rich, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor makes it a delightful alternative to traditional fruit jams or jellies.
Drizzle apple butter over pancakes, waffles, or crepes for a burst of fruity sweetness.
Swirl apple butter into yogurt or oatmeal to add flavor and natural sweetness.
Use apple butter as a filling for pastries like turnovers, Danishes, or croissants.
Apple butter can be used as a base for marinades or glazes for meats like chicken, pork, or ribs.
Pair apple butter with cheese, such as sharp cheddar or brie, for a delightful sweet and savory contrast on a cheese platter.
Drizzle apple butter over vanilla or cinnamon ice cream to create a warm and comforting dessert.
Mix apple butter with cream cheese or Greek yogurt to create a sweet dip for fruit, pretzels, or graham crackers.
Incorporate apple butter into baking recipes such as muffins, quick breads, and cakes to infuse them with a rich apple flavor.

Homemade Apple Butter FAQs

Can you freeze apple butter?

Yes, you can definitely freeze apple butter. Here’s how:

Cool apple butter in a freezer-safe container to room temperature. Label and date the container and freeze.
When you’re ready to use the frozen apple butter, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw slowly. Give it a good stir to bring back a smooth consistency.
Properly frozen apple butter can last for about 6 months to a year in the freezer.

How many apples for apple butter?

The number of apples you’ll need for making apple butter can vary based on factors like the size of the apples, the apple variety, and how thick or concentrated you want your apple butter to be. As a general guideline, you can use approximately 4 to 5 pounds of apples to make a batch of apple butter.

How long does apple butter last in the fridge?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, apple butter can remain fresh in the fridge for about 2 to 3 weeks.

What can I add to apple butter to make it thicker?

One of the simplest ways to thicken apple butter is to continue cooking it. Simmer the apple butter over low heat, stirring frequently, until it reduces and thickens to your desired consistency. This can take some time, but it’s an effective method. Or mix cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry, then add it to the apple butter while it’s simmering. This can help thicken the mixture quickly. Keep in mind that cornstarch can affect the flavor and might create a slightly cloudy appearance.

What makes apple butter different from applesauce?

While both apple butter and applesauce are made from apples and are delicious in their own right, apple butter is a more concentrated and spiced spread with a richer taste, whereas applesauce is a simpler, less sweet, and often chunkier preparation.

Homemade Apple Butter Recipe

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Start with fresh, ripe apples and follow these steps to make the best apple butter recipe right in your own kitchen. This small batch apple butter recipe is perfect for enjoying on toast, biscuits or rolls!

Ingredients

6 fresh, tart apples, about 3lbs
1 cup water
¾ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
½ tsp ground ginger
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Peel and core the granny smith apples and place them in a large pot or dutch oven
Pour in the water and apple cider vinegar.
Sprinkle in the salt, pumpkin spice and ginger and mix.
Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the apples are very soft, about 25 minutes.
Using a whisk, stir the cooked apples around until the apples become a sauce.
Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract to the pot, stir, and cook over medium heat stirring constantly until the sauce has thickened to and becomes dark brown, about 15 minutes.

Let cool before storing.

Notes

Best Apples for Apple Butter

The best apples for apple butter making are the tart, crisp apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Rome. Tart apples have more sugar and less water than sweet apples, so they're ideal for making apple butter.

Can I freeze homemade apple butter?

Yes, you can freeze homemade apple butter. In fact, freezing is one of the best ways to preserve the freshness and flavor of your apple butter. Simply place it in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to six months.

Make sure to leave at least a half inch headspace at the top of the jar to allow the apple butter to expand as it freezes and prevent any spillage or messes. When thawing frozen apple butter, the best method is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. This will allow it to slowly thaw and maintain its texture