Cracker Barrel Apple Butter Recipe

Cracker Barrel Apple Butter is a sweet and spicy spread that’s perfect for adding a comforting touch to your morning toast, biscuits, or pancakes. With its rich apple flavor and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, this homemade version brings the cozy charm of Cracker Barrel right into your kitchen. Easy to make and versatile, it’s an ideal recipe for spreading on breakfast treats or gifting to loved ones.

Cracker Barrel Apple Butter is a delightful, sweet, and spiced spread that captures the essence of fall in every bite. Made with slow-cooked apples, sugar, and a mix of cinnamon, cloves, and other warm spices, this homemade version delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and depth of flavor.

It’s incredibly easy to make and ideal for spreading on warm Air Fryer Cracker Barrel’s Buttermilk Biscuits, Air Fryer Chile Cheese Toast, or Brown Sugar Pancakes Recipe. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or as a snack, this Cracker Barrel-inspired apple butter brings comfort and flavor to any meal.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Perfectly Sweet & Spiced – The blend of apples, cinnamon, and cloves creates a balanced, comforting flavor that’s just the right amount of sweet and spicy.
• Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can recreate this delicious spread at home in no time.
• Versatile Uses – Enjoy it on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or even as a topping for oatmeal or desserts—it’s perfect for any occasion.
• Great for Gifting – Homemade apple butter makes a thoughtful and charming gift for family and friends, especially around the holidays.
• Long-Lasting Flavor – Once made, it stores beautifully in the fridge and stays fresh for weeks, letting you enjoy its deliciousness for longer.

Cracker Barrel Apple Butter Ingredients

• Apples: Choose a mix of sweet and tart varieties for a complex flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps thicken the spread.
• Ground Cinnamon: Complements the apples.
• Ground Nutmeg: Provides a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
• Cloves: Offers a pungent, sweet, and bitter flavor.
• Allspice: Contributes warm, sweet, and savory note.
• Lemon Juice: Balances the sweetness with its tartness.
• Kosher Salt: Intensifies the apple flavor.

How To Make Cracker Barrel Apple Butter Recipe

Step One: Peeling, coring, and slicing your apples. For a richer flavor, choose a variety of apples from tart to sweet.

Step Two: Place the sliced apples in your pressure cooker. Add in the sugar, which will help draw out the natural juices of the apples. Sprinkle in cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to your liking, along with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. If you’re using lemon juice, add it now to brighten the flavor and help preserve the apple butter.

Step Three:  Seal the lid of your pressure cooker and set it to cook on high pressure for about 20 minutes. This timing can vary slightly depending on the specific type and brand of pressure cooker you are using. After the cooking time has elapsed, allow the pressure to release naturally. This will prevent the apples from becoming too mushy and help maintain a deeper flavor.

Step Four:  Once the pressure has ultimately released, open the lid carefully. If there is excess liquid, you can use the sauté function to reduce the mixture before blending. Use an immersion blender in the pot to puree the apple mixture until smooth and buttery. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the mixture to a regular blender or food processor; just be careful as it will be hot. If the apple butter isn’t as thick as you’d like, set the pressure cooker to the saute function and cook the puree for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Cracker Barrel Apple Butter Recipe Tips

• Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a well-rounded flavor profile. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work great.
• Proper Preparation: Peel, core, and slice the apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and a smooth consistency.
• Slow Cook for Depth: Whether you use a pressure cooker or slow cooker, take your time to allow the spices to infuse the apples thoroughly for a rich, deep flavor.
• Spice It Just Right: Adjust the amounts of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to suit your taste. A pinch of salt and a splash of lemon juice can also enhance and brighten the flavors.
• Blend for Smoothness: For a truly buttery texture, blend the cooked apple mixture until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender, being cautious with the hot mixture.
• Reduce Excess Liquid: If the mixture is too thin, use the sauté function on your pressure cooker or simmer it on the stovetop to reduce and thicken before blending.
• Cool Before Serving: Let the apple butter cool completely before transferring it to jars. This not only helps set the flavor but also improves its spreadability.

Storing

Store the Cracker Barrel Apple Butter in a clean, airtight jar in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It will maintain its rich flavor for up to two weeks, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for your favorite snacks.

Cracker Barrel Apple Butter Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use different types of apples? Absolutely! Using a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp will create a well-balanced flavor.

Do I need a pressure cooker? No, while a pressure cooker speeds up the process, you can also make this recipe in a slow cooker or on the stovetop—just adjust your cooking times accordingly.

How do I achieve the right consistency? If your apple butter is too thin, simply use the sauté or simmer function to reduce the mixture until it reaches your desired thickness.

How long does the apple butter keep? Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the apple butter will keep its flavor for up to two weeks.

Can I freeze the apple butter? Yes, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using to maintain the best texture and flavor.

How can I adjust the spice levels? Feel free to tailor the spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—to suit your taste preferences for a milder or bolder flavor.

More Copycat Cracker Barrel Recipes

• cracker barrel carrot recipe
• cracker barrel cinnamon roll pie
• air fryer cracker barrel macaroni and cheese
• broccoli cheddar chicken (cracker barrel copycat)
• air fryer cracker barrel’s buttermilk biscuits
• air fryer copycat cracker barrel fried apples
• air fryer copycat cracker barrel grilled chicken tenders

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