Traditional Apple Butter Spread Recipe

By Barbara Rolek

Updated 11/18/18

Plate of Toast with Apple Butter
Envision / Getty Images
  • Total: 2 hrs 15 mins
  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 2 hrs
  • Yield: 1 pint (32 servings)
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
10 Calories
0g Fat
2g Carbs
0g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1 pint (32 servings)
Amount per serving
Calories 10
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 2%
Protein 0g
Calcium 2mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Apple Butter is common throughout Eastern Europe. With only three ingredients in the recipe -- apples, water, and sugar -- it was an easy project for an overabundance of fruit.
Today, we have microwaves and slow cookers that take the drudgery out of keeping a watchful eye on the pot. This recipe easily can be increased. It's low in sugar, as all fruit butters are, and makes a great topping for breads, rolls, ice cream and cakes.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound apples (washed, quartered, and cored)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 to 1 cup sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon cloves

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. In a medium saucepan, combine apples and water.

  3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until apples look like applesauce, stirring occasionally.

  4. Pass the puree through a sieve or food mill.

  5. Mix the strained puree with the sugar and spices and choose one of the following cooking methods.

Slow Cooker

  1. Place sweetened pulp in a slow cooker with the lid partially off to let steam escape.

  2. Set at low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 12 hours or overnight, until thick enough so the butter doesn't run off a spoon when turned upside down.

Microwave

  1. Place sweetened pulp in a microwave-safe bowl and cook for 20 minutes at a time. 

  2. Stir frequently until thick enough so the butter doesn't run off a spoon when turned upside down.

Stovetop

  1. Place sweetened pulp in a medium saucepan and cook over medium-low heat.

  2. Stir frequently, for 1 to 2 hours or until thick enough so the butter doesn't run off a spoon when turned upside down.

Oven

  1. Heat oven to 250 F.

  2. Place sweetened pulp in a heatproof casserole dish or roaster.

  3. Bake, stirring only occasionally, for 1 to 3 hours or until thick enough so the butter doesn't run off a spoon when turned upside down.

Can the Apple Butter

  1. Place hot butter in hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.

  2. Cover with hot sterilized lids and rings.

  3. Process in a water bath for 10 minutes.

  4. Remove to counter and allow to cool before storing in a cool, dry, dark place.

Tips

  • If you don't process in a water bath, the butter can be kept refrigerated for up to three weeks or frozen for up to one year.