Easy To Make Apple Butter

Prep: 15 min Cook: 180 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A rich, flavorful apple butter with warm cinnamon notes, perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or adding to recipes, ideal for cozy mornings and fall gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 14 to 16 apples (dark red preferred)
  • 2 cups apple cider or apple juice
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Core apples and slice them, leaving the skin on.
  2. Cook the sliced apples overnight in a slow cooker with apple cider or apple juice.
  3. Separate the pulp from the apple skins.
  4. Put the pulp back into the slow cooker with 2 cups of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
  5. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 hours until thickened.
  6. Allow to cool before serving or storing.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother apple butter, consider blending the pulp after cooking it down. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar to 1.5 cups or use a sugar substitute like stevia. You can also experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for added flavor. Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex taste.

Serving Suggestions

Apple butter is delicious spread on toast or pancakes and pairs beautifully with Cornish Hens With Apple Glaze. It can also be used as a filling for pastries or as a topping for vanilla ice cream. Try it alongside cheese platters for a delightful contrast of flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover apple butter in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider canning it in sterilized jars or freezing it. If reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy To Make Apple Butter contains roughly 328 calories, with 4g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

328 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.9g 8% DV
Total Fat 16.1g 21% DV
Carbs 43.5g 16% DV
Fiber 3.4g 12% DV
Sugar 15.5g 31% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 188.5mg 8% DV
Potassium 210.7mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 22.4mg 25% DV
Calcium 124.3mg 10% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal

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 other types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, while dark red apples are preferred for their sweetness and flavor, you can use any apples you have on hand. A mix of sweet and tart varieties will enhance the overall taste of your apple butter.

How long does it take to make apple butter?

The total time for making apple butter is approximately 10-12 hours, including overnight cooking and the final thickening process. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to develop richly, resulting in a delicious spread.

Can I make apple butter without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can make apple butter on the stove in a heavy-bottomed pot. Just monitor it closely and stir frequently to prevent sticking. It may take less time, so keep an eye on the cooking process.

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).

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