Homemade Apple Butter
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
12 hrs
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Total Time
12 hrs 30 mins
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Servings
4 pints
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Calories
801 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
American
Homemade Apple Butter
Description
This recipe starts by combining a large quantity of peeled, cored, and sliced apples with a mixture of granulated and light brown sugars, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a slow cooker or suitable pot. The mixture is cooked on low heat for 10 hours, then vanilla extract is stirred in and cooking continues for an additional 2 hours to achieve a thick, concentrated apple spread.
The cooking process breaks down the apples completely, yielding a smooth or textured paste depending on blending preference, which can be achieved with an immersion blender or food processor. Additional cook time with the lid slightly ajar allows further thickening by evaporating excess moisture.
The finished apple butter offers a deep, warm spiced apple flavor with a velvety texture, great for spreading on bread, toast, or using in cooking and baking recipes that call for apple butter.
Storage is convenient as it keeps refrigerated up to one month or frozen up to one year. Thawing overnight in the fridge before use preserves the texture and flavor. The recipe is versatile, allowing use of various apple varieties or combinations to adjust sweetness and tartness.
Ingredients
- 6½ pounds apple peeled, cored and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cloves ground
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place apples in slow cooker. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt. Sprinkle over the apples and stir gently to combine. Cook on low for 10 hours.
- Stir in vanilla extract, breaking up any large chunks of apples that remain. Cover and cook for an additional 2 hours.
- Remove the lid and use an immersion blender to puree the apple butter until completely smooth or to desired consistency. (Alternately, you could puree in batches in a food processor or regular blender.) If you want the apple butter thicker, you can continue to cook it on low with the lid of the slow cooker slightly ajar so that steam can escape.
- Allow the mixture to cool, then spoon into jars and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month, or freeze for up to 1 year.
Notes
- Nutritional values are based on one pint of apple butter.
- This recipe works with slow cookers, Instant Pots, or Dutch ovens on the stovetop.
- For blending, use an immersion blender, food processor, or standard blender depending on the desired texture.
- Any apple variety or mix can be used; the recipe accommodates personal preference.
- Store refrigerated apple butter for up to 1 month and frozen apple butter for up to 1 year; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4pints
Amount Per Serving
Calories 801 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 801kcal | 40% |
| Carbohydrates | 207g | 69% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Sodium | 169mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 861mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 18g | 72% |
| Sugar | 180g | 360% |
| Vitamin A | 400IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 33.9mg | 38% |
| Calcium | 110mg | 11% |
| Iron | 1.4mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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