If you love the warm, comforting flavors of fall packed into a spreadable treat, then this Easy Stovetop Apple Butter Recipe is going to become your new pantry staple. It transforms simple red apples and a few pantry spices into a luscious, velvety spread that’s bursting with cozy sweetness and a hint of spice. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, stirring it into oatmeal, or spooning it over pancakes, this apple butter is the perfect homemade delight that’s surprisingly easy to whip up right on your stovetop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is all you need to achieve that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and rich apple flavor. Each one plays a crucial role in building the texture, depth, and vibrant color of this apple butter.
- 7-8 red apples (1kg when cored): The star ingredient offering natural sweetness and body; make sure to use firm apples for the best texture.
- 100 g brown sugar: Adds caramel richness and complements the apple’s natural sugars perfectly.
- 240 ml apple cider or apple juice: Provides moisture and enhances fruity notes without overpowering; avoid apple cider vinegar here.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth, subtly enhancing all the flavors.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses a cozy spice kick that’s classic with apples.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a light, nutty warmth in the background.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way for that aromatic, spiced finish.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Easy Stovetop Apple Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples
Start by coring your apples and cutting them into 1-2 inch cubes—this size helps them cook evenly and soften properly. Pop all the cubed apples into a medium saucepan along with the brown sugar, apple cider or juice, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and sea salt. This flavorful mix is where the magic begins.
Step 2: Simmer to Soften
Place your saucepan over medium heat and bring everything up to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about an hour, stirring now and then to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. As the apples soften, the liquid will reduce and intensify the flavor, creating a rich, fragrant base for the apple butter. After an hour, take the pan off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes so the mixture cools just a bit.
Step 3: Blend to Perfection
Next, transfer the cooked apple mixture to a high-speed blender or food processor. Puree it thoroughly until the texture is perfectly smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for turning the tender apple chunks into luscious, spreadable apple butter.
Step 4: Reduce to Thickness
Pour your blended apple butter back into the saucepan and turn the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot with a lid—be careful because it might spit as it thickens. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring every 5 to 10 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even thickening. The final texture should be rich and thick, ready to spread.
Step 5: Cool and Store
When the cooking is done, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the apple butter to cool to room temperature—about 30 minutes. Then transfer it into clean, airtight jars or containers and pop them in the fridge. This step helps the flavors meld and keeps the apple butter fresh for all your future cravings.
How to Serve Easy Stovetop Apple Butter Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted pecans or a dash of extra cinnamon on top of your apple butter adds a delightful crunch and boosts the aromatic appeal. A dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully, especially if you’re enjoying it as a dessert spread.
Side Dishes
This apple butter shines alongside warm biscuits, creamy ricotta toast, or crisp crackers. It also makes a splendid topping for plain yogurt, oatmeal, or even roasted pork to add a hint of sweetness and spice contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering this Easy Stovetop Apple Butter Recipe in parfait glasses with granola and yogurt for a stunning breakfast treat. Or swirl it into your pancake batter before cooking for a sweet surprise inside every bite. Gift jars of homemade apple butter as cozy, heartfelt presents for fall gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once poured into airtight containers, your apple butter will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Make sure the lids are tight to preserve its flavor and prevent drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, apple butter freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Warm your apple butter gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving if you prefer it spreadable and soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and bring back that freshly-made aromatic allure.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While red apples are recommended for their perfect balance of sweetness and firmness, feel free to experiment with varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp to tailor the flavor to your liking.
Is apple cider vinegar the same as apple cider?
They are quite different. Apple cider is a sweet, non-alcoholic juice made from apples, ideal for this recipe. Apple cider vinegar is acidic and sour, so it’s not suitable here as it would change the flavor drastically.
How thick should the apple butter be?
The ideal apple butter should be thick enough to spread easily without running, similar to a thick jam or creamy honey. Cooking times and stirring are key to achieving this perfect texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses only fruits, sugars, and spices without any grain products.
How long does homemade apple butter last?
In the fridge, apple butter lasts up to two weeks. If frozen, it keeps well for several months. Always check for any off smells or mold before use, but properly stored options tend to last quite well.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making your own apple butter at home, and this Easy Stovetop Apple Butter Recipe proves it doesn’t have to be complicated. The warmth of spices combined with the natural sweetness of apples creates a comforting treat that feels like a hug in a jar. I promise it will become a favorite to spread, drizzle, and stir into many meals ahead—so grab some apples and start simmering, your new obsession awaits!
Print
Easy Stovetop Apple Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Stovetop Apple Butter recipe offers a flavorful, smooth, and creamy spread made from fresh red apples simmered with warm spices and sweetened with brown sugar. Perfect for spreading on toast or adding a sweet touch to desserts, this homemade apple butter is cooked entirely on the stovetop and blended to velvety perfection.
Ingredients
Apple Butter Ingredients
- 7–8 red apples (about 1 kg when cored)
- 100 g brown sugar
- 240 ml apple cider or apple juice (not apple cider vinegar)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare: Remove the cores from the apples and cut them into 1-2 inch cubes. Add the cubed apples to a medium saucepan along with the brown sugar, apple cider or juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and sea salt.
- Cook: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally with a rubber spatula to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The liquids will reduce as the apples soften and break down. After 1 hour, remove the pan from heat and let it cool slightly for 10 minutes.
- Blend: Transfer the mixture to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blitz for several minutes until the apple butter becomes completely smooth and creamy in texture.
- Reduce: Pour the blended apple mixture back into the saucepan and return to medium-low heat. Cover the saucepan with a lid to avoid splatters, as the mixture will spurt during cooking. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring carefully every 5 to 10 minutes to avoid burning. Use caution when removing the lid due to hot splatters.
- Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the apple butter to cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Transfer the cooled apple butter into clean airtight jars or sealed containers and refrigerate. Store for up to two weeks for best freshness.
Notes
- Note 1: Weigh the apples after coring and peeling to get approximately 1 kg of apple fruit for best texture and flavor.
- Note 2: Use apple cider or apple juice for sweetness and flavor; avoid apple cider vinegar as it will alter the taste.
- Use caution when cooking apple butter to prevent splattering, especially when reducing the blended mixture.
- For thicker apple butter, you can extend the reduction step by additional 10-15 minutes.
