This Amish Apple Butter Recipe is a rich, velvety spread made by slowly cooking down fresh apples with sugar, cinnamon, and warm spices until it becomes thick, dark, and intensely flavorful. Unlike regular butter, there’s no dairy involved just apples, patience, and a little love. It’s a traditional Amish favorite, perfect for slathering on toast, spooning into oatmeal, or gifting during the holidays.
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What makes it special? Its simplicity. This recipe takes minimal effort and fills your home with the cozy aroma of spiced apples as it cooks. It’s quicker and easier than you might think, no canning experience needed! If you’ve enjoyed our Amish Apple Cake Recipe, you’ll love this spreadable version of fall flavor in a jar. Let’s bring some homemade Amish comfort into your kitchen starting with apples!
What is Amish Apple Butter Recipe?
What’s in a name, you ask? Well, who wouldn’t be curious about a spread dubbed “butter” when there’s no dairy in sight? The term “butter” in this context refers to the smooth, creamy consistency achieved by cooking apples low and slow until they break down completely.
Rumor has it that an inquisitive neighbor once asked an Amish cook why they called it “apple butter,” to which she cheekily replied, “Well, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and ‘apple butter’ just sounds like you need a big slab of bread to go with it!” So next time you hear “Amish Apple Butter,” imagine an old-fashioned farm kitchen where every jar is sealed with love (and maybe a penny for luck!). Ready to spread some happiness on your morning toast? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Amish Apple Butter Recipe
- Main Highlight: Deep, Spiced Flavor
There’s nothing quite like the warm embrace of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice melding into tender, caramelized apples. Each spoonful is a symphony of tangy-sweet richness that dances on your taste buds. - Cost-Saving at Home
Buying gourmet spreads at the store can add up quickly. Homemade apple butter costs just pennies-per-jar—especially when apples are in season or on sale. Plus, you control the sugar level and ingredient quality. - Flavorful Toppings & Variations
Drizzle a little over vanilla ice cream, swirl into yogurt, or slather on warm biscuits. Feeling adventurous? Stir in a splash of bourbon or top with chopped pecans for an extra “oomph.” If you’ve tried our Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe, you know how simple tweaks elevate classic flavors. Give this spread a whirl; your pantry (and wallet) will thank you!
How to Make Amish Apple Butter Recipe
This Amish Apple Butter Recipe is a breeze to prepare: just peel and cook apples until meltingly tender, blend into a silky puree, then simmer with sugar and warming spices until deep brown. Total hands-on time is under 30 minutes, and the slow-cook phase builds intense flavor without constant supervision. In about 3–4 hours, you’ll have a batch of velvety apple bliss.
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Amish Apple Butter
- Total Time: 11 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 cups 1x
Description
This Amish Apple Butter Recipe is a thick, spiced fruit spread made by slow-cooking apples with sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg until smooth and caramelized. It’s dairy-free, naturally sweet, and captures all the cozy flavors of fall in a jar. Perfect for toast, pancakes, or gifting!
Ingredients
- 6 pounds apples (peeled, cored, and chopped — use a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Fuji and Granny Smith)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup apple cider or water (optional, to help with blending if needed)
Instructions
- Place chopped apples into a slow cooker. Add sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 10–12 hours or high for 5–6 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and dark brown.
- Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender in batches) to puree until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract and continue cooking uncovered on low for 1 hour to thicken, stirring occasionally.
- Once thickened to your liking, let it cool slightly before spooning into jars.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, let the apple butter cook longer with the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape.
- This recipe yields approximately 6 half-pint jars.
- No slow cooker? You can simmer everything on the stovetop in a heavy-bottomed pot over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Apple butter makes a lovely holiday gift—add a ribbon and handwritten label for a personal touch!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 hours
- Category: Preserves, Spreads
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Amish, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
What to Serve Amish Apple Butter Recipe With
- Breakfast Pairings: Spread it thick on warm biscuits, toast, or English muffins. Pair with scrambled eggs or our Amish Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for a decadent weekend brunch.
- Savory Combos: Use as a glaze for ham, pork chops, or roasted chicken—just brush on during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Try alongside our Amish Hamburger Steak Bake for a sweet-savory contrast.
- Dessert Twists: Dollop over vanilla ice cream, swirl into plain yogurt with granola, or fold into cheesecake batter. Looking for another twist? Check out our Amish Apple Cake Recipe and serve apple butter as a decadent cake topper.
- Snack Ideas: Spread on crackers with Brie or cheddar cheese. For a quick treat, layer apple butter between graham crackers and dip in melted chocolate.
Top Tips for Perfecting Amish Apple Butter Recipe
- Choose the Right Apples:
Opt for a balance of sweet and tart varieties (e.g., Gala + Granny Smith). Too many ultra-sweet apples can make the final product cloying, while too many tart apples may need extra sugar. - Monitor Sweetness Levels:
Start by adding only 1½ cups granulated sugar and ¾ cup brown sugar. Taste mid-way through the thickening stage and adjust—remember, flavors concentrate as liquid evaporates. - Stir Frequently:
Particularly toward the end of cooking, apple butter can scorch easily. Stir every 10–15 minutes, scraping the bottom and sides to prevent sticking. - Optimize Spice Blend:
If you prefer a more pronounced spice flavor, increase cinnamon to 3 teaspoons or add a pinch of nutmeg. Conversely, dial back spices for a milder, more apple-forward spread. - Avoid Watery Apple Butter:
To check thickness, spoon a bit onto a small plate and tilt it, if it runs, it needs more cooking. Aim for a spread that mounds but still feels soft. - Leverage Leftover Peels & Cores:
Place them in a cheesecloth sachet to infuse extra flavor in your cooking liquid, remove before pureeing.
For another delicious spread, try our Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe it uses similar spices but swaps out sugar for natural applesauce sweetness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Room-Temperature Storage (Canned Jars)
Properly processed jars of apple butter can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to 12 months. Ensure each lid is sealed press the center; it should not flex. - Refrigeration (Opened or Fresh)
Once opened (or if you skip canning), refrigerate in airtight containers. It will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks. Always use a clean spoon to prevent contamination. - Freezing for Longer Storage
Spoon apple butter into freezer-safe jars or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving at least ½” headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. - Reheating for Serving
Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat (stir often), adding a teaspoon of water if needed to loosen. For a quick microwave method, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
Making this Amish Apple Butter Recipe is a gratifying way to celebrate seasonal apples, craft a versatile pantry staple, and honor a centuries-old tradition. From the first aroma of simmering apples to the satisfying pop of a freshly sealed jar, you’ll appreciate how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to preserving, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Don’t forget to share a jar with friends and family because good food tastes even better when it’s shared. Ready to dive deeper into Amish cuisine? Explore other hearty dishes on Old Plain Recipes and follow us on Pinterest and Medium for more inspiration.
FAQs
Why do you put pennies in apple butter?
Historically, some families dropped a penny or even a clean nail—into the cooking pot to speed up the reduction process. The metal was believed to interact with the pectin in apples, helping them break down faster. However, modern cooks rarely use this method, as it’s unnecessary if you simply cook low and slow. If you do try it, ensure the penny is pre-boiled and thoroughly cleaned to remove any impurities.
How do the Amish make their butter?
Traditional Amish “butter” is churned from fresh cream—often from grass-fed cows—into a firm pat of real dairy butter. They typically use a wooden churn, plunger, or even a simple jar with a tight lid (shake vigorously). The secret lies in high-quality cream: the richer and more pasture-fresh, the creamier the butter. That said, “apple butter” is a different concept; it’s named for its spreadable texture, not dairy content.
How to make apple butter old fashioned way?
The “old-fashioned way” involves cooking apples in a large iron kettle over an open hearth or wood stove, stirring continuously by hand for hours. The kettle’s heavy iron bottom helps prevent burning, while the open fire imparts a subtle, smoky depth. Once the apples break down, the cook would add sugar and spices, then continue stirring until the mixture reached the desired thickness. Some families would sing hymns or gather neighbors to help stir and share the workload making it as much a community event as a cooking task.
What’s the difference between applesauce and apple butter?
Texture & Concentration: Applesauce is a lightly sweetened, runny puree of cooked apples—often thicker than juice but thinner than apple butter. Apple butter is cooked much longer, reducing the water content until it becomes a dense, spreadable paste.
Flavor & Sweetness: Applesauce typically highlights the natural sweetness of the apples, with minimal spices (often just cinnamon and sugar). Apple butter, by contrast, is richer, deeply caramelized, and spiced with a blend of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.
Uses: Applesauce is commonly served as a side dish, used in baking, or served with pork. Apple butter is more of a condiment—ideal for spreading on bread, glazing meats, or stirring into desserts.
Preparation Time: Applesauce usually takes 20–30 minutes to prepare, whereas traditional apple butter requires 2–4 hours of slow cooking to achieve its silky consistency and intense flavor.
If you enjoyed this Amish Apple Butter Recipe, we’d love to hear how your batch turned out, leave a comment below! And don’t forget to browse our other comforting Amish classics like Amish Beef Stew Recipe or Amish Chocolate Whoopie Pies for more time-honored flavors. Happy cooking!
Yummy , i love it