There’s nothing quite like spreading a thick, luscious layer of homemade apple butter on a warm slice of freshly baked bread or a crispy morning toast. The rich, spiced aroma fills your senses with a comforting warmth, reminiscent of crisp autumn days and cozy gatherings. Each spoonful bursts with the intense, caramelized sweetness of apples, complemented by the gentle warmth of cinnamon and the slight earthiness of cloves and nutmeg. Whether paired with cheese on a charcuterie board, swirled into yogurt, or simply enjoyed by the spoonful, apple butter adds a delightful depth of flavor to any meal, making it a versatile and cherished staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 6 lbs apples (about 12 medium apples, preferably a mix of sweet and tart like Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith)
- 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 2 cups granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples: Start by washing, peeling, and coring the apples. Cut them into small chunks to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Apples: Place the apple chunks into a large slow cooker. Pour in the apple cider or apple juice, which will help the apples cook down and add a bit of extra flavor.
- Add the Sweeteners and Spices: Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Mix everything well to ensure the apples are evenly coated with the sugars and spices.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for about 8-10 hours. Stir occasionally to help the apples break down and prevent sticking. As the apples cook, they will release their juices and begin to soften.
- Blend the Mixture: After 8-10 hours, the apples should be completely soft and caramelized in color. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender in batches.
- Continue Cooking: After blending, taste the apple butter and adjust the sweetness or spices if necessary. Set the slow cooker on low and cook for an additional 1-2 hours with the lid slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. This will help thicken the apple butter to the desired consistency.
- Add Vanilla Extract (Optional): In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the vanilla extract for a hint of warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Check Consistency: The apple butter is done when it is thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon. If you like a thicker butter, you can continue to cook it longer with the lid off, stirring occasionally.
- Store the Apple Butter: Once the apple butter is ready, let it cool slightly before transferring it to sterilized jars. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to six months. For longer storage, you can also process the jars in a water bath for 10 minutes to seal them.
