Apple butter is a perfect autumn treat, combining the natural sweetness of apples with rich, warm spices. This easy apple butter recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. With a slow-cooked process that brings out the apples’ deep flavor, this homemade spread can be enjoyed on toast, muffins, pancakes, or as a topping for desserts. The fragrant aroma will fill your kitchen, making it a delightful recipe to share with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 6 medium apples (preferably a mix of sweet and tart apples like Gala and Granny Smith)
- 1 cup of apple cider or apple juice
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon of ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly and break down easily.
- Place the apple slices into a large saucepan or slow cooker. Add the apple cider or apple juice, which will help the apples cook down and soften.
- Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and lemon juice to the pot, stirring to combine. These ingredients help balance the tartness of the apples and create the sweet base for the butter.
- Add all the spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. The combination of these warm spices is what gives apple butter its signature flavor, perfect for the cooler months.
- Stir everything together, ensuring the apples are well coated with the sugars and spices.
- If using a slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 8 hours, stirring occasionally. If using a stovetop, bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for about 1-2 hours, stirring frequently. During the cooking process, the apples will break down and become soft.
- Once the apples have fully softened, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor, but be cautious of the hot liquid.
- After pureeing, return the apple butter to the heat and let it simmer for another 30-60 minutes to thicken to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can continue cooking until it reaches your desired thickness. The longer it cooks, the thicker it will become, so feel free to adjust the time.
- Add a pinch of salt and vanilla extract, stirring to incorporate the flavors.
- Once the apple butter has reached a rich, spreadable consistency, remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly before transferring to jars or airtight containers.
- Store the apple butter in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. It can also be canned for long-term storage by processing the jars in a hot water bath.
Enjoy your homemade apple butter on toast, pancakes, yogurt, or even as a filling for pastries. This delightful recipe is an easy way to capture the flavors of fall in a jar and make your kitchen smell amazing!