Small Batch Apple Butter

If you’re craving a rich, spiced apple spread without spending all day in the kitchen—or filling your pantry with jars you’ll never finish—this small batch apple butter recipe is exactly what you need.

You’ll learn how to make a delicious fall recipe that’s perfect for toast, biscuits, or gifting.

The best part? It’s slow-cooked to perfection and makes your kitchen smell like a warm apple pie.

What Does Apple Butter Taste Like?

It has a deep, caramelized apple flavor that’s rich, smooth, and slightly tangy with a warm spice finish.

It’s sweeter and more concentrated than applesauce, with a velvety texture that spreads like soft jam.

Thanks to the slow cooking process, the natural sugars in the apples intensify, giving it its signature dark color and bold, cozy taste.

Best Apples for Making Apple Butter

For the best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples.

A combination like Fuji or Gala (for sweetness) with Granny Smith or McIntosh (for tartness) creates a balanced, full-bodied spread.

You can also use what you have on hand—just avoid apples that are overly dry or mealy, like Red Delicious.

How to Make Apple Butter the Old Fashioned Way 

Don’t forget to scroll down to the bottom of the post to grab the full printable recipe—it’s perfect to keep on hand for cozy fall days!

• Start by combining peeled, chopped apples with water, apple cider vinegar, salt, and warm spices like pumpkin spice and ginger in a heavy-bottomed pot.
• Let everything simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft—about 25 minutes. This slow cooking process helps build rich, layered flavor.
• Once softened, blend the mixture using a whisk or immersion blender until smooth.
• Stir in brown sugar and vanilla extract, then continue cooking over medium heat for another 15 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens and turns a deep caramel brown.
• Taste and adjust the spices or sweetness if needed.
• Let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container or mason jar and store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Apple Butter Uses 

Don’t let that jar just sit in the fridge—there are so many tasty ways to enjoy it! Here are some favorite ideas:

• Spread it on toast, homemade biscuits or muffin recipes for a cozy fall breakfast or snack.
• Stir into oatmeal or yogurt for a naturally sweet, spiced boost.
• Use it as a glaze for pork chops or chicken—it adds amazing flavor.
• Swirl into baked goods like quick bread recipes, cinnamon rolls, or cupcakes.
• Layer in a grilled cheese sandwich with sharp cheddar for a sweet-savory twist.
• Serve on a fall-themed charcuterie board with cheese, nuts, and crackers.
• Spoon over ice cream or pancake recipes as a warm, spiced topping.
• Gift it! Add a cute label and tie with twine for a homemade holiday or hostess gift.

KitchenAid KE305OHERA Classic Fruit Slicer, One Size, RedSimply Organic Pumpkin Spice Organic, 1.94 OunceMcCormick Ground Ginger, 0.7 OzAmazon Basics Multi-Speed Immersion Hand Blender for Kitchen Mixing, Smoothies, Soups, 500 Watt Powerful, SilverBall Regular Mouth 32-Ounces Mason Jar with Lids and Bands, Clear,(Pack Of 2)

Before you head to the recipe, be sure to check out these cozy and delicious ideas too—they’re perfect for making the most of the season!

• If you’re packing lunchboxes or planning playdate treats, you’ll love these easy and fun fall snacks for kids.
• For effortless comfort food, try one of these warm and cozy slow cooker apple recipes.
• From breakfast to dessert, there’s something for everyone in this collection of sweet and savory apple recipes.
• Not sure what to do with leftover apples? These clever ideas will help you use them up without waste.
• Craving something sweet and seasonal? Our favorite fall dessert recipes are packed with all the cozy flavors you love.

Traditional apple butter recipe

Make small batch apple butter with just a few apples and pantry staples—no canning needed! This rich, spiced recipe is freezer-friendly and tastes like fall in a jar, perfect for cozy mornings

Print Pin Rate

Course: main dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: How to make apple butter the old fashioned way, small batch apple butter, Traditional apple butter recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 oz

Author: momma lew

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.