Vanilla Bean Apple Butter

Nov 1, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

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Vanilla Bean Apple Butter: open glass jar of smooth, thick, dark glossy vanilla bean apple butter (a spread, not chunks)…

Vanilla Bean Apple Butter: a slow-cooked apple butter kept in the fridge. Makes 5 cups in about 5.1 hours.

Prep 25 min

Cook 160 min

Cooling 2 hr

Total 5 hr 5 min

Servings 40

Diet Dairy free, Gluten free, Vegan

Ingredients

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servings

4.0 lb (1800.0 g)cored apples, peel on, chopped, use sweet and tart varieties
1.0 cup (220.0 ml)unsweetened apple cider
1.0 cup (200.0 g)granulated sugar
2 ½ tbsp (35.0 ml)bottled lemon juice
2.0 tsp (10.0 ml)vanilla bean paste

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Instructions

Wash and core apples; measure 1800 g prepared chopped apple (peel may remain). Prepare the additional measured fruit and seasonings.
Combine apples, cider, bottled lemon juice and any additional fruit in a wide, heavy pot; cover and simmer 25–35 minutes until completely soft.
Purée softened apples with an immersion blender or pass through a food mill for a smooth pulp.
Return puree to the wide pot; mix in 200 g granulated sugar and all specified flavor additions. Keep heat low and stir frequently to prevent scorching.
Simmer uncovered 90–150 minutes until dark and thick; a cool spoonful should mound and no watery ring should separate on a plate.
Transfer to clean shallow containers; refrigerate promptly within 2 hours. This is a refrigerator fruit butter, not made for water-bath canning, so never store it at room temperature.
Chill overnight before serving on toast, muffins, biscuits or with yogurt; always use a clean spoon.

Tips

The widest practical pot speeds evaporation; lower heat at the end to protect natural fruit sugars.
For shelf-stable apple butter, follow a separately validated exact NCHFP recipe and its altitude-specific process; never can these modified versions as written.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make vanilla bean apple butter?

Plan on 25 minutes of prep and 2 hours 40 minutes of cooking, plus 2 hours to chill. The recipe makes 5 cups (40 servings of 2 tablespoons).

How should I store vanilla bean apple butter?

REFRIGERATOR ONLY: 40°F (4°C) or below; use within about 10 days or freeze in portions.

Can I make vanilla bean apple butter ahead?

Yes. REFRIGERATOR ONLY: 40°F (4°C) or below; use within about 10 days or freeze in portions.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 2 tsp vanilla bean paste (10 ml). Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, as written. Check that packaged ingredients such as chocolate, sprinkles and plant butter are labeled vegan.

Vanilla Bean Apple Butter: a slow-cooked apple butter kept in the fridge. Makes 5 cups in about 5.1 hours.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 40 servings this recipe makes.

46 Calories / serving

0.1g Fat

12.2g Carbs

0.2g Protein

10.2g Sugar

Whole recipe (40 servings): ~1840 cal · 4g fat · 488g carbs · 8g protein · 408g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.

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