Apple butter is a delicious treat with spiced, cozy flavors that’ll be sure to warm you up all fall and winter long. It’s so simple to make, especially with Homemade Applesauce, and makes a delicious gift to share with others for the gift-giving season. Spread it on some toast, pancakes, French toast, or whatever other vessel your heart desires, you can’t go wrong!

APPLE BUTTER’S ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

Buying locally grown and in-season produce and canning it or freezing it significantly cuts down on the carbon emissions created during transportation
Homemade canned goods are wonderful (and delicious) low-waste gift to give to family & friends, to keep for emergency food supplies, or spice up your everyday toast
Making foods at home cuts down on individual packaging used to market and sell these good in grocery stores, especially when buying the produce in bulk with Reusable Produce Bags

Spiced Apple Butter

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Total Time: 25 Minutes
Makes 1 Cup

Ingredients:

1 cups Sugar Free Applesauce (see notes)

1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar, lightly packed

¼ tsp Salt

1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg

1/8 tsp Ground Allspice

1/8 tsp Ground Ginger

Or 1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

Optional:

½ - 1 Tbsp Maple Syrup

1 ½ tsp Lemon Juice

Instructions:

1. MIX: Place a medium sized saucepan onto the stove, and turn it on to medium heat. Pour in the applesauce, brown sugar, salt, and spices, and stir to combine.

2. SIMMER: Bring the mixture up to a simmer and turn the heat to medium-low. Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened and the bubbles have slowed (if your applesauce was watery to start with, this may take longer). Taste the mixture (careful, it’ll be hot), and adjust to your liking with the lemon juice or maple syrup. If adding additional liquids, let simmer for another 2-3 minutes to thicken again.

3. ENJOY: Take the mixture off the stove, and allow to cool slightly before transferring to a jar for storage. The apple butter is ready to go, so spread it on toast, pancakes, or whatever other vessel you can think of! Store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or can it for a longer shelf life.

Notes:

Homemade Applesauce – Making your own applesauce is a great way to use fresh seasonal fall produce, not to mention it’s so easy! Check out our recipe for Homemade Sugar Free Applesauce, and you’ll never go back to store bought again.

Can it for later – Canning your own applesauce or apple butter is a great way to make these fall favorites last all year! Check out our recipe for how to can your own applesauce, jams, jellies, and more.

Make a Double Batch — If you’ve got tons of applesauce left over from your homemade batch, consider making a double or even triple batch apple butter. It can be canned for later, and makes a delicious gift for friends and family during the holidays. Not to mention, it’s so delicious that you’ll definitely be wanting more!

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