Apple butter is a rich, smooth, and spiced spread made from apples that have been slowly cooked down to a thick, caramelized consistency. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, muffins, or pancakes, and can also be used as a filling for pastries or as a topping for meats. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and it fills your kitchen with the sweet, cozy aroma of fall.
This recipe is simple, relying on fresh apples, spices, and a bit of patience to bring out the deep, sweet flavors. You can use any variety of apples you like, but a mix of tart and sweet apples works best to give the apple butter a nice balance.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 8–10 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples:
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. You don’t need to worry about making them perfect, as they will cook down and break apart during the process.
- Cook the Apples:
- Place the chopped apples into a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the apple cider or juice and cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. Cook until the apples are soft and breaking down, about 20–30 minutes.
- Puree the Apples:
- Once the apples are soft and starting to turn mushy, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can transfer the cooked apples to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Add the Sweeteners and Spices:
- Return the apple puree to the pot (if needed) and stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger (if using), salt, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer over low to medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Simmer to Thicken:
- Let the apple butter simmer uncovered for about 1 to 2 hours, stirring every 15–20 minutes. The mixture will gradually thicken, become darker, and reduce in volume. You want it to reach a consistency similar to that of smooth peanut butter. Be patient—the slow cooking helps deepen the flavor and caramelize the sugars.
- Final Taste Check:
- Taste the apple butter and adjust the sweetness or spices if necessary. You can add more sugar or spices according to your personal preference.
- Jar and Store:
- Once your apple butter has thickened, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly before transferring it to jars. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or you can can it for longer shelf life.
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Tips:
- Apple Variety: For a perfect balance of flavor, use a mix of tart apples (like Granny Smith) and sweet apples (like Fuji or Gala).
- Canning: If you plan to can your apple butter for long-term storage, follow proper canning procedures. You can process it in a hot water bath for 10 minutes to seal the jars properly.
- Additions: For a different twist, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground allspice in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Enjoy your homemade apple butter spread over fresh bread, stirred into oatmeal, or as a delicious addition to your fall baking!
