Homemade Apple Butter Recipe

A jar of homemade apple butter with apples and a bowl of apple butter around it.

5 from 2 votes

Homemade apple butter is so simple to make, no matter what method you use. My beloved version is spiced with a blend of strong, warm spices and molasses for a truly unique flavor profile.

Prep Time30

Bake Time12

Total Time12 30

Recipe Author Lynn April

Servings: 12 cups

Ingredients

▢ 6 pounds of apples¹
▢ 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
▢ ¾ cup (150g) light or dark brown sugar
▢ 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
▢ ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
▢ ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
▢ ¼ teaspoon salt
▢ 1 Tablespoon (15mL) molasses optional

Instructions

INSTANT POT

Peel, core, and slice apples (I use this apple peeler). Place in Instant Pot.
In a medium size bowl, whisk together both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Sprinkle mixture on top of the apples. Drizzle in the molasses, if using, then stir apples a few times to coat.
Place Instant Pot lid on top, lock it, then set knob to "sealing." Press "manual," then set the timer for 10 minutes.
When Instant Pot comes to pressure, allow to cook until the timer goes off. Allow natural release by letting the timer count up to 15 minutes without venting. When the timer reaches 15 minutes, carefully move the knob to "venting" to release any remaining pressure.
Press "cancel" to turn off InstantPot. Remove cover and use an immersion blender to purée the apple butter until completely smooth. You may also purée in batches in a food processor or regular blender, being careful not to burn yourself.
Press "slow cook," use the "-" button to set to "less," then set the timer for 30 minutes. Replace lid and allow apple butter to continue to cook, removing lid once or twice to stir, if able.

SLOW COOKER

Peel, core, and slice apples (I use this apple peeler). Place in the slow cooker.
In a medium size bowl, whisk together both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Sprinkle mixture on top of the apples. Drizzle in the molasses, if using, then stir apples a few times to coat.
Cook the apples on low for 10 hours, stirring occasionally, if able.
After 10 hours, remove cover and use an immersion blender to purée the apple butter until completely smooth. You may also purée in batches in a food processor or regular blender, being careful not to burn yourself.
Cook for an additional 2 hours on low with the lid slightly ajar to thicken apple butter. If you prefer it even thicker, cook on low until it reaches desired consistency.

STOVETOP

Peel, core, and slice apples (I use this apple peeler). Place in a large sauce pot with a lid.
In a medium size bowl, whisk together both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Sprinkle mixture on top of the apples. Drizzle in the molasses, if using, then stir apples a few times to coat.
Heat the mixture over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the mixture, covered, removing the lid to stir occasionally, for about 2 hours or until the apples are very soft (you should be able to smash them easily with a utensil).
After the 2 hours, use an immersion blender to purée the apple butter until completely smooth. You may also purée in batches in a food processor or regular blender, being careful not to burn yourself.
Cook for an additional 1-2 hours over medium-low heat with the lid slightly ajar to thicken apple butter. If you prefer it even thicker, cook on low until it reaches desired consistency.

COOLING AND STORING

Allow the mixture to cool completely.
Spoon into jars or containers² and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You may also freeze apple butter up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator or at room temperature.

Notes

Apples: this is about 12 apples. I like to use a mix of Macintosh, Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, and Honeycrisp.
Storing: I have never canned anything before, and get a lot of questions about canning this recipe. I imagine it can be done, so if you have successfully canned this apple butter recipe, please let me know!

Did you make this recipe?Mention @freshaprilflours on Instagram or tag #freshaprilflours!

Nutrition Disclosure

All nutritional values are approximate and provided to the reader as a courtesy. Changing ingredients and/or quantities will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.