Salted Caramel Apple Butter – The Ultimate Fall Spread

When the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change colors, there’s nothing more comforting than the flavors of fall. Apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel come together in this Salted Caramel Apple Butter recipe to create a spread so rich and smooth, it feels like autumn in a jar. Unlike traditional jams and jellies, apple butter is slow-cooked until the apples break down into a luscious, velvety texture, and then enhanced with warm spices. Adding salted caramel takes this classic recipe to the next level, giving it a sweet, buttery depth balanced with just the right hint of salt.

Whether you’re looking for a delicious spread for your morning toast, a homemade gift for the holidays, or a versatile ingredient to elevate your desserts, this apple butter recipe is exactly what you need.

What is Apple Butter?

Apple butter isn’t actually butter—it’s a thick, deeply flavored fruit spread made by slow-cooking apples with sugar and spices until they caramelize. The long cooking time allows the natural sugars in the apples to concentrate, giving the butter its characteristic rich, dark color and intense flavor. Unlike applesauce, which is lighter and chunkier, apple butter is smooth, creamy, and spreadable.

When you add caramel sauce and sea salt, the apple butter transforms into something extraordinary. It combines the coziness of traditional apple butter with the luxurious richness of caramel, creating a spread that’s both nostalgic and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Apple Butter

Simple and hands-off: Made in a slow cooker with minimal effort.
Rich and decadent: Sweet apples paired with caramel and spices for a gourmet touch.
Perfect for gifting: Packed into jars, it makes a thoughtful homemade present.
Versatile: Use it on toast, pancakes, oatmeal, desserts, and even savory dishes.
Make-ahead friendly: Stores well in the fridge, freezer, or canned for long-term use.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this salted caramel apple butter:

6 lbs apples (about 12 large apples) – peeled, cored, and chopped. A mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith works best.
1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness and to help the apples break down.
1 cup packed brown sugar – adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – the main warm spice in apple butter.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds earthiness and warmth.
¼ teaspoon ground cloves – for a deeper, slightly spicy note.
¼ teaspoon ground allspice – enhances the complexity of the spice blend.
½ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract – for a sweet and aromatic finish.
½ cup caramel sauce – homemade or high-quality store-bought caramel.
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and chopping the apples. Place them directly into the slow cooker. Don’t worry about making perfect cuts—since the apples will cook down and be pureed, rustic chunks are perfectly fine.

2. Mix the Sugar and Spices

In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples in the slow cooker. Stir to coat the apples well.

3. Slow Cook Until Soft and Dark

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it on low heat. Let the apples cook for 10–12 hours, stirring occasionally. Over time, the apples will release liquid, soften, and eventually turn into a thick, dark, and fragrant mixture. For an even richer, caramelized flavor, let it cook for an extra 1–2 hours.

4. Puree the Mixture

Once the apples are completely broken down and dark brown, puree the mixture until smooth. You can use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker, or carefully transfer the apples in batches to a regular blender. Blend until silky and creamy, then return the mixture to the slow cooker.

5. Add Vanilla and Caramel

Stir in the vanilla extract and caramel sauce until fully incorporated. The caramel adds a buttery sweetness, while the vanilla enhances the warm spice flavors.

6. Adjust the Thickness

If the apple butter seems thin, continue cooking uncovered on low for another 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your preferred thickness. The consistency should be spreadable, like peanut butter or thick jam.

7. Cool and Store

Allow the apple butter to cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to sterilized glass jars or airtight containers. You can:

Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Freeze for up to 6 months.
Can in a water bath for shelf-stable storage (up to 12 months).

8. Serve and Enjoy

Spread your salted caramel apple butter on fresh bread, warm biscuits, or pancakes. For an extra gourmet touch, sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving.

Expert Tips

Best apples to use: A combination of sweet and tart apples creates the best flavor balance. Try Honeycrisp + Granny Smith.
Homemade caramel: If you have time, make your own caramel sauce with butter, cream, and sugar for richer flavor.
Adjust sweetness: Reduce sugar if your apples are naturally very sweet.
No slow cooker? Make it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent burning.

Delicious Ways to Use Salted Caramel Apple Butter

Spread it on toast, muffins, or bagels for a cozy breakfast.
Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or crepes.
Swirl into yogurt, oatmeal, or overnight oats.
Use as a filling for cakes, turnovers, or cinnamon rolls.
Pair with cheese boards—especially brie, cheddar, or gouda.
Spoon it over ice cream, cheesecake, or brownies.
Stir into coffee, hot chocolate, or lattes for a fall-inspired drink.

Storage and Shelf Life

Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Up to 6 months.
Canned: Process in boiling water for 10 minutes and store up to 12 months.

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Apple Butter is the ultimate fall recipe. It’s rich, spiced, and perfectly balanced with sweet caramel and a touch of salt. Whether you enjoy it at breakfast, use it in desserts, or give it as a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe is guaranteed to bring cozy autumn vibes to your table.