Description
Homemade apple butter is a deliciously smooth spread that captures the essence of autumn with every bite. This easy recipe transforms fresh, crisp apples into a rich and flavorful condiment perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet topping for various desserts. With just a handful of pantry staples and simple cooking techniques, you can create a jar of this delightful apple butter to enjoy all year round. Spread it on toast, drizzle over pancakes, or use it in baking to add moisture and depth of flavor. It also makes a thoughtful gift packaged in charming jars. Discover the joy of homemade apple butter today!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pounds apples (approximately 9 medium-sized), peeled and cored
- 1 cup apple cider
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Juice of half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
Instructions
- Cook the Apples: In a large pot, combine apples, apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Cook over medium-low heat for about 1 hour until apples are very soft.
- Blend Until Smooth: Use a hand blender to puree the mixture until smooth or transfer it to a regular blender in batches and blend.
- Thicken the Mixture: Return the puree to the pot and continue cooking uncovered while stirring occasionally until thickened to a velvety texture and deep mahogany color (around 1 hour).
- Add Lemon Juice and Store: Stir in lemon juice, transfer to jars, and refrigerate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg