Homemade Apple Butter
A rich, velvety spread that captures the essence of autumn in every luscious bite, made from a blend of sweet and tart apples simmered with warm spices.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and chopped Use a blend of sweet and tart varieties for best flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
- 0.5 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Adds warmth to the flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel, core, and chop the apples.
- Place the chopped apples in a slow cooker or heavy-bottomed pot.
- Add both granulated sugar and brown sugar to the apples.
- Sprinkle in ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Add vanilla extract and stir gently until well mixed.
Cooking
- Cook the mixture on low heat in a slow cooker for eight to ten hours, or on very low heat on the stovetop for about two hours, stirring occasionally.
- Blend the mixture using an immersion blender or a regular blender until smooth.
- After blending, stir in additional vanilla extract and cook uncovered for another thirty minutes.
Storage
- Transfer the cooled apple butter to sterilized jars or airtight containers.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or process in a water bath canner for longer shelf life.
Notes
For variations, consider using honey or maple syrup as sweeteners. Experiment with different spices or addition of fruits like pears. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to six months.