Easy Apple Butter Spread
Sometimes the best snacks are the simple ones. This easy apple butter spread for crackers is so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t serve it sooner! It’s simple enough, anybody can make it!
Obviously, the base of this spread is the cream cheese, and how hard is it to open a package of that?! But trust me, the apple butter part is super simple to make also!
Now, if you’re in a real pinch, you can use purchased apple butter. There are some really wonderful prepared apple butter products. Some of my favorite come from a local jam & jelly maker. They’ve got sugar-free, cinnamon added, extra cinnamon, and a couple more varieties.
I’ll bet you have a local jelly maker you shop at, sometimes. The one I frequent is Cooper’s Mill and Market in Bucyrus, Ohio. They started out as a family run apple business, using locally made and world famous Picking copper kettles.
Business has expanded and they now make a whole bunch of food products. You can follow their Facebook page here.
Since I’m an Ohio girl, born and raised, Smuckers has always been the go-to jam or jelly brand. They were a family owned operation only an hour down the road from my hometown.
There’s a tradition there that can’t be beat. So, even though, they have no idea I’m talking about them in this post … that’s the big name brand I use.
For an appetizer, I use this spread on wheat crackers. You could use any variety of cracker you like. Bagel chips, rye toast and even mini English muffins would be a great base for this easy apple butter spread.
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When the weather gets too hot to cook, we’ll often make a meal out of small bite, snack type foods such as this. A tall glass of iced tea, a glass of wine or a bottle of water and we’re all set.
How do you like that fancy serving tray? Make due with what you have on hand. I pulled out a jelly roll / brownie pan / cookie sheet from the cupboard to help me get all the goodies loaded up for snacking. It worked! There was plenty of room for the crackers and the edge kept them from ending up on the deck.
Make It a Meal:
As described this dish is served as an appetizer. I’ve used it for topping on my breakfast English Muffin or toast, also. It’s a super after school snack for the kids, too. Other Apple recipes from my archives: Apple Croissant, Apple &Onion Tart and Apple Salad.
Apples are such a flexible food – you can use them for every single course of the meal. I know that apples in savory dishes sometimes surprise people, but trust me … they’re delicious!
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Easy Apple Butter Spread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Apples
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
- 1/2 c Brown Sugar
- 1/2 c White Sugar
Recipe Directions:
- Peel and slice apples, then cut into 1/2 inch pieces.
- Mix spices and sugars together.
- Place in slow cooker set on low and cook 8-10 hours.
- Stir. Cook another one or two hours until consistency is to your satisfaction.
- Place in clean glass canning jars and seal tightly.
Serve:
To serve with the cream cheese, open a package of cream. Slice the block of cream cheese diagonally, to create two triangles. Place the triangles together on a plate, with the board ends together. Spread the apple butter over the top of the cream cheese. Â Serve with crackers of your choice.
Approximate Nutritional Information:
Servings Per Recipe: 100, Amount Per Serving: Calories: 29, Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0g, Sodium: 2mg, Carbs: 7g, Protein: 0g
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This looks amazing! I could really go for this recipe right now. Saving for later and hoping to try it out very soon!
Christine,
Super simple and very satisfying to snack on …especially when the weather’s hot and you don’t feel like eating much.
What a great idea we always think apple pie but not a spread making this soon!
Adriana,
Let me know how it turns out! We use apple butter on so many things!!
Apples, cinnamon, nutmeg… scent from heaven, if you ask me
I’m trying it for sure!
oh Mari, You know how wonderful the house smells while the apple butter is cooking down… that’s a good day for working inside!
Seriously the simple things in life are most often the best. Love the flavour profile. Cream cheese is the perfect vehicle for this simple yet so tasty appetizer. Party worthy for sure.
You know, Gloria, there are times to have the big, fancy, gourmet meals. And then there are times to just enjoy the simple things. You got it. Thanks for stopping by!
Wow.. I have never tried this recipe!! This looks so delicious!Saving this recipe will try it soon:)
Soniya, do try it! Let me know how you like it. It’s simple enough, you can make this while working on other dishes.
Oh that looks so yum…! Love the sounds of cinnamon and nutmeg.. classic combination with apples.. can almost smell it.
and it does fill the house with that lovely aroma!
Home made apple butter is best than any store bought with lot of preservative. I like to make it myself too. Your recipe looks perfect.
Thanks Swathi! I make smaller batches several times a year. Love that aroma!
Mmm this sounds so warming and perfect as a topping for anything! I think it would make an excellent glaze for pork, too!
Vanessa – what a great idea! I’ll be trying this over the pork chops I have in the fridge.
ooh I love making apple butter and this is such a great way to serve it! Yum! This would be great at parties or upcoming picnics that we have planned for the summer!
Marlynn, let me know how your family likes it! Perfect for summer parties because you don’t really have to worry about it lasting long enough to spoil!
There’s nothing like simple family traditions and the ‘Apple Butter Spread’ sounds delicious. I can already imagine so many recipes that can be made using this spread
Molly, you are so right about the connections between family and food and memories. Wonder why we link them all together so tightly.
This would be delicious to take on a picnic. Or to a concert in the park like we have during summertime in my area. Sounds yummy!
Amy, We have similar concerts in the park here too … altho the entertainment is local, it’s always a good show and a nice evening out.
This is a no-fail recipe to impress your guests. It makes a lovely appetizer, it sounds really delicious. I can’t wait to try it!
Don’t we all have those guests we want to impress, Daniela? LOL … I know there’s several in my circle who I like to WOW!
Though I often make apple sauce, never made the butter this way..in the slow cooker, I am sure the flavours had time to get developed…fantastic recipe!
Srivalli, very similar to making applesauce, the apple butter is super easy. You’re exactly right about the long cooking time helping the flavors meld and blend.
I grew up eating apple butter that my grandmother made but have never made it myself. Love it thought! Thanks for the recipe. I’ll be making it soon!
Linda, make a batch right now in your grandma’s honor! Then fight off the rest of the family so you can actually eat some yourself
I love apple butter! I do have a bit of a problem cooking with though, I have to be sure there’s a spoonful for me for each spoonful the recipe requires.
LOL I have that problem sometimes too! That’s why I often make a double batch.
I’ve never thought to pair apple butter with a salty or savory cracker, but I bet the salty and sweet combo is a match made in heaven! Plus, you can’t go wrong with cream cheese!
Do give it a try! I promise, you’ll find it hard to stop putting the crackers in your mouth! At least, I do.