Apple Butter and How to Make

While everyone is busy hyping pumpkin spice during fall, apple butter quietly holds the crown as the season’s most underrated condiment. Once you realize how versatile and delicious it is, you’ll wonder why it hasn’t been your go-to fall staple all along.

What exactly is apple butter?

Apple butter isn’t what it sounds like — it’s not butter at all, but rather a rich, slow-cooked spread made from apples that have been simmered down to their most concentrated, flavorful form. Unlike applesauce, which is chunkier and less intense, this creation has a smooth, velvety texture and deep caramel-like flavor thanks to the natural sugars in the apples.

Dating back to colonial times, apple butter was a popular way to preserve the apple harvest, and its flavor only improves as it cooks down with spices like cinnamon and cloves. It’s the ultimate fall spread, perfect for anyone who loves the taste of apples but wants something a little more complex and less sugary than jam or jelly.

“Apple butter is totally underrated because most people think it’s just for sweet spreads,” says Jere’ Cassidy of One Hot Oven, “but I use it for savory cooking, too. I love making sauces with it for chicken and pork, it adds an extra layer of flavor and richness.”

The versatility of apple butter

Apple butter’s real charm lies in its versatility — it’s a true multitasker in the kitchen. For breakfast, it’s the perfect addition to toast, bagels or even pancakes, giving your morning a flavorful boost without the overly sweet punch of syrup or jam. 

But it doesn’t stop at breakfast. Try pairing it with savory dishes like pork chops or roasted chicken, where its subtle sweetness balances out the meat’s richness. It’s also a baking secret weapon — swapping it for oil or butter in cakes, muffins, bread or scones not only adds moisture but layers of fall flavor.

And if you’re feeling creative, mix it into sauces, dressings or even BBQ marinades for an unexpected twist. Whether you’re spreading it on, stirring it in or baking it into something, there are countless ways to use apple butter.

Health benefits

Aside from being delicious, apple butter has some surprising health benefits. Compared to most jams and jellies, it’s typically lower in sugar, especially if you make it at home or opt for no-sugar-added varieties. 

Since it’s made from whole apples, it retains much of the fruit’s fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you fuller for longer. Apples are also packed with antioxidants, particularly in the skin, which means apple butter also offers a healthy dose of these free-radical fighters. Plus, if you’re sticking to natural or homemade versions, you’ll avoid the preservatives and artificial additives often found in store-bought spreads.

Shopping Info

Finding apple butter, especially during the fall season, is easier than you might think. Most major grocery stores carry it, typically stocked near the jams, jellies or seasonal displays. For a more artisanal touch, check out your local farmers’ markets or specialty stores, where small-batch or locally-made versions often pop up this time of year. 

If you’re looking for something specific, many brands offer organic or no-sugar-added varieties, so keep an eye on the ingredient list to find one that fits your preferences. Some trusted brands include Musselman’s, Eden Foods and even small farm labels that offer unique variations on the classic apple butter recipe. There’s even an explicitly kosher version from Manischewitz.

How to make your own apple butter

Making your own apple butter at home is surprisingly simple and rewarding. All you need is a slow cooker, a bunch of apples, a few spices and a little patience.

And if you’ve recently gone apple picking or stocked up on a bushel from your local farmers market, then you probably have more apples than you know what to do with them. Well, making this recipe is a great option.

• Start by peeling and chopping six to eight large apples, then toss them into the slow cooker with a splash of apple cider vinegar, a bit of brown sugar, or none, if you prefer, and warming spices like cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.
• Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for eight to 10 hours, stirring occasionally until the apples break down into a thick, smooth spread. If you want it even smoother, blend it at the end with an immersion blender. The best part? You can easily tweak the recipe — add vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor or try a mix of apple varieties for a more complex taste.
• Once it’s ready, store your homemade apple butter in jars in the fridge, or can it if you want to savor those fall flavors all winter long.

Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.