Description
This Apple Butter Recipe offers a cozy, richly spiced spread made from slow-cooked apples with autumnal warmth and natural sweetness. Perfect for slathering on toast, stirring into yogurt, or as a glaze for meats, this homemade apple butter is effortless to prepare and free from preservatives, delivering comfort and flavor year-round.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 4 to 6 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (a mix of sweet and tart varieties recommended)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (a small pinch)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
Optional Variations
- Ground ginger or cardamom (to taste for spiced up version)
- Maple syrup to substitute sugar (for maple sweetened variation)
- Coconut sugar and apple cider (for vegan and raw variation)
- Orange zest (for a bright citrus contrast)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Apples: Wash, peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks to ensure even cooking and a smooth texture for the apple butter.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot or slow cooker, combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, apple cider vinegar, and water. Stir gently to mix thoroughly.
- Slow Cook the Mixture: Cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours (or 6 to 8 hours in a slow cooker), stirring occasionally every 20 to 30 minutes to prevent sticking and burning. The apples will soften and the mixture will thicken into a deep, silky brown spread.
- Blend Into Butter: Once thick and concentrated, puree the apple mixture using an immersion blender or standard blender until smooth. Return to heat if necessary to reach desired thickness.
- Cool and Store: Allow the apple butter to cool before transferring it to sterilized jars. Store refrigerated for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Pick a combination of sweet and tart apples like Fuji and Granny Smith for balanced flavor.
- Cook on low heat slowly to develop rich caramelized flavors.
- Stir the mixture regularly to avoid burning or sticking to the pot.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg gradually to suit your taste preference.
- If the apple butter is too runny, simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg