Description

Homemade apple butter is a deliciously thick and spiced spread that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. This easy-to-follow recipe transforms sweet apples into a caramelized delight, perfect for topping your morning toast, pancakes, or even adding to savory dishes. With aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves, this versatile treat is not only a cozy indulgence but also makes for an ideal gift during the holidays. Whether you’re enjoying it with breakfast or as a unique ingredient in baking, homemade apple butter is sure to become a staple in your pantry.

Ingredients

Scale

4 lbs apples (approx. 10 small-medium)
½ cup apple juice
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 cup light brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp salt

Instructions

Core and chop the apples into uniform chunks, leaving the skins on if preferred.
In a large stock pot, combine chopped apples with apple juice, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 1 to 2 hours until apples are very soft.
Blend the mixture using an immersion blender or in batches with a regular blender until smooth.
Continue cooking the pureed mixture for an additional 30 to 60 minutes until thickened and deep brown. Test consistency by placing a spoonful on a plate; if no water separates after cooling, it’s ready.
Spoon hot apple butter into sterilized jars while still warm. Let cool before sealing and refrigerate.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 Tbsp (30g)
Calories: 60
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 1mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for optimal flavor. Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more brown sugar or balancing with extra lemon juice. For added depth, consider incorporating vanilla extract or nutmeg during cooking.