Christmas Apple Butter

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Christmas Apple Butter

Every holiday season, there’s one staple in my kitchen that signals the true beginning of Christmas: my homemade Christmas Apple Butter. It’s warm, sweet, and spiced just right. I remember the first time I made this recipe—I had a few extra apples that were too soft for snacking, and I didn’t want to waste them. A quick search for ideas led me to apple butter, and I thought, why not give it a shot? What started as a simple experiment turned into a family favorite.

I can still recall the moment I spooned that rich, cinnamon-spiced goodness onto a warm piece of toast. The kitchen was filled with the most wonderful aroma, and my kids were drawn in immediately. Their eyes lit up at the first taste, and since then, it’s become a tradition we all look forward to. There’s something magical about spreading this smooth, velvety apple butter on warm bread, pancakes, or even stirring it into oatmeal. It’s like a jar of Christmas cheer that you can savor bite by bite.

This recipe isn’t just easy to make—it’s foolproof and perfect for busy moms like me who still want to make something homemade and special for the holidays. It’s the kind of treat that brings everyone together, turning even a simple breakfast into a festive occasion. And the best part? You can share it as a homemade gift that’s made with love. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever got through the holidays without it.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe:

Can I use any type of apple?
Yes! While I recommend sweeter varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala, you can use any apples you have on hand. Mixing different types will add depth to the flavor.

How long does this apple butter last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it lasts up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 6 months.

Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples gives you a smoother consistency, but if you’re short on time, you can leave the skins on and blend the butter well at the end.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just cook it on low for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally until it thickens.

What You Need to Make Christmas Apple Butter:

Ingredients:

4 lbs apples (about 8 medium apples), peeled, cored, and chopped

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup water or apple juice

Special Equipment:

Large pot or slow cooker

Immersion blender or regular blender

Mason jars or airtight containers for storage

How to Make Christmas Apple Butter:

Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.

Combine ingredients: In a large pot or slow cooker, add the apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and water (or apple juice). Stir until the apples are well-coated with the spices.

Cook the apples:

Stovetop: Cook on low heat, covered, for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and caramelized.

Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally.

Blend the apples: Use an immersion blender to puree the apples directly in the pot. Alternatively, let the mixture cool slightly and puree it in batches using a regular blender.

Add vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the butter thickens.

Store: Let the apple butter cool and pour it into mason jars or airtight containers. Refrigerate or freeze for longer storage.

Tips:

Use a mix of apples: Combining sweet and tart apples adds complexity to the flavor.

Don’t rush the process: The longer the apple butter simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.

Spice it up: Adjust the spices to your taste. Add more cinnamon or even a pinch of ginger for extra warmth.

Consistency hack: If your apple butter is too runny, let it simmer uncovered until it thickens.

Gifting idea: Decorate mason jars with festive ribbons and tags for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Latest Reviews:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This apple butter is pure magic! My kids ask for it every morning on their toast.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for the holidays! I gave jars of this as gifts, and everyone loved it.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The smell while it’s cooking is worth it alone. My house smelled like Christmas!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Tasty, but next time I’ll add a little less sugar.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great recipe for busy moms! So easy and delicious.”

Printable Recipe:

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