Making this apple butter was quite the adventure for me! The first time I tried it, I underestimated the amount of spice needed. My first batch ended up being a bit too light in flavor, so I decided to up the ante on the cinnamon and nutmeg the next time around. It was a complete game-changer, and the deeper flavors really made my taste buds dance! So, let’s get down to business and let me share this delightful recipe with you.

Apple Butter Recipe

Let’s dive into the cozy world of homemade apple butter—a sweet and spicy spread that will warm your heart and tickle your taste buds! This charming treat is a classic fall favorite, bringing out the rich flavor of apples with just the right amount of spices. Perfect on toast, pancakes, or even straight from the jar, you can whip this up quickly and easily. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it every year!

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Comfort Food,

Servings 4 people

Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 6 cups of peeled cored, and chopped apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works great)
• 2 cups of apple cider or juice
• 1 cup of granulated sugar you can substitute with maple syrup for a different twist!
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or more if you’re feeling spicy!
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves optional, but yummy!
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

 

• Prep those Apples: Start with washing, peeling, coring, and chopping the apples. I like to use a mix of sweet and tart to get a good balance in flavor. Think of this as peeling and chopping therapy!
• Cook 'Em Down: Add those lovely chopped apples to a large pot along with the apple cider. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes until the apples are soft.
• Spice Time: Once your apples are nice and mushy, it’s time for the sweetness and spice! Add in the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine all those fabulous flavors.
• Blend It Up: Now it’s time for the fun part! Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the mixture until it’s smooth and velvety. You can leave it a bit chunky if you like, but I personally love the creamy texture.
• Let it Simmer: Return the blended mixture back to the pot and let it simmer over low heat for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. This is where the magic happens as the mixture thickens and the flavors meld beautifully!
• Store It: Once your apple butter has reached that luscious, spreadable consistency, it’s time to jar it up! Pour it into sterilized jars and let it cool before sealing. You can store it in the fridge for up to two weeks or can it for longer shelf life.

Keyword Apple butter recipe, easy apple butter, homemade apple butter

Nutrition Facts

5 Tips for This Recipe

• Always taste and adjust the seasoning! If you like more spice, don’t be shy!
• Use a mix of different apple types for depth of flavor.
• Let it cool thoroughly before storing to avoid condensation in the jars.
• If you find it too thick, add a bit more apple cider while cooking.
• For a caramel twist, try adding a splash of vanilla extract at the end!

5 FAQs for This Recipe

• Can I use a slow cooker? Absolutely! Just follow the same steps, but let it cook on low for about 6-8 hours.
• Is it necessary to peel the apples? For the smoothest texture, yes! But you can leave the peels on for more nutrition.
• Can I freeze apple butter? You bet! It freezes beautifully and can last for up to a year!
• Can I reduce the sugar? Sure! You can adjust the sugar to your liking or use honey/maple syrup instead.
• How can I use apple butter? Try it on toast, pancakes, in baking recipes, or as a dip for fruit!

5 Storage Tips

• Store in clean, dry jars with airtight lids.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• Label and date your jars for easy tracking.
• Freezing in smaller portions works great for easy use later!
• Always check for spoilage if kept for extended periods—better safe than sorry!

5 Common Cooking Mistakes

• Not stirring regularly—this can cause the bottom to scorch!
• Rushing the cooking time; letting it simmer longer enhances flavor.
• Forgetting to season—it’s crucial for bringing out the flavor!
• Blending too early—let those apples break down first for a smoother texture.
• Using low-quality apples—fresh, flavorful apples make all the difference!

Final Thoughts

Making homemade apple butter is a delightful experience that brings fall flavors right to your kitchen. From the cozy scent that fills your home to the rich, sweet-salty spread that awaits, it’s a treat that we truly enjoy. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, we can create something delicious and share it with family and friends.

Remember, everyone’s taste is different, so feel free to tweak the spices and sweetness until you hit your perfect apple butter bliss. And, if you’re anything like me, you may find yourself making this not just in the fall, but all year round!

So, grab some apples, gather your friends, and get cooking. Let’s spread some joy, one apple butter jar at a time!