Homemade Apple Butter: A Southern-Style Tradition

A Southern Staple: Smooth, Sweet & Spiced Just Right

Apple butter isn’t just a spread—it’s a whole vibe. A slow-cooked, soul-warming, flavor-packed experience that takes me straight back to my grandmother’s kitchen. The deep caramelized sweetness, the kick of cinnamon and nutmeg, and that silky-smooth texture? It’s a labor of love that’s worth every second.

Y’all, let me show you how I do it. No peeling required—just good, fresh apples, the perfect blend of spices, and a whole lot of patience. Whether you spread it on warm raisin toast like me or spoon it straight from the jar (I won’t judge), this apple butter is guaranteed to have you coming back for more. Let’s get to cooking!

What You Need – Ingredients List

• 6 lbs apples (washed and chopped, skin on)
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tbsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Extra for Canning:

• Apple cider vinegar (for cleaning jar lids)
• Sterilized mason jars & lids

Cooking Time:

• Stovetop: 1 hour on medium-low heat
• Crockpot: 10 hours on low
• Water Bath for Canning: 15 to 20 minutes

Step-By-Step: Making That Smooth Apple Butter

Step 1: Clean & Prep Those Apples

First things first—get those apples squeaky clean. Since we’re not peeling them, we want to make sure we scrub them real good. Once they’re nice and clean, chop them up into bite-sized pieces. As I cut, I throw them into cold water to keep them from turning brown.

When all the apples are chopped, drain the water and give them one final rinse. Now, we’re ready to cook.

Step 2: Load Up the Pot

Set your pot to medium heat, then add your chopped apples. Pour in 1/4 cup of water to get things moving. Now it’s time to build those flavors:

• Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves—because what’s apple butter without that deep, warm spice?
• Squeeze in fresh lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

• Stir in the brown sugar and white sugar—this is what gives the apple butter its caramel-like richness.

• Finally, a splash of vanilla extract to round it all out.

Step 3: Simmer & Stir

Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Now, we let the magic happen. Stir occasionally, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom. Over the next hour, the apples will soften, break down, and start to caramelize into that signature apple butter goodness.

If you’re using a crockpot, set it to low and let it cook for 10 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Blend Until Silky Smooth

Now here’s where we take it to the next level. Once the apples have broken down, grab an immersion blender and start blending right in the pot. Blend, blend, blend—until it’s smooth as a baby’s butt. (Y’all know how we do!)

If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth.

Step 5: Jar It Up

I already sanitized my mason jars, so now it’s time to fill them up. Using a ladle, pour the apple butter into each jar, leaving just a little space at the top.

Before sealing, wipe the jar rims with apple cider vinegar—this helps ensure a clean seal and that satisfying “pop” when they cool. Place the lids on and tighten just enough—not too tight, but not loose either.

Step 6: Water Bath for That Perfect Seal

If you’re storing these for later, it’s time for a water bath canning process. Place the filled jars into a pot of boiling water, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Let them process for 15 to 20 minutes, then carefully remove and set them on the counter. Let sit and cool off for 20 minutes.

Store or serve and enjoy!

About The Creator

This simple and delicious recipe comes from generations of Southern tradition, where apple butter was a quick, affordable, and satisfying dish. Whether you’re carrying on a family tradition or trying it for the first time, this apple butter is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Follow @itsmekellz for more fire recipes!

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