Apple Brandy Butter

This boozy apple butter takes regular applesauce and transforms it into something sophisticated enough for grown-up gift jars.

Apple brandy adds depth while orange blossom honey brings floral sweetness, and cinnamon with cloves create that classic warm spice profile.

The mixture simmers and thickens until it coats a spoon, then gets sealed into jars for months of shelf life.

Spread it thick on morning toast, swirl into oatmeal, or pair with sharp cheddar on a cheese board.

Pro Tips

• Stir frequently: This mixture can scorch on the bottom; keep stirring especially as it thickens
• Test thickness: It’s ready when it mounds on a spoon and doesn’t run off immediately
• Sterilize jars properly: Hot jars and proper sealing prevent spoilage
• Cool before storing: Let jars cool completely before moving to avoid breaking seals

Variations

• Use bourbon or rum instead of apple brandy for different boozy notes
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for more complex spicing
• Skip the alcohol for family-friendly version (cook 5 minutes longer to thicken)