Salted Caramel Apple Butter 🍎 – A Cozy Fall Favorite You’ll Want Year-Round

There’s something undeniably comforting about the scent of apples and cinnamon slowly simmering in the kitchen. As the leaves turn golden and the chill begins to creep in, nothing sets the tone for a cozy autumn day like a jar of homemade Salted Caramel Apple Butter.

This luxurious apple spread is like autumn in a jar — rich, velvety, and bursting with the deep flavors of slow-cooked apples, warm spices, and golden caramel. Whether you spread it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, spoon it over pancakes, or use it as a filling for baked goods, this apple butter elevates every bite.

Inspired by classic American harvest traditions and the nostalgic charm of homemade preserves, this recipe brings the best of fall flavors with a modern twist — the salty-sweet magic of caramel. Even better? It’s made in a slow cooker, so your home will smell like a fall festival while your kitchen does most of the work.

🍂 Why You’ll Fall in Love with Salted Caramel Apple Butter

Simple, slow cooker recipe – no standing over a stove for hours.
Rich, complex flavor from the caramel, spices, and slow-cooked apples.
Versatile – spread it, dip it, bake with it, or give it as a homemade gift.
Make-ahead friendly – stores well in the fridge or freezer.
Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.

This is more than a condiment — it’s a cozy hug in a jar.

🍏 Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Butter

You’ll need:

6 lbs apples (about 12 large apples), peeled, cored, and chopped
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for garnish)

Pro Tip: A mix of apple varieties gives the best depth of flavor. Try combining tart Granny Smiths with sweet Fujis or Honeycrisps.

📝 Equipment You’ll Need

Large slow cooker (6 quarts or larger)
Peeler and corer for prepping apples
Immersion blender or standard blender
Sterilized jars or airtight containers for storing
Spatula or wooden spoon for stirring

Optional for long-term storage:

Water bath canner
Canning jars and lids

👩‍🍳 How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Butter (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and chop your apples into small chunks. This doesn’t have to be perfect — they’ll be pureed later.

Place the chopped apples into your slow cooker.

2. Mix the Sugar and Spices

In a bowl, combine:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp allspice
½ tsp salt

Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture evenly over the apples and stir well to coat.

3. Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 10–12 hours, stirring occasionally.

The apples will slowly break down and darken into a rich, caramelized brown color. If they’re not fully broken down after 12 hours, continue cooking for an additional 1–2 hours.

4. Blend Until Smooth

Once the apples are soft and caramelized, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to puree until silky smooth.

No immersion blender? Carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. Be sure to vent the lid slightly to allow steam to escape.

5. Add Vanilla and Caramel

Stir in:

1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ cup caramel sauce

Mix well to combine.

6. Adjust Thickness

If the apple butter is still too thin, cook uncovered on LOW for another 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally until the texture is thick and spreadable.

It should be thicker than applesauce, with a deep amber color and glossy finish.

7. Cool and Store

Allow the apple butter to cool to room temperature.

Transfer to sterilized jars or airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 6 months.

For longer shelf life, process in a water bath canner according to standard canning guidelines.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Spread the apple butter on warm toast, swirl into yogurt or oatmeal, use as a filling for pastries, or top with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an extra decadent touch.

🌟 Serving Suggestions

Wondering how to enjoy your Salted Caramel Apple Butter? Here are a few delicious ideas:

On Toast: A classic way to enjoy it, especially on sourdough or brioche.
As a Dessert Topping: Drizzle over ice cream, cheesecake, or pound cake.
In Oatmeal or Yogurt: Stir a spoonful into your breakfast for a flavor boost.
As a Dip: Serve with sliced apples, graham crackers, or pretzels.
In Baking: Use as a filling in thumbprint cookies, turnovers, or cinnamon rolls.
On Pancakes or Waffles: A cozy upgrade to maple syrup.

📦 How to Store and Preserve Apple Butter

In the Refrigerator:

Store in clean, airtight containers.
Lasts for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

In the Freezer:

Freeze in freezer-safe jars or containers, leaving headspace for expansion.
Good for up to 6 months.

Canning for Long-Term Storage:

Want to make it shelf-stable?

Sterilize your canning jars and lids.
Ladle hot apple butter into jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace.
Wipe rims, seal, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude).
Let cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours. Check seals before storing.

🍁 Tips for the Best Apple Butter

Use a variety of apples for more complex flavor.
Don’t rush the cook time — low and slow develops the best taste.
Adjust sweetness to taste by using more or less sugar or caramel.
For a deeper caramel flavor, use homemade caramel sauce or cook the apple butter a bit longer to develop more caramelization.
Add a splash of apple cider for extra moisture and tang (optional).

🍬 Make It Your Own: Variations

Looking to customize your apple butter? Try these twists:

🥃 Bourbon Caramel Apple Butter:

Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon with the caramel for a warm, boozy twist.

🍊 Citrus-Infused Apple Butter:

Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest and a splash of orange juice during cooking.

🧂 Spiced Maple Apple Butter:

Swap some or all of the sugar for pure maple syrup and increase spices.

🌶️ Spicy Apple Butter:

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot honey for a subtle kick.

🎁 Homemade Gift Idea

Salted Caramel Apple Butter makes a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift for holidays, birthdays, or thank-yous.

Packaging ideas:

Spoon into mason jars and tie with twine or ribbon.
Add a handwritten label or recipe card.
Pair with a loaf of fresh bread or homemade scones.

It’s a heartfelt way to share the cozy flavors of fall with loved ones.

📌 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apple sauce instead of whole apples?

You can, but the flavor and texture won’t be as rich. Whole apples develop deeper flavors during slow cooking.

How do I know when the apple butter is done?

It should be thick, smooth, and glossy, with a deep caramel-brown color. A spoon dragged through the butter should leave a clear trail.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes, but it requires more attention. Simmer the apples and spices on low, stirring often to prevent burning, and follow the same blending and caramel steps.