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Apple Butter

Apple Butter - Simple Food Dishes

Now, if you're ready to dive into making your own apple butter, grab those apples! This recipe is simple, packing a flavor punch that will have your taste buds dancing. Having whipped up dozens of variations over the years, I can truly say there’s nothing like homemade apple butter.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 50
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 5.5 lbs sweet, tender apples, cored and diced into small 1/4" pieces 2.5 kg
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 200 g
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar 150 g
  • 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped or 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract as a substitute
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg optional, adds warmth and depth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, enhances freshness and balances sweetness

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Apples
  1. Start by peeling, coring, and dicing the apples into small pieces. Your goal is uniform pieces for even cooking. The mix of sweet and tart apples works best; I often combine Honeycrisp with Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients
  1. In a large pot or slow cooker, combine the diced apples with all other ingredients: spices, sugars, and lemon juice. The acidity of lemon juice helps to brighten the flavors, while the sugars reinforce the sweet profile.
Step 3: Cook the Mixture
  1. If you are using a stovetop:
    • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.

    • Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

    For a slow cooker:
    • Set it to low and cook for 6-8 hours or until the mixture is thick and the apples are completely soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
  1. Using an immersion blender (or transferring the mixture in batches to a regular blender), blend the apples until completely smooth. The texture should be velvety.
Step 5: Continue Cooking
  1. After blending, return the apple butter to the heat to further thicken. Cook for another 30 minutes on low, allowing the flavors to deepen, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Jar It Up
  1. Once you reach the desired thickness, let the apple butter cool slightly. Pour it into sterilized jars, seal them, and let them cool completely.

Notes

  • Choose the Right Apples: Go for a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor. Honeycrisp and Braeburn are always excellent choices.
  • Don’t Rush the Cooking: Patience is key! Allow the apples to cook down slowly to extract all their flavors.
  • Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on how sweet your apples are, you might want to tweak the sugar levels to fit your taste.
  • Experiment with Spices: Feel free to experiment with spices. Adding cardamom can give a lovely depth, or even a splash of bourbon can elevate everything!
  • Taste as You go: Make adjustments based on your personal preference. Every batch can be different.