My super easy Apple Butter recipe is perfectly spiced with rich fall flavors. It takes just 10 minutes to prep with NO peeling required! Recipe includes a how-to video.
All the Best Flavors of Fall in a Jar
Apple butter is the richer, prettier, and perhaps more sophisticated sister to plain-Jane applesauce. It’s truly the embodiment of fall, with colorful crisp apples cooked down and caramelized in spices, brown sugar and vanilla. It tastes great on just about anything, but we love it spread over an English muffin or warm scone (heavenly!).
My favorite thing about this apple butter recipe is that there is NO peeling required! I’ve tested this recipe with peeled and unpeeled apples, and I didn’t notice a difference between the two. When cooked for as long as my recipe calls for, the peels break down completely and are not perceptible in the finished product. Save yourself the time and skip the peeling!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Easy: only 10 minutes of prep before the slow cooker takes over.
- Perfectly flavored: the apples are the true star, with just enough sugar and spices added to accent them and make a warm, cozy fall flavor.
- Plentiful: this recipe makes a lot (3 pints!), so you’ll have some to share or gift (if you’re the generous type).
- No peeling: saves you SO much time and effort.
What You Need
To achieve a silky smooth and flavorful spread, you’ll need to slow cook just a few simple ingredients:
- Apples. What I love about my apple butter recipe is that there is no peeling needed! Just core and dice your apples into small, even pieces. Do not use a firm, tart apple like Granny Smith; stick with softer, sweeter apples like Golden Delicious (my favorite all-around apple for most recipes, like my apple turnovers!), Fuji, Gala, or McIntosh. A combination of apples works too!
- Sugar. A combination of brown and white sugar provides depth of flavor and helps the apples to break down and caramelize, giving the final product a fantastically rich fall flavor. Don’t forget, if you don’t have any on hand just follow my tutorial on how to make brown sugar!
- Spices. Lots of ground cinnamon and a pinch of cloves elevate the flavor of the apples by providing warmth and richness.
- Vanilla. A subtle hint of vanilla rounds out all of warm flavors. I recommend using a vanilla bean if you have one, but otherwise regular vanilla extract will work.
SAM’S TIP: The hardest thing about this recipe is waiting for it to be done. To mitigate this, I often like to prep everything before going to bed and let it cook while I sleep, but please always check your own slow cooker’s safety guide before leaving it unattended.
Remember, this is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!
How to Make Apple Butter
- Core and chop (don’t peel!) your apples and place them in the basin of a slow cooker.
- Mix together spices and sugars. Sprinkle these over the apples and toss to combine.
- Cook apple mixture on low heat for 10 hours.
- Puree apples. I like to use an immersion blender (I linked to the one I use, affiliate), but you can use a regular one instead.
- Remove the lid and cook for another 2 hours or until the consistency has thickened to your liking.
SAM’S TIP: The additional two hours of cooking might seem like a pain, but it’s important and worth it to get the proper consistency. If you want an even thicker butter, you can continue to cook yours even longer; but I’ve found the two hours to be plenty (and keep in mind it will continue to thicken as it cools!).
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically it is used as a topping for biscuits or bread, but it’s also delicious on oatmeal, pancakes, my favorite waffle recipe, crepes, etc. Some people even serve it with scrapple, or you can take my dad’s approach and enjoy it by the spoonful!
Apple butter is typically sweeter, richer, and thicker (more of a buttery/spreadable consistency). It’s often much darker in color than applesauce, largely because of the added ingredients (in this instance, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, etc) and the caramelization that occurs from the longer cook time.
Yes it does. If you’d like to try canning yours, that’s a great option for extending its shelf life outside of the fridge (I don’t have experience canning, so I can’t offer any advice there, but here is a guide on canning I found that should be helpful.).
Apple butter gets its name from its butter-like consistency, there’s no actual butter in it. If you’re looking for a flavored butter, try my honey butter instead
Looking for more? Here are some of my favorite fall recipes.
Enjoy!
Let’s bake together! I’ll be walking you through all the steps in my written recipe and video below! If you try this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram, and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook
The Best Apple Butter Recipe (No Peeling!)
Ingredients
- 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) soft, sweet apples (see note 1) Cored and chopped into small pieces, about ¼"
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar firmly packed
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 vanilla bean (may substitute 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract)
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Slice apples into small pieces (about ¼") and dispose of cores (you do not need to peel the apples).5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) soft, sweet apples (see note 1)
- Place apples in the basin of large slow cooker
- In a medium-sized bowl stir together sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cloves until well-combined.1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- Pour sugar mixture over apple pieces and stir until well combined.
- Place lid on crockpot and cook on low heat for 10 hours.
- Once 10 hours has elapsed, use an immersion blender to puree apples until smooth and no chunks remain (see note 2 if you do not have an immersion blender).
- Scrape the inside of the vanilla bean into your apple puree (or add vanilla extract).1 vanilla bean
- Turn crockpot on to low heat and cook another 2 hours uncovered, stirring occasionally.
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container, where it will keep about 2 weeks.
Notes
1. Apples
I recommend using Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Fuji, or Gala. Don’t use Granny Smith; they are too tart and firm for this recipe. Weigh your apples before coring and chopping. Do not peel them! For me this was about 13 apples but this could vary wildly depending on the size of your apples.2. Pureeing
If you do not have an immersion blender, pour the apples into a blender and puree until smooth, then return to crockpot. You may need to work in batches, depending on the size of your blender.Storing
Store apple butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several weeks or freeze for up to several months.Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Related Recipes
This recipe was originally published in October of 2017, photos and recipe remain the same but text has been updated to be more helpful and I’ve added a how-to video!
Jordan
Hi I was just wondering how many cups does this make?
Sugar Spun Run
Hi, Jordan! It makes approximately 6 cups. I hope you enjoy the apple butter. 🙂
Jordan Marcustry
Thank you so much! I making small 8oz jars for my coworkers as christmas gifts and i need to know if j had to double the recipe.
Yesenia
Can I cut the time by cooking the first ten hours on high for five hours?
Sugar Spun Run
Hi, Yesenia! I have not tried it, but I think that you will be ok. Let me know how it turns out. 🙂
Alisha
I’m really excited to try this recipe!! Approximately how many apples do you need for 5.5 lbs?
Sugar Spun Run
Hi, Alisha! As a general rule, 1 pound of apples is equal to 4 small apples. 3 medium apples. 2 large apples. I hope that this helps! I hope that you enjoy the apple butter! 🙂
Alisha
I made this on yesterday, and this morning, the house smelled AMAZING!! 🙂 This is my first time making apple butter. I hadn’t even heard of it until a while ago, but it was SOOO good! Thank you for this recipe, and the advice! Haha 🙂
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that you enjoyed it, Alisha! The smell is amazing, right?! Thanks for trying my recipe. 🙂
Kathy
Delish! How long is the apple butter good for if it’s not canned, but is refrigerated in mason jars?
Sugar Spun Run
Hello, Kathy! The apple butter will keep in a jar for about 2 weeks. 🙂
Elly
If I canned the apple butter do I need to refrigerate it now or when I open the jar.
Sugar Spun Run
Hi Elly! I’m sorry, I’m not familiar with canning. I can’t really advise on how to do so with this recipe. I hope someone who has canned this recipe will chime in and answer your question. 🙁
Jennifer G Horn
I canned some a few weeks ago. If it’s sealed properly (the middle of the lid doesn’t move, or click, when pushed) it should keep for about 6 months, without refrigeration. Once it’s unsealed, refrigerate it and it’s good for 2 weeks. 1st time I canned anything. Put some up Nov 3, gave the last jar to my sister Christmas Eve.
Sugar Spun Run
Thanks so much for sharing your tips for canning, Jennifer! I hope those whom you gifted the apple butter to enjoy it! 🙂
Carol
As long as the jar has a good seal you would only need to refrigerate after opening it.
Mary Ann
Excellent recipe. Over the years I have tried several apple butter recipes and this is the best one.
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Mary Ann! I am so glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂
Elly
Can you make this sugar free
Sugar Spun Run
Hello, Elly! I have not tried it personally but I know others have with success. I hope that you enjoy the apple butter. 🙂
Jackie Johnson
I have seen recipes for apple butter that use apple juice. Since I don’t have that but have lots of apple that aren’t longer term keepers I’m going to try this recipe, also like that I don’t have to peel the apples! What a time saver!!
Sugar Spun Run
I hope that you enjoy the Apple Butter, Jackie! 🙂
elle
Yuuuuumeeee!
I had 64 pound of apples from my trees, so I decided to include apple butter from the harvest. I have never made this before, however this is now my go to recipe. I am making small jars to can for Christmas gifts. I don’t think anyone will be disappointed. The Vanilla is definitely Key. Because I am canning, I did peel my apples, though they are organic. Ha, I am not even sure what kind of apples they are, as the tree has grafted, but I don’t think it matters.Thank you for sharing. I looked at a lot of recipes, but this one sounded easy and doable.
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Elle! 64 pounds of Apples! WOW! Thanks for choosing my recipe! I am so glad you found it easy to follow and enjoyable. I hope those you gift it to love it as well. Happy Holidays! 🙂
Matthew
Thoughts of going sugar free or sugar substitute? I just got a bushel of Granny Smith and Pink Lady seconds up in Ellijay but may use the Pink Ladys per your comment on Grannys(good idea). I can mine for gifts, basically boil canning jars for awhile and the lids, take them out, fill in with the apple butter mix, lid, put back in boiler until they pop or the lids depress. Also, to make it last a long time, a couple teaspoons of lemon juice when canning will keep bacteria from forming for long term storage due to the acidity.
Paula
Add lemon juice to the jar and then add apple butter or mix it into the apple butter and then put into jar?
Matthew
Actually add the lemon juice to the apple butter batch before canning it so its mixed in well. Doesnt take much, just a couple tablespoons or teaspoons for the whole batch. Little goes a long way for canning.
Tina
Came out perfectly! Put it on cream of wheat and oatmeal and the kids woofed it down! Thank you
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that the Apple Butter came out perfectly and that the kids loved it, Tina! Thanks for commenting. 🙂
Roxanne Paschke
This looks so good. But can you can this afterwards or freeze it. I don’t have anyone home anymore.
Sam
Hi Roxanne! Freezing should be fine. I’m sure it could be canned but since I’m not familiar with canning I can’t really advise on how to do so with this recipe.
Jennifer S.
I made this yesterday and LOVED it so much, I made 10 more lbs today🍎 thank you for sharing!
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Jennifer! I am so glad that you enjoyed the Apple Butter. Thanks for commenting. 🙂
Nicole
I made this last night and the way my house smelled this morning was incredible!! I followed your recipe exactly and my family loved having it for breakfast today!!
Sam
I’m so happy to hear this! Thanks for letting me know how the apple butter turned out, Nicole! 🙂
Vicky Slagel
I just made this yesterday and it turned out amazing. It was the first time ever making apple butter. So easy. Thank you
Vicky Slagel
Sugar Spun Run
I am so happy that you found the apple butter recipe easy & delicious. Thanks for your comment, Vicky! 🙂
Vicky Slagel
Also the house smelled so delicious, it was awesome
Vicky
Maureen Milske
I made another recipe for apple butter made with Granny Smith. We thought it was too sweet. I’m a big fan of Haralson apples and use them for pies and applesauce. They are a tart and hard apple. What do you think?
Sugar Spun Run
Hello, Maureen! I have never used Haralson Apples for this recipe, but they should be fine. I hope that you enjoy the Apple Butter. 🙂