Introduction
Have you ever tried apple butter? If not, you’re in for a real treat! Amish Apple Butter is a sweet, thick, and flavorful spread made from slow-cooked apples, sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. It’s not actually butter, but it spreads like one—perfect for toast, pancakes, biscuits, or even on a spoon straight out of the jar!
The Amish community is known for simple living and amazing homemade foods. Their version of apple butter is rich, dark, and packed with cozy flavors. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make Amish Apple Butter at home. No fancy tools needed—just a few simple ingredients, a bit of time, and a love for homemade goodness!
Ingredients – Amish Apple Butter
To make Amish Apple Butter, you only need a few basic ingredients. Most of them might already be in your kitchen!
Basic Ingredients:
- 6 pounds of apples (about 12 medium apples – use sweet varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Golden Delicious)
- 2 cups of apple cider or apple juice
- 2 cups of white sugar
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon of ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract (optional)
Step by Step Process – Amish Apple Butter
Making apple butter is easy, but it does take some time. Here’s a step-by-step process that anyone can follow:
Step 1: Wash and Peel the Apples
Wash the apples well. Peel and core them, then cut them into chunks. Don’t worry about making them perfect—they’ll cook down later.
Step 2: Cook the Apples
In a large slow cooker or a big pot, add the apples and the apple cider. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours, or until the apples are soft and falling apart.
Step 3: Blend the Apples
Once the apples are soft, use a hand blender or a regular blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Be careful—hot apples can splash!
Step 4: Add the Spices and Sugar
Add the white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla (if using). Stir everything well.
Step 5: Cook Again Until Thick
Let the mixture cook uncovered on low heat for another 2–3 hours. Stir it often so it doesn’t burn. The apple butter will thicken and turn dark brown. It should be thick enough to stay on a spoon without running off.
Step 6: Store the Apple Butter
Once it’s done, let it cool slightly. Then you can store it in clean jars. Keep the jars in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it or use a proper canning method to keep it shelf-stable.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 35–45 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10–12 g |
| Sugars | 9–11 g |
| Fiber | 0.5–1 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Sodium | 10–15 mg |
| Vitamin C | Small Amount |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What kind of apples should I use?
Sweet apples like Fuji, Gala, or Golden Delicious work great. You can also mix sweet and tart apples for a more balanced flavor.
Q2: Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can make Amish Apple Butter on the stovetop. Just use a large pot, cook on low heat, and stir often so it doesn’t burn.
Q3: Is apple butter the same as applesauce?
No, apple butter is thicker and more flavorful. Applesauce is lighter and less spiced. Apple butter is slow-cooked longer, giving it a richer taste and darker color.
Q4: How long does homemade apple butter last?
If kept in the fridge, it can last up to 3 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months or properly can it for shelf storage.
Q5: Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar or use natural sweeteners like honey. Just remember it may affect the flavor and shelf life.
Final Thoughts
Amish Apple Butter is a simple and delicious homemade spread that brings warmth and comfort to every bite. It’s full of cozy fall flavors, but great all year round. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can make a jar (or several) of this tasty treat right in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a kitchen pro, this recipe is easy to follow and super rewarding. Plus, it makes a great gift—just pour it into a cute jar, add a ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade present.
So why not give it a try? Once you taste that sweet and spicy apple butter on warm toast, you might never go back to store-bought spreads again!
