Description
This homemade Apple Butter recipe is a rich, spiced spread made from slow-simmered apples combined with brown sugars and warm spices. Perfect for adding a cozy sweetness to toast, oatmeal, or baking, this easy-to-make apple butter captures the essence of fall with its deep caramelized flavor and smooth, creamy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 6 large apples (peeled, cored, finely chopped; varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, Ambrosia)
Sweeteners and Spices
- 1/3 cup raw sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (not packed)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and finely chop 6 large apples, choosing sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Ambrosia for optimal flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chopped apples in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with 6 tablespoons of water. Add raw sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Apples: Partially cover the pot and cook over medium-low heat for 30 minutes. Stir the mixture occasionally as the apples soften and darken to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Puree Mixture: Once the apples are tender and have developed a dark brown color, uncover the pot and use an immersion blender to puree the mixture into a smooth consistency.
- Simmer to Thicken: Continue to simmer the pureed apple mixture uncovered on low heat for about 2 hours, stirring frequently. This slow simmer will reduce the mixture, thickening the apple butter to a rich spreadable texture.
- Store and Serve: Spoon the finished apple butter into clean jars or containers. Cover and refrigerate to preserve freshness. Serve chilled or at room temperature on toast, pancakes, or as a flavorful ingredient in recipes.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to prevent burning during the long simmer.
- Stir frequently during the thickening phase to avoid scorching and ensure even texture.
- Apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, and Ambrosia provide natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Store apple butter in airtight containers and refrigerate; it will keep well for up to 2 weeks.
- Can be frozen for longer storage if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
