Apple Or Crab Apple Butter
A rich, sweet apple or crab apple butter with warm spices, perfect as a spread or accompaniment for breakfast, snacks, or holiday treats, appealing to fruit and spice lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Measure fruit pulp and sugar into a large saucepan.
- Add cinnamon or allspice as desired.
- Place over high heat and bring to a full rolling boil.
- Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in Certo immediately.
- Skim off foam with a metal spoon.
- Stir and skim for 5 minutes.
- Ladle the hot butter into glasses.
- Cover immediately with 1/8-inch hot paraffin.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, consider using a food mill or blender to puree the fruit pulp. If you're out of cinnamon or allspice, nutmeg or ginger can be excellent alternatives. Make sure to use a large enough saucepan to prevent overflow when boiling the mixture. Keep a close eye on it to achieve the perfect consistency while making apple butter, as it can thicken quickly.
Serving Suggestions
This apple butter is delicious spread on warm toast or bagels and pairs beautifully with Lori'S Punch for a delightful brunch. Try it as a sweet topping for pancakes or waffles, or incorporate it into desserts like the Angel Lemon-Pineapple Dessert for a unique flavor twist. It also works well as a filling for pastries or a component in various American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store the apple butter in sterilized jars and seal them properly to ensure freshness. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, or process in a water bath for longer shelf life. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Or Crab Apple Butter contains roughly 712 calories, with 9g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 9g 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 store-bought apple sauce instead of homemade fruit pulp?
Yes, you can substitute store-bought apple sauce for the fruit pulp, but be mindful that it may contain added sugars or preservatives. Adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe to taste, as needed. Homemade pulp offers a fresher flavor and allows you to control the sweetness.
How can I make this recipe lower in sugar?
To reduce sugar, try using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, adjusting the amount to taste. Alternatively, you can reduce the sugar by half and add pectin to help thicken the butter. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the final texture, but it can still yield a delicious result.
Can I make apple butter with crab apples?
Absolutely! Crab apples can be used to make apple butter, but they are more tart than regular apples. You may want to adjust the sugar content to balance the tartness. Be sure to remove the seeds and stems before cooking, as they can be bitter. The end result will have a unique flavor profile that many enjoy.
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).