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A mason jar filled with apple butter sits on a white wooden surface, surrounded by a green apple, cinnamon sticks, a red-checked cloth, and biscuits spread with apple butter—perfect for cozy fall breakfast ideas.

Small batch apple butter recipe

This Small Batch Apple Butter Recipe makes a rich, smooth spread with fresh apples, brown sugar, and warm spices. It's easy to make, stores well in the refrigerator, and is perfect for toast, biscuits, pancakes, or gifting during apple season.

Course main dish
Cuisine American
Keyword small batch apple butter
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 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

  1. Peel and core the granny smith apples and place them in a large pot or dutch oven
  2. Pour in the water and apple cider vinegar.
  3. Sprinkle in the salt, pumpkin spice and ginger and mix.
  4. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the apples are very soft, about 25 minutes.
  5. Using a whisk, stir the cooked apples around until the apples become a sauce. 
  6. 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.
  7. Let cool before storing.