Best Apple Butter
Sweet, spiced apple butter with rich apple flavor and warm spices, perfect for spreading on toast or adding to desserts, suitable for fall gatherings and cozy mornings.
Ingredients
- 9 to 10 apples
- 1 cup apple cider ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice or 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon allspice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel and core apples and cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Place the apple pieces in a large saucepan and pour apple cider over them.
- Cover and cook over low heat for 30 minutes or until the apples are soft.
- Allow the mixture to cool.
- Puree the cooked apples in a blender until smooth.
- Transfer the pureed apples into a large baking dish.
- Sprinkle with apple pie spice or nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon, then stir well.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 2 to 3 hours, or until the apple butter is deep brown and thick.
- Allow to cool, then transfer to a tightly fitting jar for storage.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. If you don't have apple pie spice, combining nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon works well. To avoid burning in the oven, stir the apple butter every hour while baking. This recipe can also easily be scaled up for larger batches.
Serving Suggestions
Best served as a spread on warm toast or biscuits, this apple butter also pairs beautifully with a Zucchini Burger for a delightful contrast. It can be drizzled over oatmeal or yogurt for a flavorful breakfast. For a unique dessert, try it as a topping on vanilla ice cream or pancakes.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, transfer the apple butter into a tightly fitting jar. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen for several months. To reheat, simply scoop out what you need and warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Apple Butter contains roughly 110 calories, with 0g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (103% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes, store-bought apple cider works well in this recipe. Just ensure it’s pure apple cider without added sugars or preservatives for the best flavor.
How do I know when the apple butter is done baking?
The apple butter is done when it turns a deep brown color and has thickened to your desired consistency. It should hold its shape when stirred.
Can I can this apple butter for long-term storage?
Absolutely! Make sure to follow safe canning practices by sterilizing jars and lids. Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal them properly for longer shelf life.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).