This Apple Butter Recipe is easy to make and perfect for gift-giving!
Apple butter, that humble spread which is delicious on hot biscuits or toast, has a long and storied history. Rewind all the way back to medieval Europe, specifically Germany and what is now the Netherlands. Preserving harvested crops was a big deal before canning or any other preservation methods had been developed. In the case of the apple harvest, a whole community would gather for the whimsically-named “Apple Frolic,” where they would all pitch in to make large stores of apple butter to enjoy the rest of the year. Centuries later, here in the States, apple butter was made popular by Pennsylvania Dutch settlers.
The spiced, sweet apple butter is wonderful to have on hand for breakfast. But did you know that it can also be used to brine pork roast or in a tasty cream cheese dip? Also, the modern slow cooker makes the process of making apple butter nearly hands-free, once you prep the apples and dump in the rest of the ingredients. Although you are welcome to host an “Apple Frolic” and invite your friends and neighbors if you’d prefer!
You will love homemade apple butter not just for the simple process, but because it tastes warm, cozy, and like the best part of an apple pie. Poured into mason jars, apple butter makes for a lovely gift, at the holidays or just for a host gift when you need one. Even though you’re not using a canning process, this apple butter freezes beautifully, so keep a couple of jars in the freezer for when you need them.
Why is apple butter brown?
While the apples are light in color when you place them in the slow cooker, the finished product of apple butter is a deep, rich brown. That’s due to the sugars (both in the apples themselves and the added brown sugar) caramelizing and reducing, resulting in a color change. A similar change happens when apples are pressed into apple cider.
How do I store leftovers?
This apple butter needs refrigeration or freezing. It’s not put through a canning process, so do not leave it in jars at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer than 2 weeks, simply store it in freezer-safe containers and freeze it for up to 1 year. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Serving suggestions
As a condiment, apple butter is delicious slathered on biscuits, toast, or even pancakes. You can also swirl it atop Baked Oatmeal after it’s finished baking. In the autumn season, use it to make delicious quick bread or mix with an equal amount of softened cream cheese and serve as a dip for gingersnaps and graham crackers. You can also serve it on your charcuterie board! It pairs beautifully with cheese, as in The Perfect Cheese Plate.
Apple butter is also a lovely addition to pork and ham. Brush a little of it on Grilled Pork Loin during the grilling process for an added flavor boost. Or serve a little dish alongside your holiday ham for guests to spoon onto their plates, next to the ham slices. Apple butter is truly versatile!
Apple Butter Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 1/2 pounds sweet apples such as Golden Delicious, Fuji, or Gala
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 pinches kosher salt
- 1 pinch ground cloves
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Core and chop the apples into small pieces (about 1/4 inch).
- In a large slow cooker, add the chopped apples. In a separate bowl, mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cloves. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and stir to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook the apple mixture for 9-10 hours.
- Use an immersion blender to purée the apples until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Continue cooking on low heat for an additional 2 hours, uncovered. Stir the mixture occasionally.
- Allow the apple butter to cool and then store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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