apple butter recipe

Apple Butter Recipe

Apple butter recipe is a rich and flavorful fruit spread made by slowly cooking apples with sugar and warm spices until the mixture becomes thick, smooth, and deeply caramelized. Unlike traditional applesauce, apple butter is cooked for a longer time, allowing the flavor to become more concentrated and the texture to turn dark and velvety without using actual butter. This homemade spread is perfect for toast, biscuits, pancakes, and even desserts. Explore more delicious recipes like Apple Butter Recipe on our website.

Ingredients

  • 5 pounds Granny Smith apples, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 ½ cups white sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup water

Directions

  • Place the apple pieces in a large slow cooker. Add the white sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and apple cider vinegar. Pour in the water and mix everything well.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for about 1 to 2 hours until the apples begin to soften and release their juices.
  • Reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for about 5 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples break down and become very soft.
  • Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until it becomes smooth.
  • Continue cooking the mixture while stirring occasionally for about 4 more hours until it becomes dark, thick, and spreadable.
  • If a smoother consistency is preferred, pass the apple butter through a strainer.
  • Transfer the finished apple butter to a clean glass container and allow it to cool before storing in the refrigerator.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 hours
Total Time: 10 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 40
Yield: 5 cups