Print

Homemade Apple Butter

Homemade Apple Butter

Homemade Apple Butter is a luscious, spiced spread that brings the taste of fall right to your table. This delightful apple preserve boasts a thick, velvety texture and a rich sweetness, making it perfect for slathering on warm toast, topping pancakes, or enjoying straight from the jar. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little time, you can create this comforting treat that’s ideal for cozy breakfasts or festive gatherings. Plus, its long shelf life means you can savor the flavors of autumn all year round!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lbs apples (about 10 small-medium)
  • ½ cup apple juice (or cider)
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Core and chop apples into chunks (peeling is optional) and place in a large stock pot.
  2. Add apple juice, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt; stir to combine.
  3. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 1 to 2 hours until apples are soft.
  4. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth; return to heat.
  5. Cook for an additional 30 to 60 minutes until thickened and darkened.
  6. Spoon hot apple butter into jars; seal and refrigerate for up to three weeks or preserve using canning techniques.

Nutrition

Keywords: Choose sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for best flavor. Adjust sugar based on the natural sweetness of your apples. Experiment with spices such as nutmeg or ginger for unique flavors.