Description
This homemade apple butter is rich, sweet, and packed with flavor from a mix of apples and spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5–6 pounds apples (mix of Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons molasses
- 1–2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves (tied in a cheesecloth sachet)
- 1 cup unsweetened apple cider (or water)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: First, wash the apples thoroughly. Core and chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces, leaving the skins on for a smoother texture later, or peel if preferred.
- Combine Ingredients in a Pot: Transfer the chopped apples to a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Add the apple cider (or water), brown sugar, and molasses. If using whole cloves, tie them in a small cheesecloth sachet and add it to the pot. Stir everything gently to combine.
- Initial Cook Down: Place the pot over medium-low heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Blend Until Smooth: Remove the clove sachet. Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth. If using a regular blender, transfer the cooked apples in batches and process until smooth, then return the purée to the pot.
- Thicken the Apple Butter: Place the pot back on the stove over low to medium-low heat. Add the ground cinnamon and any optional spices. Cook down, stirring frequently, for 1 to 3 hours until thickened.
- Test for Doneness: Spoon a small amount onto a chilled plate. If there’s no watery ring around the edge, it’s ready. Adjust sweetness if desired.
- Jar It Up: Ladle the hot apple butter into clean, sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace. Wipe the rims clean, apply lids, and screw on the bands until finger-tight.
Notes
- Store the apple butter in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep refrigerated and use within a couple of weeks.
- This apple butter makes a great gift for friends and family!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg