Description
This easy homemade apple butter is a rich and smooth spread filled with warm spices, perfect for cozy fall mornings. Made with simple ingredients like apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon, it’s ideal for spreading on toast, pancakes, or biscuits, bringing comforting flavors to your breakfast or snack time.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 apples (peeled, cored, chopped)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cloves
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and chop 6 apples into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly and break down quickly.
- Cook Apples: Add the chopped apples along with ¼ cup of water to a pot and cook over medium heat until the apples become soft and tender, usually about 10–15 minutes.
- Blend or Mash: Once soft, mash the apples with a potato masher or blend them to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Add Sugar and Spices: Stir in ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup white sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon cloves into the apple mixture, ensuring the spices and sugars are evenly combined.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the apple butter simmer gently for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote thickening.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract at the end to enhance the flavor profile.
- Cool and Store: Allow the apple butter to cool to room temperature, then transfer it into clean jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Fuji and Granny Smith, for a balanced flavor.
- Store apple butter in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.
- For longer preservation, freeze the apple butter in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Spread / Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
