Homemade Apple Butter

Article by: Krissy Downey

When you come home from the apple orchard with more apples than you know what to do with, our recipe for easy apple butter is the perfect way to use them all up. Our recipe requires very little hands-on cooking and uses minimal ingredients, truly making apples the star of the show.

What is Apple Butter?

You may be surprised to learn that apple butter actually isn’t butter at all; the name comes from its rich, creamy consistency that resembles butter. Apple butter is a spreadable preserve made from slow-cooked apples, sugar and spices. We also have a secret ingredient in our recipe: apple cider. The apple cider, along with a hint of vanilla and lemon juice, brings out the apple flavor event more.

What Is Apple Butter Used For?

Our homemade apple butter can be used as a topping or spread for both sweet and savory dishes. From waffles and pancakes to pork chops and turkey sandwiches, the possibilities are endless. We even love to put it on a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fall dessert.

What Kind of Apples Are Best for Apple Butter?

The best apples for apple butter recipes are always your favorite apples. If you prefer things on the sweeter side, try Gala or Golden Delicious, but if you want tarter results, opt for Pink Lady or Granny Smith. Either way, soft apples work very well for apple butter because they break down easily and create a nice, “buttery” texture, so McIntosh, Cortland, Empire, and Jonagold apples are all excellent choices. Using a few different kinds of apples will enhance the depth of flavor, so try a mix of sweet and tart apples for a complex tasting apple butter.

What Is the Difference Between Apple Butter and Applesauce?

Apple butter and applesauce are actually quite similar, but apple butter cooks much longer. Since it has a longer cooking time, the sugars in apple butter caramelize, resulting in a deep, amber color and rich flavor. With a shorter cooking time, applesauce is less creamy, contains more liquid, and has a lighter color and milder flavor.

How to Store Apple Butter

Apple butter will keep for up to five days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Our delicious recipe is usually gone in well under five days, but you can also freeze in an airtight container for up to three months.