Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of autumn with this Homemade Apple Butter recipe. This rich and velvety spread transforms fresh apples into a delightful treat, perfect for slathering on toast, pancakes, or even as a unique dessert topping. With warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, every bite evokes the essence of fall. Plus, it makes a thoughtful gift packaged in cute jars! In just a few simple steps, you can enjoy this luscious fruit spread all year round.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pounds apples (about 9 medium-sized)
- 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
- Prepare the apples: Peel and core the apples, then place them in a large pot with apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Cook until soft: Simmer over medium-low heat uncovered for about 1 hour or until the apples are very soft.
- Blend the mixture: Use a hand blender to puree the softened mixture until smooth.
- Thicken the apple butter: Return the puree to the pot and continue cooking uncovered for another hour until thickened to a deep mahogany color.
- Add lemon juice: Stir in lemon juice, then transfer your homemade apple butter into clean jars for storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Choose sweeter apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for enhanced flavor. Adjust spices to your preference; add more cinnamon or cloves if desired. For thicker apple butter, extend cooking time; if too thick, add more cider.