Pa. Dutch Apple Butter
A rich, spiced apple butter with warm cinnamon and cloves, perfect for spreading on bread or biscuits, ideal for autumn and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour cider into a heavy pan and boil over high heat for 30 minutes until reduced by half.
- Add peeled, cored, and chopped apples. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until apples are soft, about 40 minutes.
- Remove from heat and press apples through a fine sieve or puree in a food processor.
- Return the apple puree to the pan.
- Mix in the brown sugar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground allspice.
- Simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring often, until the puree is very thick.
- Ladle the apple butter into pint jars (about 3 jars).
- Cover tightly and refrigerate.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, use a food processor instead of a sieve when pureeing the apples. You can substitute some of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a unique flavor twist. If you prefer a spicier apple butter, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for a complex taste.
Serving Suggestions
This apple butter is delightful spread on warm toast or biscuits and pairs wonderfully with a cheese platter. It’s also an excellent topping for pancakes or waffles. Try serving it alongside Grace'S Baked Chicken for a sweet and savory combination. For a refreshing side, consider pairing with a Favorite Salad Bowl.
Storage & Reheating
Store the apple butter in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe jars or bags for up to a year. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pa. Dutch Apple Butter contains roughly 3759 calories, with 50g protein, 948g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (904% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1957mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
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 different types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, using a combination of sweet and tart apples enhances the flavor of the apple butter. Varieties like Granny Smith and Fuji work well together to create a balanced taste.
How can I tell when the apple butter is thick enough?
The apple butter is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and holds its shape. You can also do a plate test by placing a small amount on a plate and tilting it; if it doesn’t run, it’s thick enough.
Can I can this apple butter for long-term storage?
Yes, you can can the apple butter using proper canning techniques. Make sure to sterilize jars and process them in a water bath for safe preservation. It can last for up to a year when canned correctly.
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).