Apple Butter Recipe

Apple butter is a smooth, sweet spread made from slow-cooked apples, sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. It’s a comforting fall favorite but can be enjoyed year-round. Spread it on toast, use it in baking, or add a dollop to oatmeal for a flavorful treat. The slow cooking process allows the apples to break down and caramelize, giving apple butter its rich, deep flavor. Once you’ve tried homemade apple butter, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

Why You’ll Love Apple Butter

Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this homemade apple butter:

Rich and Flavorful

The slow cooking process enhances the apples’ natural sweetness and infuses them with warm spices, creating a spread that’s rich in flavor.

Versatile

Apple butter can be used in many ways—on toast, pancakes, in desserts, or even as a filling for pastries.

Simple Ingredients

Made with just a few basic ingredients, apple butter is easy to prepare and doesn’t require any fancy equipment.

Homemade Goodness

There’s something special about making your own fruit spreads. With apple butter, you control the sweetness and spice levels, making it just the way you like it.

Perfect for Gifting

Apple butter makes a great homemade gift for the holidays or for any occasion. Pack it into pretty jars and share with loved ones!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this delicious Apple Butter:

Apples

Choose a variety of apples that are naturally sweet and tart, such as Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp. The apples are the base of the apple butter, so select fresh, ripe fruit.

Sugar

Sugar adds sweetness and helps the apples break down during the cooking process. You can use granulated sugar, brown sugar, or a combination of both for a richer flavor.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon gives the apple butter its warm, cozy flavor. It’s a must-have spice for this recipe!

Cloves

Ground cloves add a touch of warmth and depth to the apple butter, complementing the sweetness of the apples.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg adds a slight spiciness that balances out the sweetness and adds a bit of complexity to the flavor.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the apples and enhances the natural fruit flavor. It also prevents the apple butter from darkening too much.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Ready to make some apple butter? Here’s how you do it:

1. Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. Place them in a large pot or slow cooker. The apples don’t need to be perfectly cut, as they’ll cook down and soften over time.

2. Cook the Apples

Add the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and lemon juice to the apples. Stir everything together and cook over medium heat, covered, for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples will begin to release their juices and soften.

3. Blend the Mixture

Once the apples have softened and started to break down, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be careful if using a regular blender, as the mixture will be hot.

4. Continue Cooking

Return the blended apple mixture to the pot or slow cooker. If using a stove, continue cooking on low heat for another 1 to 2 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 4-6 hours. The apple butter will thicken and darken as it cooks.

5. Taste and Adjust

Once the apple butter has thickened to your liking, taste it and adjust the sweetness or spice level if necessary. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more sugar. If you like it spicier, add a pinch more cinnamon or cloves.

6. Can or Store

Once your apple butter has cooled, store it in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also can the apple butter for long-term storage. To can, follow proper canning procedures for your area, and make sure the jars are sealed properly.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Spread your homemade apple butter on toast, muffins, pancakes, or waffles. It’s also delicious stirred into oatmeal, yogurt, or even used in baked goods like cakes and pies.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 60
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 0g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 0mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours
Total Time: 2 to 3 hours 15 minutes

How to Serve Apple Butter

On Toast or Muffins

Spread apple butter on a warm piece of toast, muffin, or scone for a delicious breakfast or snack.

In Oatmeal or Yogurt

Swirl apple butter into oatmeal or yogurt for a creamy, sweet flavor.

As a Dip

Serve apple butter as a dip for fresh fruit or cinnamon sugar crisps for a fun, easy appetizer or snack.

In Baked Goods

Use apple butter in cakes, pies, or cookies for added moisture and flavor. It’s great for fall-themed treats!

Additional Tips

• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet apple butter, simply reduce the amount of sugar. You can also use a sugar substitute, but keep in mind this may affect the consistency.
• Thicken It Further: If your apple butter isn’t thick enough, continue cooking it over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Blend for Smoothness: For an ultra-smooth apple butter, you can strain it after blending to remove any remaining apple bits.
• Canning Apple Butter: If you want to preserve the apple butter for a longer time, follow proper canning guidelines, ensuring the jars are sealed tightly and processed correctly.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make apple butter without a slow cooker?
A1: Yes, you can make apple butter on the stovetop by following the same instructions and cooking on low heat. It will just require more stirring.

Q2: How can I make apple butter without sugar?
A2: You can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in place of sugar. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and consistency.

Q3: Can I use a variety of apples?
A3: Absolutely! You can mix different types of apples for a unique flavor. A mix of tart and sweet apples works especially well.

Q4: How long does homemade apple butter last?
A4: Homemade apple butter can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator. If properly canned, it can last for several months at room temperature.

Q5: Can I freeze apple butter?
A5: Yes! You can freeze apple butter in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.

Q6: Is it necessary to peel the apples?
A6: While it’s not absolutely necessary to peel the apples, peeling them will create a smoother texture for your apple butter.

Q7: Can I make apple butter spicier?
A7: Yes, you can add more cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of spice.

Q8: How do I can apple butter?
A8: Follow proper canning procedures by sterilizing jars, filling them with apple butter, and processing them in a water bath. Ensure they are sealed tightly for long-term storage.

Q9: Can I use apple butter in baking?
A9: Yes! Apple butter can be used as an ingredient in baking, adding moisture and flavor to cakes, muffins, and even cookies.

Q10: Is apple butter the same as applesauce?
A10: No, apple butter is much thicker, darker, and has a more concentrated flavor. It’s cooked down for a longer time, which gives it its rich, deep taste.

Conclusion

Apple butter is the ultimate fall treat that’s both easy to make and versatile. Its rich, spiced flavor is perfect for spreading on your favorite baked goods, adding to yogurt or oatmeal, or even incorporating into desserts. Whether you make it for yourself or give it as a homemade gift, apple butter is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the taste of apples and warm spices. Enjoy!

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