Apple Butter Recipe [Small Batch]

If you’ve ever tried apple butter, you know how truly delicious and smooth it is. And you don’t have to be knowledgeable in canning, preserving, or even a seasoned chef to learn how to make some at home. This small batch apple butter recipe is one you can make in the luxury of your own home anytime you’re craving that rich, apple-spiced smoothness.

What is Considered a Small Batch?

Just from browsing the internet and other small batch recipes, it seems that a small batch of apple butters and the like ranges from 3/4 cup to 2 cups (1 pint).

Producing a small batch of something is best for when you only want to keep a small amount on hand. So no need to go apple picking for bushels and pecks of apples. A small bag from your local farmer’s market or grocery store will do just fine.

This recipe is meant to be easy, convenient, and even encouraging for those who’ve never made apple butter before. You don’t need a crockpot, slow cooker, or food mill which a lot of other recipes use. All you need is a stovetop and a large pan. Although a blender or food processor also comes in handy if you want a smooth-as-silk consistency to your apple butter.

With this particular recipe, you’ll end up with a small batch of about 1 and 1/4 cups of apple butter to enjoy as you please!

Apple Butter Nutrition

Don’t let this sweet topping/condiment fool you. There are nutritional and health benefits you can get from consuming this carmelized, apple butter concoction. It boasts health-promoting phytochemicals, while being lower in sugar and higher in fiber than it’s commercially prepared counterparts.

Nutritional Content and Health Benefits

I can’t possibly talk about apples without mentioning the old adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. But really how nutritious are apples?

Well, the old adage does have a lot of truth to it. Fruits and vegetables, including apples, are so great for us because of the phytonutrients they contain. Apples happen to be high in flavonoids, including quercetin, catechin, and epicatechin, among others (1).

And of the many different apple varieties, Fuji and Red Delicious varieties are the highest in both phenolic and flavonoid content (1).

Research also suggests that apple intake is associated with decreased risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and type II diabetes. Additionally, higher intake of apples is also linked to increased lung function and weight loss (1).  

Lower in Sugar

While apple butter does contain natural sugar in the form of fructose from the apples, it is still less sugar per serving than most store-bought apple butters. This is because many store-bought (and even homemade recipes you google) have added sugars. See more about added sugars below.

The low and slow cooking process used in this recipe concentrates the flavors, including the sugar content. So you should still use this apple butter in small amounts. A serving size is 1 tablespoon which provides essentially the same amount of carbohydrates (~6 gm) as commercially-prepared counterparts, however none of which are from added sugars.

For reference, here’s a table comparing this apple butter recipe to one popular commercially-prepared apple butter.

Fiber Content

The cooking process does break down some of the fibers in fruits and vegetables, but not all. This is one reason I chose to leave the skins on my apples in this recipe. It adds both fiber as well as beneficial phenolics and flavonoids, compared to other apple butter recipes that call for the apples to be peeled.

What Does Apple Butter Taste Like?

Apple butter is not at all like jam or jelly. Even though it’s used in the same ways, this spread is much more decadent.

In my opinion, apple butter tastes like spiced apples with a much more intense, concentrated flavor. Like a thickened, spiced apple cider almost. And while there’s no actual butter in apple butter, it’s spreadability makes it worthy of the name “apple butter”.

Variations of Apple Butter

While this is the version of apple butter I prefer, there are many other types of apple butter recipes out there.

This one allows room for creativity because it’s super simple, with minimal ingredients. Other recipes you may come across use other spices, different varieties of apples, have added acidic elements such as apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, and may add sugar or other sweeteners to the recipe.

In the end you have total control and can come up with what works best for your taste buds. Next, let’s go over a few variations to the recipe you may want to try.

Spice Variations

While you can most certainly leave out any spices when making apple butter, I think the spices are what really sets it apart from regular applesauce and make it special. There are a few great options for spices to choose from when making apple butter.

A few of these are the sweet and aromatic spices:

• cinnamon
• nutmeg
• allspice
• ginger
• cloves
• cardamom

You can try one or a combination of these spices to make the perfect combo to spice up your small batch apple butter. I will warn you though, go easy on these strong spices. You can always add more, but you cannot take it away once added.

Best Apples for Apple Butter

Any type of apple can be used for apple butter. I have used both McIntosh and Fuji varieties and they both turn out perfect.

Generally speaking, softer apple varieties will cook down faster. So, if you want to cut back on the cooking time by a few minutes, try Fuji, McIntosh, Golden Delicious, or Jonagold varieties.

You can use one kind of apple for each batch or a variety of apples. Experimenting with the flavor is part of the fun. And this recipe is an easy one to experiment with since there are so few ingredients.

Optional Sweeteners (Added Sugars)

I did not use any sweeteners in this small batch apple butter recipe. My goal was to avoid added sugars. Added sugars increase your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and triglyceride levels, colon cancer, diabetes, cognitive issues such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, and so much more (2).

The American Heart Association and the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans both recommend limiting added sugars in our diets (2,3). An added sugar is any form of sugar carbohydrate that is added in the process of making a food product. Some examples of added sugars are:

• Regular table sugar and all other sugars (turbinado, cane sugar, confectioner’s, etc.)
• Brown sugar
• Molasses
• Maple syrup
• Barley malt syrup
• Honey
• Corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup

The great thing about this healthy apple butter recipe is that it uses ZERO added sugars! So, this is also a low sugar apple butter.

You can add a sweetener to this recipe if you like a sweeter apple butter. Each one will add a different degree of sweetness so start with a small amount and add as needed.

How to Use Apple Butter

It may come as a surprise, but apple butter is actually quite versatile. It can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Here are a few uses for apple butter:

• Spread on bread or toast, muffins, or english muffins
• Use as a topping on pancakes or waffles
• Add to yogurt
• Add to oatmeal or overnight oats
• Use as a healthier ice cream topping
• Blend into smoothies
• Add as a condiment or glaze to pair with chicken or pork chops

So you see, small batch apple butter is really amazing and has so many uses. I hope I inspired you to whip up a batch and try a few yourself.

How to Make Apple Butter Recipe [Small Batch]

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make this deliciously easy, small batch apple butter recipe.

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

All you need to make this small batch apple butter recipe is 4 simple ingredients. Apples, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. However, you can make this a 2-ingredient recipe by substituting apple pie spice for all the other spices, if you have some on hand.

Step 2: Chop Your Apples

Next, you have to core your apples. Then chop them as small or as large as you like. The smaller the pieces, the faster they will cook. Just try cutting them all into uniform-sized pieces.

Step 3: Cook Your Apples

Toss your apples into a medium to large size pot on the stovetop. The spices will come in the next step. Here, you’ll cook the apples until they are super soft, about 25-30 minutes.

They will naturally release some juice and become very soft. Check out the recipe video to see the process.

Step 4: Blend or Mash

Next, put your cooked apples into a blender, food processor, or mash by hand. It all depends on how smooth or chunky you want your apple butter to be.

I prefer mine extra smooth and spreadable, so I blend mine. But hey, I’m not one to discriminate. I love apple butter every which way imaginable.

If using a blender, allow your apples to cool slightly and blend in small batches to prevent burning yourself from steam or splatters.

Step 5: Cook to Reduce

After blending or mashing your apples, put the apple mixture back into the pot and add the spices. Bring it to a simmer and keep it there for about 30-45 minutes.

Stir the apple butter pretty consistently. It will become thick, dark caramel in color, and reduce by about half.

FYI, it’s so tempting not to keep taste-testing as you go. Be careful or you’ll end up with nearly all your apple butter eaten before you’re done.

Eat it warm or allow your apple butter to cool and enjoy!

Once your apple butter cools, it will thicken up more. Now you can enjoy it in a multitude of ways or store it in the fridge for later!

Storing and Freezing

This small batch is not likely to last long, it’s that good!

While you can use a canning process on this apple butter recipe (see FAQ below), any leftover apple butter you have can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 months or in your freezer for up to one year.

If freezing this cinnamon apple butter, just make sure to leave about half an inch in your freezer-safe storage container to allow some expansion during the freezing process.

To defrost your apple butter, simply place it in the refrigerator to defrost overnight. Give it a stir before serving and enjoy!

FAQ for Apple Butter Recipe [Small Batch]

Other Fall-Inspired Recipes

• Healthy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie (Vegan)
• Healthy Pumpkin Biscotti Recipe (Using Olive Oil)
• Vegan Cranberry Bread with Orange and Ginger
• Pumpkin Oatmeal Raisin Cookies [Egg-Free]
• Unexpectedly Good Dilly Bean Stew with Cabbage

Apple Butter Recipe [Small Batch]

A 4-ingredient (not counting the water), low sugar apple butter recipe that you can whip up anytime. No need for any special equipment like a pesky food mill.

The warming spices and concentrated flavor will add so much depth to anything you spread it on or over. And as an added bonus, you're house will smell AMAZING!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 20

Calories 24 kcal

Equipment

• 1 blender or food processor optional

Ingredients

  

• 4 Fuji apples medium sized
• ¼ tsp cinnamon ground
• ⅛ tsp cloves ground
• ⅛ tsp allspice ground
• ¼ cup water

Instructions

 

• Core the apples and chop into bite-sized pieces. No need to peel. The smaller the pieces, the quicker they will take to soften while cooking.
• Add apples to a medium size pot and cover with the lid. Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning on the bottom. It is done when the apples are completely soft when tested with a fork.
• Allow the apples to cool slightly. Then using small batches, place the apples in a blender or food processor until the desired smoothness is achieved. You can also mash with a fork if you like a chunkier apple butter.
• Return the applesauce to the original pot and add ground cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.
• Simmer the mixture uncovered for another 30-45 minutes or until the apple butter thickens, reduces in volume, and turns a dark caramel color. Make sure to stir constantly to prevent splattering.
• Eat warm or cool overnight. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Additional Suggestions: 

• Add your own flare to this apple butter recipe by using various apple varieties. Try any other soft apple such as McIntosh, Golden Delicious, or Jonagold. 
• You can also adjust the spices used. If you like only cinnamon, make a cinnamon apple butter. You can even use apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice. Other options include adding a pinch of ginger or nutmeg.  
• If you prefer a sweeter apple butter, you can add a little maple syrup, sugar, brown sugar, or sugar substitute such as Stevia or monk fruit during the simmering stage. Just be mindful that some sweeteners will add more or less sweetness than others, so start small and taste-test as you go.  

 

Nutritional Information Per 1 Tablespoon Serving (Makes 20 servings total):

24 calories, 0 gm total fat, 0 gm saturated fat, 5.9 gm carbohydrate, 0 gm protein, 0.8 gm fiber, 0.4 mg sodium, 0 mg cholesterol 

 

Keyword apple, cinnamon, dairy-free, easy, fall, fruit, gluten-free, grain-free, low sodium, no bake, vegan, vegetarian

Share with me: Did you try your hand at making this small batch apple butter recipe? Was it as easy as you thought? I love hearing from you, so let me know by leaving a comment or recipe rating!

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Kiran Campbell, RDN

Kiran Campbell is a registered dietitian and entrepreneur with 13 years of experience. She has a degree in psychology as well as dietetics. She is also a proud member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ and its Cardiovascular Health and Well-being Dietetics Practice Group among others. Kiran proudly presents and promotes the most up-to-date, science-based nutrition information on all things heart-related. She aims to serve not only individuals with heart disease, but also those wanting to protect against it. Learn more about Kiran by visiting her About Page.

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