Stovetop Apple Butter

Stovetop Apple Butter: Thick, Rich & Full of Flavor

Celebrate apple season with this luscious stovetop apple butter—rich, smooth, and bursting with warm spices. Simmered with apple cider and a hint of citrus, it turns everyday apples into a velvety spread that’s perfect on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or straight from the jar.

This method ensures a perfectly smooth texture—no chunks or lumps, just creamy apple goodness.

🛒 Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Apples (peeled, cored, chopped)	2½ pounds
Water	⅓ cup
Apple cider	¼ cup
Lemon juice	3 tablespoons
Light brown sugar (packed)	½ cup
Granulated sugar	¼ cup
Apple pie spice	1–2 teaspoons
Salt	¼ teaspoon

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the apples
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine chopped apples, water, apple cider, and lemon juice. Stir to mix evenly.
Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the apples become very soft—about 45 minutes.

2. Blend until smooth
Use an immersion blender right in the pot to purée the apples until completely smooth.
Alternatively, blend in batches using a food processor and return to the pot afterward.

3. Add sweetness and spice
Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, apple pie spice, and salt until well combined.

4. Simmer gently
Lower the heat and cook for about 40 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and deepens to a rich amber color.
To check if it’s done, run a spoon through the apple butter—if the line stays clear without filling back in, it’s ready.

5. Cool and store
Enjoy warm or cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for 1–2 weeks.

🍁 Tips & Serving Suggestions

For best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Fuji and Granny Smith.
Spread on warm toast, mix into oatmeal, or dollop over vanilla ice cream.
Freeze in small jars for up to 3 months—great for gifting or enjoying throughout the year.

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