Here’s a recipe for The Best Apple Butter Ever—a smooth, spiced apple spread perfect for toast, biscuits, or as a gift!
Ingredients:
- 6 pounds apples (such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup apple cider or juice
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the Apples:
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into chunks. No need for perfect uniformity, as the apples will cook down and blend.
- Cook the Apples:
- In a large pot, combine the chopped apples and apple cider or juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 20-30 minutes or until the apples are soft and broken down.
- Blend the Mixture:
- Once the apples are soft, use an immersion blender to purée the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor in batches and purée. If you prefer a more rustic texture, you can leave it a little chunky.
- Add Sugar and Spices:
- Stir in both sugars, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and vanilla extract (if using). Mix well to combine.
- Simmer the Apple Butter:
- Return the pot to the stove over low heat and cook uncovered for 2-3 hours, stirring frequently. The mixture will thicken as it cooks down. Be sure to scrape the sides of the pot to prevent burning and to incorporate any caramelized bits.
- Check Consistency:
- After a few hours, test the apple butter’s consistency. It should be thick enough to hold its shape when spooned onto a plate. If it’s too runny, continue simmering until it reaches the desired thickness.
- Can or Store:
- Once your apple butter is done, you can either store it in jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or can it using proper canning methods to preserve it for longer storage.
Tips:
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar amounts based on the sweetness of your apples. Taste as you go!
- Spices: Customize the spices to your taste—some people like adding ginger or a pinch of salt.
- Smooth or Chunky: If you like a chunkier texture, you can blend the apple butter a little less or leave it unblended.
Enjoy your homemade apple butter! It’s a delicious treat for fall or any time of the year!