Apple Butter Recipe

Apple butter is the intense, caramelized cousin of applesauce, cooked down slowly until it transforms into a dark, mahogany spread that captures the very essence of autumn. By simmering apples with warm spices and sugar for hours, the moisture evaporates and the sugars caramelize, creating a rich, velvety texture perfect for slathering on morning toast. It is a simple process that rewards patience with a house that smells incredible and a preserve that tastes like concentrated apple pie.

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Apple Butter Recipe Ingredients

• 5 to 6 pounds apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith)
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on apple sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

How To Make Apple Butter Recipe

1. Prep the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples. While peeling takes time, it ensures the final butter is silky smooth without any fibrous bits of skin. The slices don’t need to be perfect, as they will eventually break down into mush.
2. Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the apple slices into a large slow cooker (6-quart or larger). In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss with your hands or a large spoon to coat every slice evenly.
3. The Long Simmer: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours. (This is a perfect overnight recipe). The apples will release their liquid, turn soft and brown, and shrink significantly in volume.
4. Puree: Once the apples are completely soft and dark, stir in the vanilla extract. Use an immersion blender (stick blender) directly in the pot to puree the mixture until it is perfectly smooth. If you don’t have one, transfer the mixture carefully to a standard blender in batches.
5. Thicken and Caramelize: Turn the slow cooker to the high setting. Remove the lid. Lay a wooden spoon across the top of the pot to prop the lid open slightly (or leave it off completely if you are nearby to watch for splatter). Cook for another 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This step evaporates the remaining liquid, turning the sauce into a thick, spreadable butter with a deep, dark color.
6. Check for Doneness: To test if it’s ready, spoon a small mound onto a plate. If liquid seeps out from the edges of the mound, it needs more time. If it holds its shape and stays distinct, it is ready.
7. Cool and Store: Let the apple butter cool completely in the pot before transferring it into jars or airtight containers. It will thicken even more as it cools.

Recipe Tips

• Apple Selection: The best apple butter comes from a mix of varieties. Soft apples like McIntosh break down easily, while tart apples like Granny Smith add necessary acidity. Using 2-3 types creates a complex flavor profile.
• No Dairy Involved: Despite the name, there is absolutely no butter (dairy) in apple butter. The name refers to the thick, spreadable texture.
• The Sugar Factor: The amount of sugar needed depends entirely on your apples. Taste the mixture after the first 10 hours of cooking. If it’s too tart, add more sugar during the thickening phase.
• Stovetop Method: If you don’t have a slow cooker, simmer the apples and spices in a large Dutch oven over very low heat for 1-2 hours until soft, puree, and then continue cooking on low (stirring frequently to prevent scorching) until thick.
• Instant Pot: You can pressure cook the apples for 15 minutes, puree them, and then use the “Sauté” function (with a splatter screen) to reduce the mixture, cutting the time down significantly.

What To Serve With Apple Butter Recipe

This versatile spread works for breakfast, dinner, and dessert.

• Warm Biscuits: A classic Southern breakfast pairing.
• Pork Chops: Use it as a glaze for roasted pork or chicken.
• Oatmeal: Swirl a spoonful into porridge for natural sweetness.
• Charcuterie Board: Pairs wonderfully with sharp cheddar or brie cheese.

How To Store Apple Butter Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store in clean jars or airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
• Freeze: Apple butter freezes exceptionally well. Leave about an inch of headspace in the jar (to allow for expansion) and freeze for up to 1 year.
• Canning: This high-acid, high-sugar recipe is safe for water-bath canning if you follow standard USDA canning procedures for shelf stability.

Apple Butter Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 45
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 25mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 12g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 0g

Nutrition information is estimated per 2-tablespoon serving.

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