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Homemade Apple Butter (Stovetop Recipe)

There are few things more comforting than the smell of apples simmering away with cinnamon and sugar on a cool fall day.

This stovetop apple butter recipe is one of those old-fashioned favorites that fills your kitchen with warmth and your jars with something you’ll want to spread on everything.

Unlike traditional jam or jelly, apple butter is made by slowly cooking apples down with sugar and spices until it turns thick, smooth, and deeply caramelized.

The stovetop method is simple, requires no special equipment, and gives you delicious results in just a couple of hours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients – Just apples, sugar, and spices you likely already have on hand.
• No Special Equipment Needed – A heavy pot and a blender (or immersion blender) are all you need.
• Perfectly Cozy Flavor – Sweet, spiced, and deeply apple-forward.
• Versatile – Spread it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or use it for baking.

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup apple cider or apple juice
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp cloves (optional, for a stronger spice flavor)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Cook the Apples
   In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine the chopped apples, both sugars, apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir well to coat the apples.
2. Simmer
   Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 40–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft and break apart easily.
3. Blend Until Smooth
   Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the apples until completely smooth. (Alternatively, transfer the apples carefully to a blender, puree, and return to the pot.)
4. Thicken the Apple Butter
   Keep the pot uncovered and continue simmering on low heat for another 20–30 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture is thickened and darkened to a rich, caramel-like color.
5. Finish with Vanilla
   Stir in the vanilla extract and taste to adjust sweetness or spice if desired.
6. Cool & Store
   Let the apple butter cool completely before transferring to jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Use Apple Butter

• Spread on toast, biscuits, English muffins, or bagels.
• Swirl into yogurt, oatmeal, or cottage cheese.
• Use as a glaze for pork or chicken.
• Bake into cakes, muffins, or quick breads.
• Add to charcuterie boards as a sweet complement to cheese.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Apples – A blend of tart and sweet apples creates the best depth of flavor.
• Low and Slow – Don’t rush the process; simmering low and slow brings out that deep caramelized taste.
• Adjust Sweetness – If your apples are very sweet, you may want less sugar. Taste as you go!
• Texture Preference – For extra smooth apple butter, run it through a fine mesh strainer after blending.

This Homemade Stovetop Apple Butter is a cozy fall staple that tastes like autumn in a jar. With just a handful of ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a thick, velvety spread that’s perfect for breakfast, baking, or gifting.

One taste and you’ll see why apple butter has been a beloved tradition for generations.