Description
This homemade apple butter recipe delivers a deeply flavorful, spiced spread made from slow-cooked apples and warm spices. Perfect for spreading on toast, swirls into oatmeal, or adding to baked goods, this apple butter is rich, smooth, and bursting with cozy autumn flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 6 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
Spices and Sweeteners
- 2 cups sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cook the Apples: Place the peeled, cored, and chopped apples in a large pot or slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or until the apples become very soft and break down.
- Blend the Apples: Use an immersion blender or food processor to puree the cooked apple mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency.
- Add Spices and Sugar: Stir in the sugar, ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt thoroughly. Return to low heat and cook for an additional 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to deepen and thicken the butter.
- Finish and Cool: Once the apple butter has thickened and developed a rich texture, stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool before transferring it to sterilized jars for storage.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar quantity based on the sweetness of your apples and personal preference.
- Slow cooking on low heat is essential to develop the deep, caramelized flavor of apple butter.
- Stir frequently during the final cooking stage to prevent burning and ensure even texture.
- Store apple butter in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to several weeks or freeze for longer storage.
- Use a slow cooker for ease and consistent low heat, but a heavy-bottomed pot on the stove also works.
