What is it like to smell apples on the stove? As the days get shorter, the leaves start to turn. What is Grandma’s secret? What is the best homemade apple butter recipe? Is it easier to make than you think, and the flavor is *miles* beyond anything you can buy. Forget Pumpkin Spice everything for a minute – this is the taste of fall. Is it like a warm apple pie? If you love the richness of caramel and the comforting spice of cinnamon, you’re going to love this. What is the best part? It uses ingredients you already have on hand.
What is home made apple butter?
Think of apple butter as a super concentrated, intensely flavorful applesauce. What is essentially apples that have been cooked down slowly until they caramelize and thicken into a jelly. Rich, dark spread. The name “butter” comes from its smooth, spreadable consistency, not from any actual butter! What is magic in a jar? Unlike applesauce, which can be a little watery, apple butter is thick and luscious, packed with the vitamins and minerals. What is the difference between the sweetness of apples and the warmth of spices? What is a classic condiment that’s been around for generations? What is the best way to preserve apples throughout the year? My grandma always said it was a way to hold on to summer’s bounty even as winter.
Why you will love this recipe?
Okay, let me tell you why this particular apple butter recipe is a winner. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. We’re talking deep, caramelized apple notes balanced perfectly with cinnamon, cloves, and a hint of nutmeg. It’s like a hug in a jar! But the best part is, it’s surprisingly simple to make. You just need a few basic ingredients, a little bit of patience, and a Slow Cooker – which does most of the work for you! Honestly, I just dump everything in, and let it do its magic! What I love most about this is how budget-friendly it is. Especially if you go apple-picking and get a great deal on apples! Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can spread it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, use it as a filling for pastries, or even serve it with roasted pork. And compared to other complicated fall recipes? This one’s a total breeze. Forget fussing with pie crusts; this is pure apple deliciousness with minimal effort. It’s even better than some of the fancy spiced jams you can buy – trust me, I’ve tried them all! My kids literally fight over the last spoonful.
How do I make homemade apple butter?
Quick Overview
How can I make apple butter at home? What is the process of simmering apples with spices? What is the secret of slow cooking apples? To caramelize beautifully. This method uses a Slow Cooker, making it incredibly hands-off. No constant stirring required! With a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with the most delicious apple butter you have ever had. I swear, the hardest part is waiting for it to be done!
Ingredients
What is the recipe for Apple Butter?
• 6 pounds apples (such as Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a mix for best flavor). I love using a combination of peel, core, and quartered. Don’t skimp on the apple quality – it really makes a difference! • 1 cup Apple Cider. Adds extra apple-y depth. • 34 cup packed brown sugar. Light or dark depending on your preference. I usually use light brown sugar. • 12 cup granulated sugar balances the sweetness. • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. Adds a touch of tanginess and helps preserve the apple butter. What would be apple butter without cinnamon? • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg. A warm, nutty spice that complements the apples perfectly. • 12 teaspoon ground cloves. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it. • ¼ teaspoon salt. Enhances the other flavors.
What are the steps for
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and quarter your apples. Don’t worry about making them perfect – they’re going to be cooked down anyway! I use an apple peeler-corer/slicer gadget to make this process go a lot faster. If you don’t have a knife, just use it. How do I make quartered apples in a Slow Cooker?
Step 2: Add the Spices and Sugars
Add apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt to a large bowl. Mix well. Add apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar and cinnamon. Add salt to Slow Cooker. Stir everything together to make sure the apples are coated with the spices and sugars. Where does magic start?
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the Slow Cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. How long does it take for a slow cooker to cook? Stir occasionally, especially during last few hours of cooking. When the apples are very soft and the mixture has thickened, you’ll know it’s ready.
Step 4: Puree the Apple Butter
Once the apples are cooked down, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until it’s smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the mixture to a regular blender. ) and blend until smooth. Be careful, as the mixture will be hot!
Step 5: Thicken (if needed)
If your apple butter is still too thin, return it to the Slow Cooker (uncovered) and cook on low for about 5 minutes. If you want to make a jelly for an hour or two, stir occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. What should I do if I overcook it?
Step 6: Can or Store
If you plan to can apple butter for long-term storage, follow proper canning procedures. If you want to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, let it cool completely. If canning, make sure your jars are properly sanitized and sealed. Is it safe to leave about 1/4 inch of headspace in a jar?
Step 7: Enjoy!
What are some ways to spread homemade apple butter on toast? Is it good with cheese and crackers or as a glaze for roast meat? What are the endless possibilities?
What should I serve it with?
Where do I start? The versatility of apple butter is one of its greatest charms! It’s not just for toast (although, let me be honest, it’ll taste good on a slice of sourdough). What are some of my favorite ways to enjoy life: watching TV, reading books, etc.?
For Breakfast:Swirl it into your morning oatmeal or yogurt for a warm, comforting start to the day. I also love adding a dollop of sugar to pancakes or waffles. What’s a good way to serve black coffee with chai latte?
For Brunch:What are some of the best brunch spreads? Apple butter and cheese board. What are some good ways to serve a baked brie as an appetizer? What are some festive ways to serve a spoonful of bellini or mimosa?
As Dessert:Warm apple butter served over vanilla Ice Cream is a simple yet delicious dessert. Can you use it as a filling for hand pies or mini tarts? How do you stir apple cider into a warm mug?
For Cozy Snacks:What’s a good snack to spread on graham crackers? What are some good pairings for cheddar cheese? What is a spoonful straight from the jar? My kids love it on their sandwiches instead of jelly.
What are some of my favorite family traditions? Making apple butter every fall and giving it to friends. Is it safe to give jars away as gifts to friends and neighbors? Is it a small gesture that always brings smile to their faces? Can you make a little basket with different serving options, such as crackers, cheese, and some fruit?
How do I make homemade apple butter?
What are some tricks to take your apple butter from good to amazing? What are some tips for perfecting this recipe?
Apple Selection: What isWhat are the best apple varieties to use for flavor? I like to combine sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Gala apples. The blend of flavors creates a more complex and interesting apple butter.
Spice Adjustments:Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, add 12 teaspoon. If you’re not a fan of cloves, reduce the amount or omit them altogether. I personally like to add a pinch of cardamom for an unique twist.
Slow Cooker Placement: How toIf your slow cooker tends to cook unevenly, rotate the insert halfway through the cooking time to make sure everything is evenly coated. How do I cook apples at the same rate? I always do this when I’m using my older slow cooker.
Sugar Substitutions:If you’re trying to reduce your sugar intake, you can substitute some of the granulated sugar with a vegetable sugar. Natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey. What is the flavor of apple butter?
Consistency Control:What is the best way to cook apple butter? If you prefer thicker apple butter, cook it for a longer period of time. If you prefer thinner apple butter, reduce the cooking time. When it cools, remember that it will thicken. If you accidentally overcook it and it becomes too thick, add a splash of apple cider or water to it.
Jar Sealing:When canning apple butter, make sure to leave the correct amount of headspace in the jars. How do I ensure a proper seal. If you overfill a jar, it will prevent it from sealing properly. If you want to be extra cautious, you can flip the jars upside down for a few hours after processing. How do I create a stronger seal? Why do some people say you shouldn’t do this anymore?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do you store apple butter? How do you store and reheat food?
Room Temperature: RoomIf you’ve properly canned your apple butter, it can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dark place. Can I stay in the same place for up to a year? Make sure the jars are properly sealed before storing them. Once a jar has been opened, it must be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Refrigerat Uncanned apple butter should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for several weeks. Make sure to use a clean spoon each time you scoop out the apple butter to prevent contamination.
Freezer Instructions: Apple butter can also be frozen for longer storage. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace to allow for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Reheating: To reheat refrigerated apple butter, simply microwave it for a few seconds or warm it up in a saucepan over low heat. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can affect the flavor and consistency. If you’re reheating frozen apple butter, thaw it completely before reheating.
A good way to see if it went bad is to smell it and look at it. If it smells off or there is any mold, throw it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this homemade apple butter recipe a try. It’s a labor of love, but the results are so worth it. There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade apple butter on a crisp autumn morning, and I know you’ll enjoy sharing it with your loved ones. If you’re looking for more delicious fall recipes, be sure to check out my other posts on spiced pumpkin bread and apple crisp. I can’t wait to hear how your apple butter turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any variations, be sure to share them with me – I’m always looking for new ideas. Happy baking!
Homemade Apple Butter
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 lbs Apples Peeled, cored, and quartered
- 1 cup Sugar Granulated
- 1 tsp Cinnamon Ground
- 0.5 tsp Nutmeg Ground
- 0.25 tsp Allspice Ground
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice in a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until apples are very soft and easily mashed.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the apple mixture until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
- Cook on low, uncovered, for an additional 2-4 hours, or until the apple butter has thickened to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Let cool completely before storing in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
