Quick & Easy Homemade Apple Butter

This Quick Apple Butter Recipe delivers rich, caramelized apple flavor in a fraction of the time of traditional methods! Perfect for spreading on toast, swirling into yogurt, or gifting in jars, this spiced apple butter is a fall favorite. With just 6 ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a velvety-smooth condiment that tastes like autumn in a spoon.

Unlike store-bought versions packed with preservatives, this homemade apple butter is naturally sweetened and customizable. The secret? A quick stovetop simmer and a blender for effortless smoothness. Let’s make your kitchen smell like a cider mill!

Why This Apple Butter Recipe Works

1. Speedy Stovetop Method: Forget slow cookers! This recipe uses high heat and constant stirring to caramelize apples quickly while deepening flavors. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for last-minute cravings or gift-making.

2. Customizable Spice Level: Love cinnamon? Add extra. Prefer a ginger kick? Toss it in. This recipe adapts to your taste buds, making it endlessly versatile.

3. No Peeling Required: The blender (or immersion blender) eliminates the need for tedious apple peeling. More flavor, less work!

What’s In Quick Apple Butter?

• Apples (6 medium): Use sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for balanced flavor. The natural pectin helps thicken the butter.
• Brown Sugar (½ cup): Adds molasses depth and accelerates caramelization.
• Apple Cider (½ cup): Intensifies apple flavor and prevents sticking.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp): The quintessential warming spice.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances sweetness and adds floral notes.
• Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Brightens flavors and preserves color.

How To Make Quick Apple Butter

This method skips the all-day simmer but delivers the same luscious texture. Here’s how:

Step 1: Prep the Apples

1. Core and roughly chop apples (no need to peel).
2. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Step 2: Cook Down

1. In a heavy pot, combine apples, cider, sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring often, until apples collapse.

Step 3: Blend & Reduce

1. Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a stand blender) to purée until smooth.
2. Return to heat and cook 10-15 more minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened to a spreadable consistency.
3. Stir in vanilla off the heat.

Step 4: Jar & Store

1. Pour into sterilized jars while hot. Seal if canning, or refrigerate for immediate use.

Sides for Apple Butter

Pair your apple butter with:

• Warm Biscuits: Flaky buttermilk biscuits are a classic match.
• Brie & Crackers: Elegant for cheese boards.
• Pork Chops: Glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Oatmeal: Swirl in for a breakfast upgrade.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I Use Frozen Apples?

Yes! Thaw first and drain excess liquid. Cooking time may increase slightly.

How Long Does It Keep?

Refrigerated: 3 weeks. Frozen: 6 months. Canned (processed): 1 year.

Can I Make It Sugar-Free?

Replace brown sugar with ¼ cup maple syrup or omit entirely for a tangier result.

Other Recipes To Try

• Pear Vanilla Butter: Swap apples for ripe pears + 1 vanilla bean.
• Pumpkin Butter: Use canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice.
• Spicy Tomato Jam: A savory twist with chili flakes.
• Homemade Lemon Curd Recipe: Tangy British lemon spread.
• Blueberry Lime Butter: Unusual and vibrant for toast.

Quick & Easy Homemade Apple Butter

This shortcut apple butter tastes like it simmered all day, but comes together in just 45 minutes! Thick, spiced, and perfect for fall baking or gifting.

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Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Spread

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 cups

Calories: 45kcal

Equipment

Medium Saucepan

Immersion Blender

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples about 2 lbs, cored and chopped
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup apple cider or water
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

• In a large pot, combine apples, brown sugar, cider, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring often, until apples are very soft.
• Purée with an immersion blender until smooth.
• Continue cooking 10-15 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened (it should mound on a spoon).
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let cool before jarring.

Notes

• Thickness Test: Drag a spoon through the butter—if the path holds for 2 seconds, it’s done.
• Spice It Up: Add ¼ tsp each of nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom.
• Canning: Process jars in a water bath for 10 minutes to seal.
• Double Batch: Freeze half for holiday baking.
• No Cider? Substitute with apple juice or water + 1 tbsp maple syrup.
• Bonus hack: Spread on grilled cheese sandwiches for a sweet-savory twist! 

Nutrition

Serving: 2Tbsp | Calories: 45kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g

Enjoy your homemade apple butter! Tag us on social media with your creations!