Apple Butter with Cinnamon & Clove Youll Love This

Published:

November 4, 2025

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Apple Butter with Cinnamon & Clove : Apple Butter with Cinnamon Clove Youll Love This

The Scent of Autumn: A Slow-Simmered Apple Butter with Cinnamon & Clove

Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to bottle the very essence of autumn? That feeling of a crisp afternoon, the rustle of leaves underfoot, and the comforting warmth of a sweater pulled close. Every year, as the air turns cooler here in Bend, I find myself on a mission to do just that. My answer doesn’t come in a bottle, but in a jar of deeply fragrant, velvety Apple Butter with Cinnamon & Clove. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a quiet ritual, a way to slow down time and fill the house with the most incredible aroma of simmering apples and spices. The process is a meditation in itself the gentle bubbling on the stove, the slow transformation of crisp apples into a rich, dark spread. It’s a sensory journey back to my own childhood, watching my grandmother at her stove, her hands moving with a comfortable rhythm that I now find in my own. This homemade apple butter is more than just a condiment; it’s a story told in spoonfuls, a bridge between seasons and generations. It’s the flavor of gratitude, simmered low and slow, ready to be shared.

The beauty of this spiced apple butter lies in its simplicity. It’s one of those magical fall recipes that asks for very little from you but gives back so much. You don’t need special equipment or complicated techniques. All you need is a pot, a pile of apples, and a little bit of patience. As the mixture cooks down, your kitchen will be enveloped in the coziest scent imaginable, a blend of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and earthy cloves. It’s this scent that always draws my kids, Olivia and James, into the kitchen, their noses twitching, asking that hopeful question, “Is it ready yet?” My husband, Ethan, will wander in with his camera, trying to capture the steam rising from the pot, a perfect picture of our life together. This recipe is a testament to the idea that the best things are often the simplest, a delicious reminder that true comfort is found in the things we make with our own hands.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Butter with Cinnamon & Clove

There are so many reasons this apple butter recipe has become a treasured staple in our home, and I know it will in yours too. It’s one of those recipes that feels both humble and luxurious, perfect for a quiet weekday morning or for giving as a thoughtful, handmade gift. We love making big batches to share with neighbors and friends, each jar a little container of warmth and care. It truly is one of the most rewarding homemade condiments you can make.

Incredibly Easy & Forgiving: This is the perfect recipe for a lazy weekend. Most of the time is hands-off, just letting the apples simmer and soften. You don’t have to be precise with your apple cutting, and the slow cooking process makes it almost impossible to mess up. It’s a great project for beginner cooks who want to create something truly special.
A House That Smells Like Heaven: Forget scented candles! The aroma of this cinnamon apple butter cooking is the real deal. It’s a natural, soul-soothing perfume of autumn spices that will make your entire home feel cozier and more inviting. It’s the scent of comfort itself.
Versatile and Delicious: This apple spread is a true kitchen workhorse. It’s perfect as a breakfast spread on toast, scones, or fluffy buttermilk biscuits. I love swirling it into my morning apple butter for oatmeal, mixing it with yogurt, or even using it as a glaze for pork chops or a roasted chicken. It’s a simple way to add a touch of fall to so many dishes.
Customizable to Your Taste: You are in complete control of the final product. Prefer it less sweet? Reduce the sugar. Want it spicier? Add a little more cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg. You can make it a silky smooth apple butter with an immersion blender or keep it as a rustic, chunky apple butter. You can even make a sugar free apple butter by using a natural sweetener alternative.
Wonderful as an Edible Gift: Spooned into pretty jars and tied with a ribbon, homemade apple butter becomes one of the most heartfelt edible gifts. It’s a personal, thoughtful present for holidays, hostess gifts, or just a simple “thinking of you.” It’s a taste of your kitchen, made with love. This is a recipe that’s as much about connection as it is about cooking.

Ingredients for Apple Butter with Cinnamon & Clove

One of my favorite things about this recipe is its simple, wholesome ingredient list. It’s all about letting the natural sweetness and flavor of the apples shine, enhanced by those classic autumn spices.

Apples: 5 pounds of apples. A mix of sweet and tart varieties works best for a complex flavor. I love using Honeycrisp and Granny Smith together. No need to peel them if you plan to use a food mill or sieve; the peels contain pectin, which helps thicken the butter.
Apple Cider: 2 cups. This adds another layer of apple flavor and provides the initial liquid for the apples to cook down in. You can also use apple juice or even just water.
Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed. I love the molasses notes of brown sugar, but you can use granulated sugar, maple syrup, or honey. Adjust the amount based on the sweetness of your apples and your personal preference.
Ground Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons. The quintessential fall spice. Feel free to add more if you’re a big cinnamon fan.
Ground Cloves: ½ teaspoon. Cloves add a deep, warm, and slightly peppery spice note that is essential for that classic spiced apple butter flavor.
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed. This brightens up the flavor of the apples and helps prevent the butter from becoming overly sweet.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. A little touch of vanilla adds warmth and depth, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
A Pinch of Salt: Just a small pinch enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.

Ingredient Substitutions:

For a Sugar Free Apple Butter: You can omit the sugar entirely if your apples are sweet enough, or substitute with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to your taste.
For a Paleo Apple Butter: Replace the brown sugar with an equal amount of coconut sugar or maple syrup.
Spice Variations: Feel free to add a pinch of ground nutmeg, allspice, or a star anise pod to the pot while it simmers for extra complexity.

How to Make Apple Butter with Cinnamon & Clove

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making homemade apple butter is more of a gentle process than a strict recipe. It’s about coaxing out the flavor of the apples through slow, patient cooking. Here’s how we do it in our kitchen.

Prepare the Apples: First, wash and core your apples. You can peel them if you prefer a perfectly smooth apple butter without extra steps, but I often leave the peels on for extra flavor and pectin. Cut them into rough chunks; there’s no need for perfect dicing.
Combine Ingredients: Place the apple chunks into a large, heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Pour in the apple cider, then add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and the pinch of salt. Give everything a good stir to coat the apples.
Simmer and Soften: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. You’ll want to let it cook for about 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are incredibly soft and falling apart. The house will start to smell amazing at this stage! This slow softening is key to a great texture. For an even more hands off method, you can use a slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Apple Butter from Allrecipes is a great guide for adapting the process.
Blend to Your Liking: Once the apples are completely tender, it’s time to blend. For a silky smooth apple butter, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Blend until you reach your desired consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender. For a more rustic, chunky apple butter, you can simply mash the apples with a potato masher. If you left the skins on and want a smooth texture, pass the mixture through a food mill or a fine mesh sieve.
The Final Simmer (The “Butter” Stage): Return the puréed apple mixture to the pot (if you used a separate blender). Stir in the fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract. Now, continue to cook the mixture uncovered on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent it from scorching on the bottom. This is where the magic happens and it transforms from applesauce into a thick, rich fruit butter. This can take another 1-2 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s thick, dark in color, and a spoonful holds its shape on a plate. It should be a beautiful, spreadable consistency just right for apple butter for toast.

Pro Tips & Variations

After years of making this apple butter recipe, I’ve gathered a few little secrets that help ensure it comes out perfectly every time. I’ve also had fun playing with different variations, making each batch a little unique.

Choose the Right Apples: The best apple butter starts with the best apples. I find that a combination of apples gives the most complex and delicious flavor. Use a mix of sweet apples (like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp) and tart apples (like Granny Smith or Braeburn). The tart apples provide a wonderful tang that balances the sweetness. If you’re visiting a local orchard, ask them for their recommendations for apple sauce or butter!
Patience is Key: The secret ingredient in this recipe is time. Don’t rush the final simmering stage. Cooking the purée down slowly is what concentrates the flavor, deepens the color, and creates that thick, buttery texture. Put on some music, pour a cup of tea, and enjoy the process. It’s a perfect activity for a slow Sunday afternoon. This is the heart of making an old fashioned apple butter with cinnamon and clove.
The Plate Test: To check if your apple butter is done, spoon a small amount onto a cold plate and pop it in the freezer for a minute or two. Tilt the plate. If the butter holds its shape and doesn’t run, it’s ready. If there’s a watery halo around the edges, it needs a little more time to thicken.
Make it in the Slow Cooker: For an almost completely hands off version, this recipe is a dream in a slow cooker. Simply combine all ingredients (except the vanilla and lemon juice) in your crockpot apple butter with cinnamon and clove. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the apples are very soft. Then, blend as desired, stir in the vanilla and lemon juice, and cook uncovered on high for another 1 to 2 hours to thicken.
Canning for Long Term Storage: If you want to enjoy your apple butter for months to come, this is a great recipe for canning. You can find detailed instructions on safe water bath canning from a trusted source like the Homemade Apple Butter guide. Properly sealed jars make wonderful edible gifts throughout the year.

Fun Variations to Try:

Maple Bourbon Apple Butter: Replace half of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup and add a splash (about 2 tablespoons) of your favorite bourbon along with the vanilla at the end of cooking. It adds a sophisticated, smoky warmth.
Spicy Chai Apple Butter: Along with the cinnamon and cloves, add ½ teaspoon of ground cardamom, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, and a pinch of black pepper for a fragrant, chai-inspired twist.
Vegan Apple Butter: This recipe is naturally vegan apple butter and gluten free apple butter as written! Just ensure your sugar is vegan-certified if that is a concern.
Savory Twist: For an apple butter that pairs beautifully with savory dishes like pork or turkey, reduce the sugar by half and add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the pot while the apples simmer. Remember to remove it before blending. It’s fantastic with our Easy Smoked Turkey Recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Once you have a jar of this luscious cinnamon apple butter, the possibilities are endless. It’s so much more than just a spread for toast. Here in our house, it finds its way into all sorts of meals, from breakfast to dinner.

The Ultimate Breakfast Spread: This is its most classic and beloved role. Slather it on warm toast, English muffins, bagels, or freshly baked Cornbread Muffins. It’s divine on a stack of pancakes or waffles, and it instantly elevates a simple bowl of oatmeal or yogurt. A spoonful of this apple butter for oatmeal is my favorite way to start a chilly morning.
A Perfect Pairing for Cheese: The sweet and spicy notes of apple butter are a fantastic companion to cheese. Serve a small bowl of it on a cheese board with sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or tangy goat cheese. The contrast is absolutely delicious. Add some nuts and crackers, and you have an elegant and easy appetizer.
Glaze for Meats: This is my secret weapon for savory dishes. Use it as a glaze for apple butter for pork chops, roasted chicken, or even your holiday ham. Brush it on during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking for a beautiful, caramelized crust. It would be amazing on our Easy Honey Glazed Ham.
Swirled into Baked Goods: Get creative with your baking! Swirl a few tablespoons of the apple butter into muffin or coffee cake batter before baking for a moist and flavorful surprise. You can also use it as a filling for hand pies, thumbprint cookies, or layered between cake rounds.
On a Grilled Cheese: Don’t knock it ’til you try it! A thin layer of apple butter inside a grilled cheese sandwich with a sharp cheese like Gruyère or white cheddar is a game changer. The sweet and savory combination is pure comfort food.

Storage & Reheating

Your homemade apple butter can be stored in a few different ways, depending on how long you want it to last.

Refrigerator:
Once cooled, transfer the apple butter to airtight containers or jars. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. I love using glass jars so I can see the beautiful, dark color.

Freezer:
For longer storage, apple butter freezes beautifully. Pour it into freezer safe containers or jars, leaving about a half inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion. It will last in the freezer for up to a year. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for small, single serving portions perfect for swirling into oatmeal!

Canning:
If you’re interested in shelf stable storage, this apple butter with cinnamon and clove canning recipe is perfect for a water bath canner. Process the filled and sealed jars according to standard canning guidelines. Properly sealed jars will last in a cool, dark place for at least a year. These make for excellent canning recipes to stock your pantry.

Reheating:
There’s no need to reheat apple butter for most uses, as it’s delicious served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, simply spoon the desired amount into a small saucepan and heat gently over low heat until warmed through.

FAQ about Apple Butter with Cinnamon & Clove

What are the best apples for apple butter?
The best apple butter uses a mix of apples! Combining sweet apples (like Gala, Fuji, or Jonagold) with tart apples (like Granny Smith, McIntosh, or Braeburn) creates a much more complex and balanced flavor profile. If you can only use one type, a good all-around apple like Honeycrisp is a great choice.

Do I have to peel the apples?
You don’t have to! The peels contain natural pectin, which helps the apple butter thicken. If you have a food mill or a fine mesh sieve, you can leave the peels on during the initial cooking and then strain them out after blending. This gives you a smooth texture while reaping the benefits of the peels. If you don’t have these tools and want a very smooth apple butter, it’s best to peel and core them first.

My apple butter isn’t thick enough. How can I fix it?
Patience is the best solution! If your apple butter seems too thin, it just needs to cook longer. Continue to simmer it uncovered over low heat, stirring often, to allow more moisture to evaporate. The “plate test” is your best friend here spoon a bit onto a cold plate; if it doesn’t run, it’s ready. Don’t be tempted to turn up the heat, as this can cause it to scorch.

Can I make this in a Crockpot?
Absolutely! Making Crockpot Apple Butter with Cinnamon and Clove is a fantastic, hands-off method. Just combine all ingredients (except the vanilla and lemon juice) in your slow cooker and cook on low for 8–10 hours. Then, blend the mixture, stir in the vanilla and lemon juice, and cook on high with the lid slightly ajar for another 1-2 hours to allow it to thicken.

How is apple butter different from applesauce?
While they start with similar ingredients, apple butter is essentially a more concentrated, richer version of applesauce. It’s cooked for a much longer period, which allows the sugars in the apples to caramelize. This slow cooking process gives apple butter its characteristic dark color, thick and smooth texture, and deep, intense flavor, turning it from a simple fruit purée into a luxurious fruit butter.

Final Thoughts on Apple Butter with Cinnamon & Clove

There is something so deeply satisfying about this Apple Butter with Cinnamon & Clove. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the scent that fills your home, the quiet bubbling on the stove, and the joy of creating something beautiful and delicious from a simple bag of apples. For me, each jar is a container of memories, a taste of the season, and a connection to the long line of cooks who came before me.

I hope this easy cinnamon clove apple butter recipe brings as much warmth and happiness to your kitchen as it does to mine. Cook it not just for the delicious spread you’ll have at the end, but for the moments of peace and connection it offers along the way.

If you make this recipe, I would love to hear about it! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know how it turned out for you. And if you’d like to save this recipe for later, be sure to pin it on Pinterest. For more stories from my skillet and recipes that taste like home, I’d be so honored if you subscribed to our newsletter here at MisterRecipes.com. Happy simmering