How to Make Apple Butter
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs
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Total Time
2 hrs 15 mins
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Servings
48 servings (2 tbsp)
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Calories
33 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
American
How to Make Apple Butter
Description
This apple butter recipe begins by simmering chopped apples in apple cider until tender, softening the fruit and infusing the mixture. After blending the cooked apples to a mostly smooth puree, the mixture is returned to the pot and combined with light brown sugar, cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. It is then gently cooked over low heat for 75 to 90 minutes to reduce moisture and concentrate flavors, resulting in a thick, jam-like texture and a color resembling dark brown sugar. The addition of lemon juice at the end adds brightness and helps preserve the apple butter.
The slow simmering and stirring prevent burning and encourage a smooth, rich consistency. The flavor is warmly spiced with cinnamon and cloves, sweetened by the brown sugar but balanced by the natural tartness of apples and cider. The final product is ideal as a spread for toast, biscuits, or as an ingredient in desserts and savory dishes.
The recipe provides two cooking options: stove-top simmering and pressure cooking with an Instant Pot, offering flexibility based on available equipment. Yield is approximately three cups, suitable for storage and later use.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds apple 8-9 medium, peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
- 2 cups apple cider
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon cloves ground
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
For the Stove
- In a large, deep pot, combine apples and apple cider. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, then cover and simmer until the apples are soft, 25-30 minutes.
- Transfer the apples to a blender and blend until mostly smooth.
- Return the apple puree to the pot and add brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Bring to a simmer over low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apple butter has thickened to a jam-like texture and is the color of dark brown sugar, 75-90 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Let cool completely and then refrigerate in an airtight container.
For the Instant Pot
- Place apples and apple cider in the instant pot. Close and seal the instant pot and set for 15 minutes on high pressure. After the 15 minutes are up, allow the instant pot to vent completely before opening.
- Transfer the apples to a food blender and blend until smooth.
- Return the apples to the instant pot insert and add brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Switch instant pot to the saute setting and bring apple mixture to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apple butter has reduced to a thick jam-texture and is the color of dark brown sugar, 75-90 minutes.
- Remove the instant pot insert from the instant pot and stir in the lemon juice. Let cool completely and then refrigerate in an airtight container.
Notes
- This recipe yields about 3 cups of apple butter.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 48servings (2 tbsp)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 33 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 33kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 0.1g | 0% |
| Fat | 0.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.01g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.02g | 0% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.003g | 0% |
| Sodium | 7mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 54mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 21IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 5mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.1mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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