14 Cinnamon Apple Butter Recipes for Jars

As the leaves turn golden and the air crisp with autumn promise, nothing transports me back to my childhood like the warm, spiced aroma of apple butter simmering on the stove. I remember weekends at my grandparents’ farm, where we’d harvest bushels of apples from the orchard, and Grandma would spend hours stirring massive pots over low heat, filling the kitchen with cinnamon-kissed magic. Those jars of homemade apple butter were treasures—spread on toast, swirled into oatmeal, or gifted to neighbors—evoking comfort and tradition in every spoonful.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen, reviving that nostalgia with modern twists. Last fall, I dedicated a rainy weekend to perfecting cinnamon apple butter variations using my slow cooker and Instant Pot, testing infusions like bourbon and chai spices. In a world of processed spreads, these homemade recipes shine: they’re naturally sweetened, nutrient-packed with apples’ fiber and antioxidants, and ideal for canning into jars for year-round enjoyment or holiday gifting.

Classic Cinnamon Apple Butter

This timeless recipe captures pure fall essence with just apples, cinnamon, and a touch of sugar. Ingredients: 10 lbs apples (peeled, cored, chopped), 2 cups sugar, 2 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla extract, pinch of salt.
Cook apples in a large pot with 1 cup water until soft (about 30 mins), blend smooth, then simmer with sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt for 2-3 hours until thickened. Ladle into sterilized jars and process in a water bath for 10 mins. It’s rich in pectin for natural thickness, boosts immunity with vitamin C, and stores for up to a year.

Bourbon Cinnamon Apple Butter

Elevate the classic with a boozy kick for adult palates. Ingredients: 10 lbs apples, 1.5 cups brown sugar, 3 tbsp cinnamon, 1/2 cup bourbon, 1 tsp nutmeg.
Slow-cook chopped apples on low for 8 hours, blend, then stir in sugars, spices, and bourbon; simmer 1-2 hours more. Jar and seal. The bourbon adds depth and caramel notes, making it perfect for cheese boards—antioxidant-rich and shelf-stable.

Vanilla Bean Cinnamon Apple Butter

Infuse luxury with real vanilla bean for a creamy, aromatic spread. Ingredients: 10 lbs apples, 2 cups sugar, 3 tbsp cinnamon, 1 vanilla bean (split), lemon juice from 2 lemons.
Cook apples with vanilla pod until mushy, puree, add sugar, cinnamon, and lemon; reduce by half over low heat. Can as usual. Vanilla enhances warmth, aiding digestion, while it’s low-calorie and versatile for baking.

Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Apple Butter

Blend cinnamon with chai flavors for an exotic twist. Ingredients: 10 lbs apples, 1.5 cups sugar, 2 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tsp each cardamom/ginger/cloves, 1 black tea bag.
Steep tea in cooking water, add apples and simmer soft; blend, mix spices and sugar, cook down 2 hours. Jar it up. Warming spices promote gut health and pair divinely with scones.

Nutmeg-Infused Cinnamon Apple Butter

A cozy duo of cinnamon and nutmeg for nutty depth. Ingredients: 10 lbs apples, 2 cups brown sugar, 3 tbsp cinnamon, 2 tsp nutmeg, dash allspice.
Crockpot apples 6-8 hours on low, blend, stir in sugars and spices, cook uncovered 2 hours. Process jars. Nutmeg aids sleep, and this butter’s fiber supports heart health.

Ginger Cinnamon Apple Butter

Zesty ginger brightens the cinnamon profile for a tangy bite. Ingredients: 10 lbs apples, 1.5 cups sugar, 2 tbsp cinnamon, 3 tbsp fresh grated ginger, 1 tsp cloves.
Boil apples with ginger water till soft, puree, add rest; simmer thick. Jar and bath-process. Ginger soothes nausea, making this ideal for morning toast.

Maple Cinnamon Apple Butter

Natural maple syrup swaps sugar for pure sweetness. Ingredients: 10 lbs apples, 2 cups maple syrup, 3 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla, salt.
Slow-cook apples, blend smooth, mix in maple, cinnamon, etc.; reduce 1-2 hours. Can safely. Maple’s minerals boost energy, naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Apple Butter

Rich molasses from brown sugar amplifies caramel flavors. Ingredients: 10 lbs apples, 2.5 cups brown sugar, 2 tbsp cinnamon, apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp).
Cook apples soft, blend, stir in sugar, cinnamon, vinegar; low simmer 3 hours. Jar it. Brown sugar adds iron, perfect for pancakes.

Crockpot Lazy Cinnamon Apple Butter

Hands-off method for busy cooks. Ingredients: 10 lbs apples, 2 cups sugar, 3 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tsp allspice, lemon zest.
Dump all in crockpot on low 10 hours, blend halfway, uncover to thicken last 2 hours. Jar easily. Saves time, retains max nutrients.

Instant Pot Cinnamon Apple Butter

Speedy pressure-cooker version. Ingredients: 10 lbs apples (chopped), 1.5 cups sugar, 2 tbsp cinnamon, 1/2 cup water, nutmeg.
Pressure cook 20 mins, natural release, blend, sauté mode to thicken with spices. Can jars. Quick prep preserves vitamins A and C.

Pear-Cinnamon Apple Butter Hybrid

Blend apples and pears for silky texture. Ingredients: 5 lbs apples + 5 lbs pears, 2 cups sugar, 3 tbsp cinnamon, ginger (1 tsp).
Cook fruits together till soft, puree, season and reduce. Jar. Pears add fiber for digestion, ultra-smooth spread.

Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Apple Butter

Fall fusion with pumpkin pie vibes. Ingredients: 10 lbs apples, 2 cups sugar, 2 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tsp each pumpkin pie spice/nutmeg, vanilla.
Simmer apples, blend, add sugars/spices; cook down. Process. Boosts beta-carotene for immunity.

Spiced Rum Cinnamon Apple Butter

Rum’s warmth meets cinnamon for holiday cheer. Ingredients: 10 lbs apples, 1.5 cups brown sugar, 3 tbsp cinnamon, 1/2 cup spiced rum, cloves.
Slow-cook apples, blend, infuse rum/spices, thicken. Jar. Rum enhances antioxidants, great for gifts.

Sugar-Free Cinnamon Apple Butter

Naturally sweet for health-conscious eaters. Ingredients: 10 lbs apples, 3 tbsp cinnamon, stevia to taste, lemon juice, apple juice concentrate.
Cook with juice, blend, spice and reduce—no added sugar needed. Can it. Low-glycemic, diabetic-friendly, full of pectin.

These 14 cinnamon apple butter recipes are your ticket to jarred perfection—easy to make, endlessly versatile, and bursting with seasonal love. Grab some apples, fire up your kitchen, and start preserving the flavors of fall today; your pantry (and taste buds) will thank you!