Homemade Apple Butter Recipe: A Cozy Fall Treat
I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.
Apple butter is a tasty spread that’s perfect for fall. It’s like apple sauce, but thicker and more flavorful. You can make apple butter at home using just a few simple ingredients.
You’ll need apples, sugar, and spices like cinnamon. Cook the apples until they’re soft, then blend them into a smooth puree. Simmer the mixture until it thickens and turns a deep brown color. Your homemade apple butter will taste great on toast, biscuits, or stirred into oatmeal.
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
Here’s what you’ll need to make delicious homemade apple butter:
- 4 pounds apples (about 12 medium)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Don’t have some of these items? No worries! Try these substitutes:
- Use honey instead of maple syrup
- Switch white sugar for brown sugar
- Replace water with apple cider for extra flavor
- Swap in pumpkin pie spice for individual spices
Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking. You can add more or less sugar depending on how sweet your apples are.
For a twist, try adding a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. This will give your apple butter a tangy kick.
Remember, the best apples for butter are sweet-tart varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp. But you can use any apples you have on hand!
Instructions
Start by peeling and chopping your apples. Put them in a large pot with a bit of water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and cover.
Cook the apples for about 25 minutes until they’re soft. The skins should come off easily now.
Scoop out the cooked apples and let them cool a bit. Once cool enough, remove the skins if you haven’t already.
Put the apples back in the pot. Add sugar and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir until the sugar melts.
Cook on medium heat, stirring often. Keep going until the mixture gets thick. It should hold its shape on a spoon.
Take the pot off the heat. If you like smooth apple butter, blend it now.
To can your apple butter, ladle it into clean jars. Leave a 1/4 inch space at the top. Wipe the rims clean and put on the lids.
Process the jars in a water bath canner for 5 minutes for small jars, or 10 minutes for big ones.
Let the jars cool and check that they’ve sealed properly. Enjoy your homemade apple butter!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Making apple butter at home is fun and easy. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:
Choose the right apples. Sweet-tart varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp work great. Mix different types for more complex flavors.
Cut your apples into small, even pieces. This helps them cook faster and more evenly.
Use a slow cooker for hands-off cooking. Set it on low and let it simmer overnight. You’ll wake up to amazing aromas!
Don’t forget to stir occasionally. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
For smoother butter, use an immersion blender. It’s easier than transferring hot apple butter to a regular blender.
To store your apple butter:
- Use clean, sterilized jars
- Leave 1/4 inch of space at the top
- Wipe the rims before sealing
- Process in a water bath canner for long-term storage
If you’re not canning, your apple butter will keep in the fridge for up to a month. Freeze it for longer storage – up to a year!
Try adding different spices like nutmeg or ginger for unique flavors. You can also reduce the sugar for a tarter spread.