why make this recipe
Homemade apple butter tastes warm and sweet. It uses simple apples and spices you likely have at home. Making it lets you control sugar and spice level, and it fills your kitchen with a nice smell. You can also use it in desserts like Applebee’s queso dip inspired snacks or spreads.
introduction
This apple butter is smooth, rich, and easy to make. You cook apples until soft, blend them, then simmer with sugar and spices until thick. The result is a spread you can use on toast, biscuits, or in recipes like apple butter cheesecake cups.
how to make Homemade Apple Butter
Follow the steps below. Use medium heat at first, then low heat for the long cook. Stir often so it does not burn. Taste and adjust sugar or spices if you like.
Ingredients :
- 6 cups apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup apple cider or juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Directions :
- In a large pot, combine the chopped apples, apple cider, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the apples are soft, about 20 minutes.
- Once the apples are soft, puree them with a blender or immersion blender until smooth.
- Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cook the mixture on low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and reduces, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Once thickened, pour the apple butter into sterilized jars, seal, and let it cool. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or can for longer storage.
how to serve Homemade Apple Butter
Serve apple butter on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or oatmeal. Spoon it into sandwiches with peanut butter or cream cheese. You can also add a small amount to savory dishes for a sweet note, or try it with recipes that pair well with rich butter flavors like black garlic butter shrimp bake for a creative twist.
how to store Homemade Apple Butter
Let jars cool to room temperature before sealing them. Store open jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For long storage, process jars in a water bath canner to seal them and keep them in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
tips to make Homemade Apple Butter
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for better flavor.
- Stir often in the last hour to prevent sticking.
- Cook low and slow for a deeper color and flavor.
- If it is too sweet, add a little more lemon juice to balance it.
- Sterilize jars and lids well if you will can the butter.
variation (if any)
- Spiced: Add a pinch of allspice or ginger.
- Maple: Replace part of the brown sugar with maple syrup.
- Reduced sugar: Cut sugars by one-third and cook longer for more concentration.
- Slow cooker method: Cook apples in a slow cooker, then blend and reduce by cooking with the lid off.
FAQs
Q: Can I use any type of apple?
A: Yes. Mix sweet and tart apples for better flavor and texture.
Q: How long does apple butter last in the fridge?
A: It lasts up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator once opened or stored in clean jars.
Q: Can I freeze apple butter?
A: Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 6 months.
Q: Do I need to peel apples?
A: Peeling gives a smoother apple butter, but you can leave peels on and strain if you prefer.
Q: How do I thicken apple butter faster?
A: Use lower heat and stir more. You can also reduce more liquid by simmering uncovered.
Conclusion
If you want another clear step-by-step guide and extra tips, see the Apple Butter Recipe – Sugar Spun Run for more ideas and tricks.
Print
Homemade Apple Butter
- Total Time: 140 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This smooth and rich homemade apple butter is made with simple ingredients and spices, perfect for spreading on toast or using in desserts.
Ingredients
- 6 cups apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup apple cider or juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the chopped apples, apple cider, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the apples are soft, about 20 minutes.
- Once the apples are soft, puree them with a blender or immersion blender until smooth.
- Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cook the mixture on low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and reduces, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Once thickened, pour the apple butter into sterilized jars, seal, and let it cool. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or can for longer storage.
Notes
Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for better flavor. Stir often in the last hour to prevent sticking. Cook low and slow for a deeper color and flavor. If it’s too sweet, add more lemon juice to balance it.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: apple butter, spread, homemade, condiment, apples