15 Minute Apple Butter

Cook: 15 min Serves: 5 Cuisine: American

A rich and flavorful apple butter with warm cinnamon notes, perfect for spreading on toast or gifting during fall. Quick to make and full of cozy flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 8 cups cooked apples
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 6 cups sugar
  • 1 package cinnamon drops or red hots

Instructions

  1. Cook together apples, sugar, and vinegar for 10 minutes.
  2. Add cinnamon drops and cook for 5 minutes more.
  3. Pack in hot sterile jars.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother texture, you can blend the apples before cooking. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar by half or substitute with a natural sweetener like agave syrup. You can also use a mix of different apple varieties for added depth of flavor. If you want a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves along with the cinnamon drops.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this apple butter spread on warm toast or pancakes for a delightful breakfast treat. It also pairs beautifully with Matthew'S Breadsticks as a sweet dip. For an afternoon snack, enjoy it alongside a cheese platter or with crackers. Additionally, it makes a lovely gift when jarred and decorated.

Storage & Reheating

Store the apple butter in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can change the texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of 15 Minute Apple Butter contains roughly 122 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value).

122 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.5g 1% DV
Total Fat 0.1g
Carbs 13.8g 5% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 5.4g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 23mg 1% DV
Potassium 380mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 24.1mg 27% DV
Calcium 35.8mg 3% DV
Iron 1mg 5% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought applesauce instead of cooked apples?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought applesauce for the cooked apples. However, you may need to adjust the sugar content since applesauce is often sweetened. Start with less sugar and taste as you go to achieve your desired sweetness.

What types of apples are best for apple butter?

A mix of tart and sweet apples works best for apple butter. Consider using Granny Smith for tartness and Fuji or Honeycrisp for sweetness. This combination provides a balanced flavor and rich texture that enhances the overall taste of your apple butter.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe is already vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that any additional ingredients you might add, like special sweeteners or spices, are also plant-based. Enjoy this simple and delicious vegan recipe as part of your breakfast or dessert!

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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