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Apple Butter

Apple Butter
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This quick and easy Apple Butter recipe transforms simple apples and warm spices into a velvety, aromatic spread bursting with rich, caramelized fall flavors. Perfect as a spread on toast, a yogurt stir-in, a baking ingredient, or a glaze, it requires minimal ingredients and promises delicious results in a fraction of the traditional cooking time.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples

  • 3 pounds firm apples (such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp), washed, cored, and chopped (skins on)

Sweeteners

  • 1 cup brown sugar (or maple syrup as a substitute for a maple variation)

Liquids

  • 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Spices

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Apples: Wash, core, and chop your apples into quarters or eighths. Do not peel them as the skins add flavor and help thicken the spread while cooking.
  2. Cook Apples with Liquids and Spices: In a large pot over medium heat, combine the chopped apples, apple cider or juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing the apples to soften and start breaking down.
  3. Blend into Smoothness: Once the apple mixture is tender and cooked through, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the mixture carefully to a blender. Purée the mixture until smooth, achieving that signature creamy texture.
  4. Reduce to Thicken: Return the puréed apple mixture to the pot if needed and simmer on low heat, stirring frequently. Continue to cook for about 20-30 minutes until the Apple Butter reaches your desired thickness.
  5. Cool and Store: Remove from heat and let the Apple Butter cool to room temperature. Transfer to clean jars or containers, then store in the refrigerator for immediate use or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

  • Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the richest flavor and perfect sweetness.
  • Lemon juice is essential to brighten flavors and prevent browning.
  • Cook at low heat and stir often to ensure a smooth, non-burnt texture.
  • A thick-bottomed pot helps distribute heat evenly and prevents scorching.
  • Adjust sweetness by tasting near the end of cooking and adding more sugar or spices if desired.
  • For a more spiced profile, add cloves or allspice.
  • Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener substitute for brown sugar.
  • For a chunky texture, blend less during puréeing.
  • Ensure any sweeteners used are plant-based to keep the recipe vegan.
  • Store leftover Apple Butter in an airtight container refrigerated for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to six months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Apple Butter, Fall Recipes, Homemade Spread, Vegan Apple Butter, Easy Apple Butter

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/apple-butter/