finding time for cooking

for the time-starved or curious culinary adventurer

  • Recipes By Type
    • Appetizers, Dips, & Snacks
    • Bread Recipes
    • Breakfast Goodies
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes & Veggies
    • Sauces, Spices, & Other Basics
    • Snacks
  • Drinks: Cocktails & More
    • Best Cocktail Gifts: For the At-Home Bartender or Mixologist
  • Foods I’m Obsessed With
    • 30 Minutes or Less…for the Time-Challenged Cook
    • What Bread To Make (Based on Your Time)
    • Gluten-Free Recipes
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Super Healthy
    • Cooking for One
    • Soup
    • Unleavened Bread Recipes
  • About Me
    • Get In Touch!
    • How-Tos
    • Kitchen Tools I’m Obsessed With
    • Recipes Index
    • Food and Travel—Two of My Favorite Things
    • Bunion Surgery Recovery Tips

A Fall Classic: The Best Homemade Apple Butter Ever

January 12, 2020

The very first time I made this recipe was many years ago, when the leaves were turning all shades of fiery red and orange, signaling a gorgeous Georgia fall.  There was a chill in the air, co-workers arguing over SEC football, and comfort food cravings were haunting me.

You know what else says “fall”?  Apple butter.  Well, technically anything apple + cinnamon, but apple butter is definitely high up on the list.  My mom had shared a homemade apple butter recipes from our family friend, Louise, and I decided to give it a try…and it’s become one of my favorite recipes of all time.

Best Homemade Apple Butter Ever | This super easy stovetop apple butter is totally delicious and takes very little hands-on time. The best part is you don't even peel the apples! Perfect for fall! #applebutter #apples #fallrecipes

Since that time many years ago, making this apple butter has been a rite of fall.  I’ve made it, without fail, every single year for going on a decade.  I share jars with friends, co-workers, family…this stuff is legendary.  And all the better because it’s so easy.

Delicious homemade apple butter, perfect for fall

One of the best parts??  No peeling necessary–you keep the peels on your apples, because the pectin in the peels helps it thicken up.  The combination of spices and brown sugar makes for a complex and warm flavor, completely adaptable to your own preferences.  This is one of those great things that bubbles away on the stove, but takes very little hands-on time and effort.

Delicious homemade apple butter, perfect for fall

I’ve posted the original homemade apple butter recipe as I was given it below, but when I make this I make one major tweak—the amount of sugar it called for seemed extreme, so I decrease it significantly.  It lets the natural sweetness of the apples as well as the spices shine through, and makes it healthier overall.

You’ll also love:  Apple Butter Cinnamon-Sugar Babka

Start by quartering and coring the apples, taking just the absolute toughest part of the core and leaving the rest.  Sometimes I cut them one more time, to make them slightly smaller and easier to stir.

Put it all in a really big saucepan or stockpot, and add the two cups of apple juice.  Cook on medium (or medium-low) heat until the apples are tender and soft.

Time will really depend on your heat and your apples, but assume it will take 30-45 minutes at least.  A lower, longer cook is better, you don’t want it to boil or burn.

Once the apples are all soft, blend everything until it’s smooth, without any major chunks.  For me, the easiest way I’ve found is using an immersion blender.  You can also transfer the apples and liquid to a blender or food processor if you prefer.

Once it’s blended, put it back in the pot and cook on low or medium low to thicken it up, and add your sugar and spices (and dessert wine, if you’re using it).  Stir everything together and taste it as you go, to determine what flavor and sweetness you want.

I only used around a cup and a half of brown sugar TOTAL for the recipe most of the time, unless the apples aren’t very sweet.  Continue to simmer on low until it thickens, stirring occasionally.  This is totally a judgment call, but I usually keep cooking mine for an additional half hour or so.

Warm, comforting homemade apple butter

Once it’s finished, carefully pour into mason jars while the apple butter is still very hot.  Tightly put the metal disc and ring on, and flip the jars over to seal.  Leave this way until it cools.  Refrigerate once you open it, and use within 3 months or so once you open it.

I use the European method canning for my homemade apple butter

Homemade apple butter

And now you have the most delicious homemade apple butter ever!  It turned out great, and I was really happy with the balance of sweet and tart.

In addition to putting on bread, it’s fairly versatile.  Put a big spoonful in your oatmeal, in pancakes, or make delicious cupcakes with apple butter filling.

Other delicious jelly/jam recipes you’ll love:

  • No-Pectin Strawberry Balsamic Jam
  • Spiced Pear Jam
  • Easy Peach Preserves
  • Strawberry Chia Jam (No Pectin)

Louise’s Best-Ever Homemade Apple Butter

  • 12 to 14 apples (preferably Jonathan or Winesap; I often use Gala)
  • 2 cups of 100% apple juice (no sugar added)
  • Brown sugar…likely only around 1 1/2 cups total
  • Cinnamon, allspice, cloves (or apple pie spice) to taste
  • ½ cup sauternes (optional)
  1. Start by quartering and coring the apples, taking just the absolute toughest part of the core and leaving the rest.  Sometimes I cut them one more time, to make them slightly smaller and easier to stir.
  2. Put it all in a really big saucepan or stockpot, and add the two cups of apple juice.  Cook on medium (or medium-low) heat until the apples are tender and soft.  Time will really depend on your heat and your apples, but assume it will take 30-45 minutes at least.  A lower, longer cook is better, you don’t want it to boil or burn.
  3. Once the apples are all soft, blend everything until it’s smooth, without any major chunks.  For me, the easiest way I’ve found is using an immersion blender.  You can also transfer the apples and liquid to a blender or food processor if you prefer.
  4. Once it’s blended, put it back in the pot and cook on low or medium low to thicken it up, and add your sugar and spices (and dessert wine, if you’re using it).  Stir everything together and taste it as you go, to determine what flavor and sweetness you want.
  5. Continue to simmer on low until it thickens, stirring occasionally.  This is totally a judgment call, but I usually keep cooking mine for an additional half hour or so.
  6. Once it’s finished, carefully pour into mason jars while the apple butter is still very hot.  Tightly put the metal disc and ring on, and flip the jars over to seal.  This is the European way of canning (from what I understand), and much easier than hot water canning.
  7. Leave this way until it cools.  Refrigerate once you open it, and use within 3 months or so once you open it.

Pin for later!

Best Homemade Apple Butter Ever | This super easy stovetop apple butter is totally delicious and takes very little hands-on time. The best part is you don't even peel the apples! Perfect for fall! #applebutter #apples #fallrecipes

Leave a Comment CATEGORIES // Appetizers, Dips, & Snacks, Family Secret Recipes, Foods I'm Obsessed With, Super Healthy

« Apple Butter Cinnamon-Sugar Babka
Raspberry Skyr Cake With White & Dark Chocolate »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About Me

Welcome to my little corner of the internet! I created this blog for people who love cooking & baking but are challenged to find the time and energy to do it. Recipes run the gamut from super healthy to indulgent, but the focus is on using REAL food no matter what.

Follow Along!

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Recent IG Adventures!

This gin-based “hard” cherry limeade is the pe This gin-based “hard” cherry limeade is the perfect summer nostalgia…now all I need is some cheddar poppers from Sonic ☀️😜

Tap the link in my IG banner to get the (super easy) recipe! —> @findingtimeforcooking 

#cherryliqueur #cherrylimeade #summercocktails #sanguemorlacco
Getting to the perfect salted peanut butter chocol Getting to the perfect salted peanut butter chocolate shortbread cookie was QUITE the journey...but I absolutely love this final version.  Even better, the dough log keeps in the freezer so you can slice off a few cookies any time a craving strikes! 

Tap the link in my IG bio to get the recipe! —> @findingtimeforcooking 

#peanutbuttercookies #cookies #bakingfromscratch #sliceandbake
An easy 10-minute spiced chickpea scramble that is An easy 10-minute spiced chickpea scramble that is full of flavor (I *always* accidentally make it too spicy), versatile, and a great plant-based lunch option. For me on a gut health/candida diet, this has become a go-to recipe when I need something fast!

Check out the recipe by clicking on the link in my IG bio & tapping this photo! 

#chickpeas #veganrecipes #plantbased #candidadiet
This basil gin smash is the summer cocktail you NE This basil gin smash is the summer cocktail you NEED! It’s delicious, ultra refreshing, & so easy…just a couple ingredients (critically, good fresh basil), 1 minute to shake, & you’ll be sipping tart herbaceous goodness.

Click the link in my IG bio & tap this pic to see the (crazy easy) recipe! —> @findingtimeforcooking  #summercocktails #ginsmash #freshbasil #gincocktail
I’ve got savory, carb-y goodness comin’ at ya I’ve got savory, carb-y goodness comin’ at ya today, and who doesn’t love that?! A really good authentic focaccia requires at least 18-24 hours to make, but this "quick" Rosemary & caramelized onion version can be done in around 4 hours and is SO good!

See the recipe by tapping the link in my IG bio & choosing these pics! —> @findingtimeforcooking 
#focaccia #easyfocaccia #breadrecipe #bakingfromscratch
This delicious spiced Middle Eastern grilled chick This delicious spiced Middle Eastern grilled chicken shawarma is a super easy weeknight meal this summer, whether cooking solo or for a crowd!

Tap the link in my IG bio & choose this pic to get the recipe! —> @findingtimeforcooking 
#grillingrecipes #chickenshawarma #healthydinner #weeknightmeals
This adult take on a cherry lemonade (with gin, my This adult take on a cherry lemonade (with gin, my true love) is so delicious and refreshing…and has a secret ingredient to get that intense cherry flavor! 

Get the recipe by tapping on the link in my IG bio and choosing this pic—> @findingtimeforcooking 
#cocktailrecipes #sanguemorlacco #cherrylemonade #gincocktails
I am OBSESSED with key lime pie, and never knew ho I am OBSESSED with key lime pie, and never knew how easy it is to make at home! This is the best key lime pie recipe around, a perfect balance of tart & sweet, the creamiest custardy filling, and a sweet, buttery graham cracker crust 😍 

Get the recipe yourself by tapping the link in my IG bio & choosing this photo —> @findingtimeforcooking 
#keylimepie #keylime #easydessert #classicdessert
Looking for a new healthy go-to dish?? This “loa Looking for a new healthy go-to dish?? This “loaded” Thai chicken salad only takes 15 minutes to whip up and is packed with veggies, texture, & flavor! What really makes the dish is the sweet-spicy-savory dressing… *chefs kiss* 

Tap the link in my IG bio & click on this photo to see the recipe!
#healthyrecipes #thaiflavors #healthydinner #cabbagerecipe
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Popular Posts

Roasted Salmon with Shallots & Tomatoes

*Sigh* Being a Grown-Up… (Vegetable, Black Bean, & Brown Rice Skillet)

Dutch Baby (or German Pancake)

Small-Batch Traditional Wholemeal Irish Soda Bread

Giovanna’s Pasta con Pesto

Recent Posts

  • Summer Nostalgia: Cherry Limeade for Grown-Ups
  • Salted Peanut Butter Chocolate Shortbread
  • 10-Minute Spiced Chickpea Scramble

Categories

  • Appetizers, Dips, & Snacks
  • Bread Recipes
  • Breakfast Goodies
  • Cooking for One
  • Desserts
  • Drinks: Cocktails & More
  • Eating Out
  • Family Secret Recipes
  • Food-Related Miscellany
  • Foods I'm Obsessed With
  • Gluten-Free Recipes
  • Go-To Recipes
  • How-Tos
  • Kitchen Gear
  • Main Dishes
  • Pasta Recipes
  • Recipe Experimentation
  • Sauces, Spices, & Other Basics
  • Side Dishes & Veggies
  • Snacks
  • Soup
  • Super Healthy
  • Travel and Food
  • Uncategorized

Privacy Policy & Disclosures

Copyright & Terms of Use

Copyright 2022 Finding Time For Cooking

17 shares