Sweet Apple Butter
Sweet Apple Butter offers a rich, spiced flavor profile with hints of cinnamon and sweet apple notes, perfect for spreading on toast or as a filling. Its smooth, thick consistency makes it a delightful treat for breakfast or gifting during the fall season, appealing to those who enjoy homemade preserves.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook peeled and cored apples in water in a large saucepan until very tender.
- Press the cooked apples through a food mill to make applesauce and measure 4 quarts.
- Bring the applesauce to a boil in a large saucepan.
- Add sugar, cinnamon candies, and cinnamon to the boiling applesauce.
- Cook until bubbly, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar and candies.
- Stir in Sure-Jell.
- Cook for 10 minutes or until of desired consistency, stirring constantly.
- Spoon the hot apple butter into 16 sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
- Seal with 2-piece lids.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother apple butter, ensure you press the apples through the food mill thoroughly. If you want a less sweet version, reduce the sugar by a cup or two; the cinnamon candies add sweetness, too. You can substitute with other spices like nutmeg for a different flavor profile. If you don’t have Sure-Jell, use an alternative pectin or omit it for a thicker consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet apple butter is delightful spread on toast or scones and pairs beautifully with Honey Carrots as a side. You can also use it to enhance flavors in baked goods or as a topping for pancakes. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a light salad like Marinated Zucchini Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of apple butter in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep in the refrigerator and consume within two weeks. To reheat, place the desired amount in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until warmed through. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Apple Butter contains roughly 585 calories, with 6g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is a good source of calcium (18% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value).
* % 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, you can use a mix of sweet and tart apples to achieve a balanced flavor. Varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work well. Just ensure they are all peeled and cored before cooking.
How long does the apple butter need to cook?
After adding the sugar and candies, cook until it becomes bubbly, stirring constantly. The total cooking time is about 10 minutes or until the desired consistency is reached. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to suit your taste, but keep in mind that it may affect the preservation quality and sweetness. Aim for a reduction of one to two cups and adjust based on your apple variety's natural sweetness.
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).