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Apple butter (mantequilla de manzana) is enjoyed widely in Mexico, particularly in the state of Chihuahua and parts of Jalisco, which are the country’s top apple-growing regions, and in Zacatlán, Puebla, where local apple products are common. Due to limited retail availability of imported brands of apple butter, many create it at home by slow-cooking apples (manzanas) with cinnamon (canela), cloves (clavos de olor), and brown sugar (mascabado), high-quality Mexican vanilla to a smooth, thick, caramelized consistency, and served as a spread for bread, hotcakes, and waffles, in oatmeal, or with traditional breads or cheese. It is found in sweet (dulce) tamales, apple turnovers (empanadas de manzana), and other specialty products.

Health Benefits of Apple Butter

Because of the high amounts of added sugar in store-bought brands, many prefer to make their own healthy, fat-free alternatives to butter or jam, which offer vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Choosing low-sugar or homemade versions is generally healthier.

Nutrient-Dense: Rich in fiber, which aids digestion, and contains antioxidants.

Low in Calories and Fat: It is a low-fat or fat-free alternative to butter, with some versions containing roughly 20-50 calories per tablespoon.

Potential Health Benefits: Contains nutrients that may support a healthy immune system and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

Key Considerations

Added Sugars: Many store-bought versions have high sugar content.

Calories: While lower in calories than butter, it still contains calories and carbohydrates, so moderation is key for weight management.

Blood Sugar: People with diabetes should monitor portions due to the sugar content.

How to Choose a Healthier Option

Check Labels: Look for brands with lower sugar content.

Make Your Own: Using a slow cooker with spices (like cinnamon and clove) allows you to control the sugar content.

Use as a Topping: It is a great alternative to butter on toast, yogurt, or oatmeal.

Where to Find/Buy Apple Butter in Mexico

Mercado Libre: Imports such as Smucker’s brand are available.
Etsy Mexico: Artisanal or homemade options, including sugar-free versions, can be found.
Specialty/Import Stores: Occasionally found in high-end supermarkets (like some City Market or Superama stores) in the jam/jelly aisle.

Recipe

Ingredients

▢ 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) soft, sweet apples (see note 1) Cored and chopped into small pieces, about ¼”
▢ 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar firmly packed
▢ ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
▢ 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
▢ ¼ teaspoon salt
▢ ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
▢ 1 vanilla bean (may substitute 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract)

Recommended Equipment

▢ 6 quart slow cooker
▢ Immersion blender

Instructions

Slice apples into small pieces (about ¼”) and dispose of cores (you do not need to peel the apples).

5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) soft, sweet apples (see note below)

Place apples in the basin of large slow cooker

In a medium-sized bowl stir together sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cloves until well-combined.

1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves

Pour sugar mixture over apple pieces and stir until well combined.

Place lid on crockpot and cook on low heat for 10 hours.

Once 10 hours has elapsed, use an immersion blender to puree apples until smooth and no chunks remain.

Scrape the inside of the vanilla bean into your apple puree (or add vanilla extract).

1 vanilla bean

Turn the crockpot on to low heat and cook another 2 hours uncovered, stirring occasionally.

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container, where it will keep for about 2 weeks.

Notes

Apples: Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Fuji, or Gala are recommended. Don’t use Granny Smith; they are too tart and firm for this recipe. Weigh your apples before coring and chopping. Do not peel them! In most cases, this is about 13 apples, but it could vary widely depending on the size of your apples.

Immersion Blender Pureeing: When using an immersion blender, pour the apples into a blender and puree until smooth, then return to the crockpot. You may need to work in batches depending on your blender’s size.

Storing: Store apple butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several weeks or freeze for up to several months.

Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking methods, portion sizes, and more.

Note: As Cuernavaca sits on a mountainside and the elevation changes from north to south, the cooking times will vary. Please see the article: Temperature Formula and Cooking Implications for more information.