Homemade apple butter is a rich, flavorful spread made by slowly cooking down apples with sugar and spices until thick and smooth. It’s a perfect spread for toast, biscuits, or even stirred into oatmeal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a delicious batch of apple butter that’s perfect for fall or to give as a homemade gift.
Ingredients:
- 6 1/2 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice your apples into uniform pieces. You can use a variety of apples, but Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well for apple butter. Place the prepared apples into a slow cooker or a large pot.
Step 2: Add the Sugar and Spices
Add the granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt to the apples. Stir to combine everything thoroughly, ensuring that the apple slices are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
Step 3: Cook the Apples
If using a slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours (or on high for 4-6 hours), stirring occasionally. If cooking on the stove, place the pot over medium heat, bring the apples to a simmer, then reduce to low and cook for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Cook until the apples are soft and have broken down.
Step 4: Blend the Mixture
Once the apples are completely soft and falling apart, blend the mixture until smooth. You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture reaches your desired consistency.
Step 5: Cook Down the Apple Butter
Return the blended mixture to the pot or slow cooker, if needed. Stir in the vanilla extract and cook uncovered on low heat for another 1-2 hours (or 30 minutes on the stove), stirring occasionally, until the apple butter thickens and becomes dark and rich.
Step 6: Store and Serve
Once the apple butter is thick and smooth, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Transfer the apple butter into sterilized jars or airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage. Enjoy on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or as a topping for yogurt!
Cooking Notes:
- Apple Variety: A mix of tart and sweet apples works best for apple butter. Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the sugars, while sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Gala add depth to the flavor.
- Texture Preference: If you prefer a chunkier apple butter, blend the apples less. For an extra smooth consistency, blend until completely pureed.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Taste the apple butter as it cooks down. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add more sugar to taste.
Variations:
1. Spiced Apple Butter
For a spicier version, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves, or a pinch of ground allspice to the mixture for more complex flavors.
2. Apple Butter with Maple Syrup
Replace some or all of the sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, fall-inspired flavor.
3. Slow Cooker Apple Butter
If you prefer the convenience of a slow cooker, cook the apples on low for 10-12 hours, stirring occasionally, until they reach the desired thickness. This method gives the apple butter a slow-cooked, caramelized flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I can apple butter for long-term storage?
A: Yes! Apple butter can be canned using a water bath canning method. Ladle the hot apple butter into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Process the jars in a water bath for 10 minutes for long-term storage.
Q: How long does apple butter last?
A: Apple butter will last in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If frozen, it can last for up to 6 months. If properly canned, apple butter can be stored in a pantry for up to a year.
Q: Can I use less sugar?
A: Yes! You can adjust the amount of sugar based on your taste and the sweetness of your apples. Just keep in mind that less sugar may affect the thickness and shelf life of the apple butter.
Q: What’s the best way to use apple butter?
A: Apple butter is incredibly versatile! Spread it on toast or biscuits, swirl it into oatmeal or yogurt, use it as a filling for pastries, or even as a glaze for pork or chicken.
Homemade Apple Butter is a delicious, versatile spread that’s easy to make with just a few ingredients. Whether you’re using a slow cooker or stovetop, the slow cooking process caramelizes the apples and creates a richly flavored, smooth spread. Enjoy it as a comforting addition to your breakfast or as a special homemade gift for friends and family. Try this recipe today and savor the taste of fall in every bite!
