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
    • Full Recipe Index
  • Drinks: Cocktails & More
    • Best Cocktail Gifts: For the At-Home Bartender or Mixologist
  • Whatcha Need??
    • 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 & More
    • Get In Touch!
    • How-Tos
    • Kitchen Tools I’m Obsessed With
    • Food and Travel—Two of My Favorite Things
    • Bunion Surgery Recovery Tips
    • Tips for Liver Detox / Gut Health Protocol

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 air fryer frozen salmon is in the running for This air fryer frozen salmon is in the running for "meal I make the most"...once I found a great source of high-quality frozen salmon filets, mastering how to cook them quickly in my air fryer *from frozen* was the next step. No weird thawed mushy watery texture here...just a delicious, healthy, fast weeknight dinner!

Tap the link in my IG bio & choose this photo to see how to make it!
#salmonrecipe #airfryer #airfryerrecipes #weeknightdinner
This grapefruit cardamom gin cocktail is the perfe This grapefruit cardamom gin cocktail is the perfect drink to ease our descent from summer into fall...bright, tart, and balanced with a bit of warm spice!

Tap the link in my IG bio & choose this photo to get the recipe! --> @findingtimeforcooking

#gincocktails #drinkrecipes #grapefruit #cocktailrecipes
This Asian-inspired ground chicken (or turkey) has This Asian-inspired ground chicken (or turkey) has become a weeknight go-to for me, and makes awesome leftovers that I don't find an excuse not to eat at the office 😜

Tap the link in my IG bio & choose this pic to get the (like, 10-minute) recipe!

#mealprep #leftovers #groundchicken #asianinspired
Remember that blueberry simple syrup I talked abou Remember that blueberry simple syrup I talked about a few weeks ago?? Yeahhhh it also makes a pretty awesome twist on a gin smash cocktail. 

To get the recipe, click the link on my IG bio and tap on this photo --> @findingtimeforcooking
#gincocktails #blueberries #easycocktails #drinkrecipes
This super easy coffee cake is packed with fresh a This super easy coffee cake is packed with fresh apricots and dark cherries--the perfect way to use your late summer stone fruit bounty! It's also pure comfort food, with the most addictive cinnamon crumble topping 😍

Tap the link in my IG bio & choose this photo to get the full recipe!
#coffeecake #apricots #brunchgoals #darkcherry
Meet your new summer iced coffee fave 🎉 I'm see Meet your new summer iced coffee fave 🎉 I'm seeing espresso tonic pop up on menus all over the U.S., and this blueberry basil espresso tonic takes things to a whole new level! It's super easy to make, refreshing, and unique...the perfect afternoon pick-me-up or mocktail any day.

Tap the link in my IG bio & choose this photo to see the recipe! -->@findingtimeforcooking
#espressotonic #mocktails #icedcoffeerecipe #espresso
Even though I tend to consider blueberries a mid-t Even though I tend to consider blueberries a mid-tier berry at best, I've been a tad bit obsessed with this blueberry simple syrup the past month or so...it's easy & versatile, and makes delicious iced coffee drinks, cocktails, and more. And yes, those recipes are forthcoming 😜

Tap the link in my IG bio & click on this photo to get the (super fast & easy) recipe! --> @findingtimeforcooking
#blueberries #blueberrysyrup #simplesyrup #foodblogfeed
This super easy one-bowl cake is kind of like an a This super easy one-bowl cake is kind of like an all-in-one strawberry 🍓 shortcake...just top with fresh whipped cream! A great way to use up juicy strawberries that are starting to go soft, and a perfect summer dessert.

Tap the link in my IG bio & click on this photo to see the recipe!
#strawberries #summerdessert #easydessert #bakingfromscratch
I've been on a roll with new summer cocktails late I've been on a roll with new summer cocktails lately, and this apricot mint gin cocktail is a WINNER. The key is an apricot syrup made from roasting fresh apricots (for a cake, which is also amazing), rather than a brandy or liqueur. Trust me, it's worth that extra step!!

Get the recipe by clicking on the link in my IG bio and tapping on this photo! 
#summerdrink #gincocktails #cocktailsofinstagram #cocktailrecipes
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Popular Posts

Pear Cake with Honey Glaze

Balsamic Pasta with Toasted Garlic & Pine Nuts

Jam & Goat Cheese Phyllo Cups (Easy, Fancy Appetizer)

Melty Cheesy Zucchini Baked Pasta 

Giovanna’s Family Secret Tiramisu Recipe

Recent Posts

  • How to Cook Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer…a…
  • Grapefruit Cardamom Gin Cocktail
  • Asian-Inspired Ground Chicken or Turkey…Perf…

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 2023 Finding Time For Cooking

17 shares