Apple Butter
Apple butter is a delightful spread made from slow-cooked apples, sugar, and warm spices. Its rich, sweet, and spicy flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for toast, pastries, or as a topping for various dishes. Perfect for fall gatherings, this homemade treat is sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and core apples; cut into eighths.
- Put 1/3 cup cider or apple juice and 5 or 6 pieces of apple into a blender.
- Cover and process until smooth.
- Increase the speed of the blender.
- Remove the cap and add more apple pieces until the container is full.
- Empty the blended mixture into a saucepan. Repeat with the remaining cider and apples.
- Add sugar and spices to the apples.
- Cook over low heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the mixture into jars.
- Process in boiling water for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother apple butter, blend the apples in smaller batches and ensure they are fully pureed before combining. If you prefer less sugar, you can reduce it to 1.5 cups and add a splash more apple juice for moisture. For a different flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of cardamom or using different apple varieties such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
Serving Suggestions
Apple butter is delicious spread on toast or muffins for breakfast. It also pairs beautifully with cream cheese on bagels or can be used as a topping for pancakes or waffles. For a unique twist, try using it in a glaze for roasted meats or as an ingredient in the Quick Peach Cobbler for added sweetness and depth.
Storage & Reheating
Store the apple butter in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, process jars in boiling water and store in a cool, dark place. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Butter contains roughly 644 calories, with 9g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, feel free to mix and match different apple varieties! Each type will add its own unique flavor. Popular choices include Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples, which balance sweetness and tartness well.
How can I tell when the apple butter is done cooking?
The apple butter is ready when it has thickened to a spreadable consistency and darkened in color. You can also test it by placing a spoonful on a plate; if it holds its shape and doesn't run, it's done.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
Absolutely! This apple butter can be safely canned. Just ensure to follow proper canning procedures, including sterilizing jars and processing them in boiling water for 10 minutes to seal them effectively.
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).