12 Delicious Apple Butter Recipes for Every Season

But have you ever thought about how versatile apple butter can be? Whether you’re spreading it on toast in the brisk mornings of fall or dolloping it onto pancakes during a cozy winter breakfast, apple butter is a year-round delight that brings warmth and sweetness to any dish. Dive into our roundup of 12 Delicious Apple Butter Recipes for Every Season and discover new ways to enjoy this timeless favorite.

Classic Homemade Apple Butter

There’s nothing quite like the smell of homemade apple butter simmering on the stove. It’s a cozy, comforting spread that turns any breakfast into something special. You’ll love how simple it is to make, with just a few ingredients and a little patience.

Ingredients

• For the apple mixture:
  • 4 lbs apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. Combine the chopped apples, apple cider, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Tip: A wooden spoon is perfect for this job.
3. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it cook for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
4. After 1 hour, remove the lid and add the cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir well to combine.
5. Continue to cook uncovered for another 1 to 2 hours, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and turns a deep brown color. Tip: The apple butter is ready when a spoon dragged through it leaves a clear path.
6. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the apple butter to your desired consistency. Tip: If you don’t have an immersion blender, a regular blender works too—just be careful with the hot mixture.
7. Let the apple butter cool slightly before transferring it to jars or containers.

Buttery smooth with a rich, spiced flavor, this apple butter is a versatile delight. Spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or even use it as a glaze for meats—it’s sure to impress.

Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Even if you’re not a morning person, the aroma of slow cooker apple butter wafting through your house will have you jumping out of bed. It’s that good. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and your trusty slow cooker.

Ingredients

• For the apple butter:
  • 5 lbs apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Place the peeled, cored, and sliced apples into the slow cooker.
2. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt to the apples. Stir well to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 10 hours. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
4. After 10 hours, remove the lid and stir in the vanilla extract. Tip: The apples should be very soft and the mixture thickened.
5. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Tip: If you don’t have an immersion blender, a regular blender will work, but let the mixture cool slightly first.
6. Cook uncovered on low for an additional 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apple butter is thick and dark in color.

Delightfully smooth and packed with warm spices, this apple butter is perfect on toast, swirled into yogurt, or even as a glaze for meats. Its deep, caramelized flavor makes it a standout in any dish.

Spiced Apple Butter

Nothing beats the cozy aroma of spiced apple butter simmering on your stove. You’ll love how this simple recipe transforms everyday apples into a rich, spreadable delight.

Ingredients

• For the apples: 4 lbs apples (peeled, cored, and chopped), 1 cup water
• For the spices: 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• For finishing: 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Place the chopped apples and water in a large pot. Cook over medium heat until the apples are soft, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Remove the pot from heat. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to puree the apples until smooth.
3. Return the pot to low heat. Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Tip: For a deeper flavor, let the mixture simmer uncovered for 1-2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent sticking.
4. Once the mixture has thickened and darkened, remove from heat. Stir in the lemon juice. Tip: To test if it’s ready, spoon a small amount onto a plate; if no liquid separates around the edges, it’s done.
5. Let the apple butter cool before transferring to jars. Tip: For smoother butter, pass it through a fine mesh sieve before cooling.

Lusciously smooth with a perfect balance of sweet and spice, this apple butter is fantastic on toast or swirled into oatmeal. Try it as a glaze for roasted meats to really impress your guests.

Apple Butter Pancakes

Unbelievably easy and delicious, these apple butter pancakes are your new weekend breakfast obsession. You’ll love how the apple butter adds a sweet, spiced depth to fluffy pancakes.

Ingredients

• For the pancakes:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1/2 cup apple butter

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. A few lumps are okay.
4. Gently fold in the apple butter, being careful not to overmix the batter.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.
6. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the skillet as needed.

Keep these pancakes warm in a low oven if you’re making a big batch. They’re perfect with a dollop of extra apple butter on top or a drizzle of maple syrup. The texture is wonderfully fluffy with a hint of spice from the apple butter, making every bite a cozy delight.

Apple Butter Muffins

Mmm, imagine biting into a warm, spiced muffin that’s packed with the cozy flavors of apple butter. You’re going to love how easy these are to whip up for a quick breakfast or a sweet snack.

Ingredients

• For the muffins:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup apple butter
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the topping:
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, mix the apple butter, milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Tip: Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
6. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, chopped walnuts, and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture over the batter in each cup.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tip: Check at 18 minutes to avoid overbaking.
8. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Tip: They’re easier to remove when slightly cooled.

So, these muffins come out incredibly moist with a tender crumb, thanks to the apple butter. The cinnamon-walnut topping adds a delightful crunch. Try serving them warm with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

Apple Butter BBQ Sauce

This summer, you’re going to want to slather this Apple Butter BBQ Sauce on everything. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and smoky, with a hint of spice that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Ingredients

• For the sauce:
  • 1 cup apple butter
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients over medium heat.
2. Whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and the brown sugar has completely dissolved.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. After 15 minutes, check the consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired thickness.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool for about 10 minutes before using.

Expect a velvety texture that clings to ribs, chicken, or even roasted veggies. The flavor? A deep, caramelized apple sweetness with a smoky undertone that’s irresistible. Try it as a glaze for grilled peaches for a surprising twist.

Apple Butter Glazed Ham

You’re going to love this Apple Butter Glazed Ham—it’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s a showstopper for any holiday table or special occasion.

Ingredients

• For the ham:
  • 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked bone-in ham
  • 1 cup apple butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and place the ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down.
2. Score the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep to help the glaze penetrate.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves until smooth.
4. Brush half of the glaze over the ham, making sure to get into the scored lines.
5. Bake the ham, uncovered, for 1 hour and 30 minutes, basting with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes.
6. For a deeper color, broil the ham for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
7. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

Every bite of this ham is juicy and packed with flavor, thanks to the sweet and tangy glaze. Serve it with roasted vegetables or slice it thin for sandwiches the next day.

Apple Butter Cookies

So, you’re looking for a cozy, fall-inspired treat that’s easy to whip up? These apple butter cookies are just the thing, blending the warmth of spices with the sweet tang of apple butter for a bite that feels like a hug.

Ingredients

• For the dough:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup apple butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• For the topping:
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Tip: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
3. Beat in the apple butter and egg until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Tip: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop once you no longer see flour streaks.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon for the topping.
7. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
8. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Tip: The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet, so it’s okay if they seem a bit soft in the middle.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

These cookies are wonderfully soft with a slightly crisp edge, packed with the cozy flavors of cinnamon and apple butter. Try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Apple Butter Bread

Ever find yourself with a jar of apple butter and no idea what to do with it? This apple butter bread is your answer—moist, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack, and guess what? It’s super easy to make.

Ingredients

• For the bread:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup apple butter
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the topping:
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Tip: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the apple butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep the bread tender.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
8. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle evenly over the batter.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tip: Check at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
10. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Rich with the deep flavors of apple butter and a hint of cinnamon, this bread is irresistibly soft with a slightly crisp topping. Try it toasted with a smear of cream cheese for an extra indulgent treat.

Apple Butter Pie

Oh, you’re going to love this Apple Butter Pie. It’s like autumn in a pie dish, with a creamy, spiced filling that’s both rich and comforting. Perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but not overly complicated.

Ingredients

• For the crust:
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
  • 4 tbsp ice water
• For the filling:
  • 1 cup apple butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt for the crust. Add butter and blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the dough comes together. Tip: Don’t overwork the dough to keep it flaky.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges.
5. In another bowl, whisk together apple butter, sugar, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth. Tip: For a smoother filling, strain the mixture to remove any lumps.
6. Pour the filling into the crust. Tip: To prevent the edges from burning, cover them with foil or a pie shield.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
8. Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving.

Unbelievably smooth and packed with warm spices, this pie is a dream. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Apple Butter Smoothie

Craving something sweet but healthy? This apple butter smoothie is your go-to for a quick, delicious treat that feels like dessert but is packed with goodness.

Ingredients

• For the smoothie:
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup apple butter
  • 1 frozen banana, sliced
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 cup ice cubes

Instructions

1. Pour 1 cup almond milk into your blender.
2. Add 1/2 cup apple butter to the blender.
3. Place 1 frozen banana, sliced, into the blender.
4. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp cinnamon over the ingredients.
5. Drizzle 1 tbsp honey into the blender for natural sweetness.
6. Add 1 cup ice cubes to chill and thicken the smoothie.
7. Blend on high for 45 seconds, or until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Tip: If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash more almond milk and blend again.
8. Stop the blender and scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure everything is well mixed. Tip: This step ensures no chunks are left behind.
9. Blend for another 15 seconds to achieve the perfect consistency. Tip: For an extra frothy smoothie, blend a little longer.

Silky smooth with a cozy cinnamon kick, this apple butter smoothie is like autumn in a glass. Try topping it with a sprinkle of granola for crunch or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Apple Butter Ice Cream

Now, imagine combining the cozy flavors of apple butter with the creamy delight of ice cream. That’s exactly what this Apple Butter Ice Cream brings to your table—a perfect blend of autumn vibes and summer treats.

Ingredients

• For the ice cream base:
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• For the apple butter swirl:
  • 1 cup apple butter
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes.
3. While the ice cream is churning, mix the apple butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until well combined.
4. Once the ice cream has reached a soft-serve consistency, layer it in a loaf pan with dollops of the apple butter mixture, then use a knife to swirl it through.
5. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

Great news—this ice cream is as dreamy as it sounds! The creamy base pairs beautifully with the spiced apple butter swirl, creating a dessert that’s both rich and refreshing. Try serving it sandwiched between two ginger cookies for an extra special treat.

Conclusion

Unquestionably, these 12 apple butter recipes offer a year-round delight for every home cook in North America. From cozy winter mornings to vibrant summer picnics, there’s a recipe for every season. We invite you to try these delicious creations, share your favorites in the comments, and spread the love by pinning this article on Pinterest. Happy cooking!