Introduction
Apple Butter is a classic, velvety spread, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or gifting during gatherings and holidays. This rich, spiced condiment, made from slow-cooked apples with warm spices, delivers a deep, sweet-tart flavor in every spoonful. Presented in a white ceramic jar or bowl, garnished with a cinnamon stick or apple slice, this Apple Butter offers a vibrant, rustic aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a traditional version adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a cozy, crowd-pleasing spread that brings autumnal charm to any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Apple Butter:
- 4 lbs apples (e.g., Granny Smith, Fuji, or a mix), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Optional: Cinnamon stick, apple slice
- Suggested Accompaniments: Toast, biscuits, pork chops, cheese boards
- Suggested Pairings: Herbal tea, apple cider
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic jar or bowl
- Suggested Equipment: Large pot or slow cooker, immersion blender or food processor, peeler, knife, cutting board, measuring cups/spoons, canning jars (if preserving)
Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and chop apples into small pieces. Place in a large pot or slow cooker.
- Cook Apples: Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, salt, and lemon juice to the apples. Stir to combine. Cook on low heat (stovetop) for 6–8 hours or in a slow cooker on low for 8–10 hours, stirring occasionally, until apples are very soft and darkened.
- Blend: Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a food processor) to blend the mixture until smooth. Add vanilla extract and stir. Taste and adjust with additional sugar, cinnamon, or lemon juice for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
- Thicken: Continue cooking on low for 1–2 hours, stirring frequently, until the apple butter is thick and spreadable (it should mound on a spoon). If too thin, cook longer; if too thick, add 1–2 tbsp water.
- Serve or Store: Transfer to a white ceramic jar or bowl for serving, or to sterilized canning jars for preserving. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice. Serve warm or chilled with toast, biscuits, pork chops, herbal tea, or apple cider.
Tips for Better Apple Butter
- Use a mix of apple varieties (e.g., tart Granny Smith and sweet Fuji) for complex flavor.
- Taste the mixture after blending to balance sweet, tart, and spiced flavors; adjust with sugar or lemon juice.
- Cook low and slow to deepen flavors; stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Blend thoroughly for a smooth texture; leave slightly chunky if preferred.
- Use a white ceramic jar or bowl for a rustic presentation, highlighting the deep amber color and garnishes.
- Make ahead: Prepare and refrigerate up to 2 weeks or can for longer storage.
- For canning: Process jars in a water bath for 10 minutes to store up to 1 year; ensure proper sterilization.
- Enhance aesthetic: Present in a white ceramic jar with a cinnamon stick or apple slice for a cozy, inviting look.
Variations and Customization
- Sugar-Free Apple Butter: Replace sugar with 1/2 cup honey or a sugar substitute like stevia (adjust to taste).
- Vegan Apple Butter: Naturally vegan; ensure sugars are vegan-certified.
- Spicy Apple Butter: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne or 1 tsp fresh grated ginger for a spicy kick.
- Maple Apple Butter: Replace brown sugar with 1/2 cup maple syrup for a maple flavor.
- Low-Spice Apple Butter: Reduce cinnamon to 1 tsp and omit cloves and allspice for a milder taste.
- Citrus Apple Butter: Add 1 tsp orange zest or 1 tbsp orange juice with the lemon juice.
- Chunky Apple Butter: Blend less for a chunkier texture, ideal for rustic spreads.
- Bourbon Apple Butter: Add 1 tbsp bourbon with the vanilla for a rich, adult-friendly flavor.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; stir before serving.
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months; thaw in the fridge and stir well.
- For canning, process in a water bath for shelf-stable storage up to 1 year; refrigerate after opening.
- Serve warm or chilled as a spread for toast, biscuits, or a topping for pork or cheese boards.
- Pair with herbal tea or apple cider to complement the warm, spiced flavor.
- Present in a white ceramic jar or bowl with vibrant garnishes for a rustic, inviting charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 16 servings (2 tbsp each):
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 21g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 19g
- Protein: 0g
- Vitamin A: 1% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 4% Daily Value
- Calcium: 1% Daily Value
- Iron: 1% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by apple type and sugar brand. Moderate in sugar; try the sugar-free variation. Pair with whole-grain toast for balance.
Conclusion
This Apple Butter recipe offers a rich, spiced spread perfect for any occasion. It transforms simple apples into a cozy classic. Its slow-cooked depth and rustic presentation make it a favorite. The sweet-tart flavor enhances every use. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its versatile, heartwarming appeal.
Apple Butter Recipe: Rich and Spiced
Classic Apple Butter with rich, spiced flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs apples peeled, cored, chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: Cinnamon stick apple slice
- Suggested Pairings: Toast herbal tea
Instructions
- Combine apples, sugars, spices, salt, and lemon juice in a pot or slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours (stovetop) or 8–10 hours (slow cooker) until soft.
- Blend until smooth; add vanilla. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Cook for 1–2 hours until thick.
- Serve in a white ceramic jar with a cinnamon stick, toast, and tea.
Notes
- Use mixed apples for complex flavor.
- Store in the fridge for 2 weeks or freeze for 6 months.
- Try sugar-free or spicy variations.
- Pair with biscuits.
