Description
Traditional Apple Butter is a rich, spiced apple spread made by slow-cooking a blend of sweet and tart apples with warm spices and sugars. Perfect as a spread or condiment, it captures the essence of fall in every bite with its deep brown color and smooth, thick texture. This recipe can be made using a slow cooker for convenience or on the stovetop for a quicker method.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Mixture
- 6 lbs apples (peeled, cored, and chopped – mix of Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith)
- 2 cups apple cider or water
Sweeteners and Spices
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cook the Apples: Place the chopped apples and apple cider (or water) in a large slow cooker or heavy-bottomed pot. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours (or simmer gently on the stovetop for 2–3 hours), stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft and breaking apart easily.
- Puree the Apples: Use an immersion blender or transfer the cooked apples in batches to a regular blender to purée until smooth. This yields a thick, smooth apple base essential for apple butter.
- Add Sugars and Spices: Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt into the apple purée, ensuring everything is thoroughly combined.
- Cook to Thicken: Cook uncovered on low heat or simmer gently for another 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally. This reduces the mixture until it’s thick, dark brown, and rich in flavor. Stir in vanilla extract during the last 10 minutes if using.
- Test for Doneness: Spoon a small amount onto a plate; if no liquid separates and it holds its shape firmly, the apple butter is ready.
- Cool and Store: Allow the apple butter to cool, then spoon into clean jars or containers. Store in the refrigerator or freeze for extended shelf life.
Notes
- Store apple butter in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.
- For canning, use sterilized jars and process in a water bath according to safe canning guidelines.
- The flavor improves and deepens over time, so consider making it ahead of use.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 hours (slow cooker) or 3–5 hours (stovetop)
- Category: Spread, Condiment
- Method: Slow Cooker or Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
