Save to Pinterest This spiced apple butter combines peeled and chopped sweet and tart apples slow-cooked until tender and pureed smooth. Sweetened with granulated and brown sugar, and enhanced by cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, the mixture simmers low and slow to develop a deep, rich flavor and thick texture. Perfect as a spread on toast, pancakes, or a filling for pastries, it can be adjusted for sweetness and texture with a fine sieve or vanilla essence. Store refrigerated or process for extended shelf life.
Discovering spiced apple butter was like finding a cozy secret; I remember the first autumn I made it, the house filled with the warm scent of cinnamon and apples simmering away for hours, that slow transformation felt like magic unfolding right in my kitchen.
I vividly recall the first time unexpected guests showed up; hastily spooning warm spiced apple butter onto fresh bread, that comforting sweetness turned a surprise visit into a memorable moment.
Ingredients
- Apples: I use a blend of sweet and tart apples to get the perfect balance of flavor and natural pectin for thickness
- Granulated and Light Brown Sugar: Combining these gives depth to the sweetness and a slight molasses note
- Apple Cider or Water: Apple cider adds extra fruitiness, but water works great if you prefer less sweetness
- Lemon Juice: It brightens the flavors and helps preserve freshness
- Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice, Cloves, and Salt: These warm spices create that classic apple butter aroma; measuring salt carefully helps balance sweetness
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Peel, core, and chop your mixed apples first so you have everything set before heating the pot.
- Start the Slow Cook:
- Place apples, apple cider (or water), and lemon juice in a heavy pot. Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, watching the apples become soft and tender with a slight bubbling sound.
- Blend Into Smoothness:
- Use an immersion blender right in the pot or transfer batches to a blender until the mixture is silky and smooth, the texture should feel like thick apple sauce.
- Add the Sweetness and Spices:
- Return puree to the pot, stir in both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt gently so the spices release their warmth without clumping.
- Simmer Low and Slow:
- Keep the pot uncovered over low heat for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring often so it doesn't stick. You'll notice the scent deepen and the color turn a rich, deep brown.
- Check for Doneness:
- Spoon some on a plate and watch for no liquid oozing after a minute; this means it’s thick enough to spread happily on your favorites.
- Cool and Store:
- Let the apple butter cool a bit before spooning into sterilized jars. Store chilled for up to three weeks, or process in a water bath for long-term keeping.
Save to Pinterest It was during a crisp fall evening when a batch of this apple butter became the highlight of a family dinner — spreading warmth both at the table and in our hearts beyond just a simple spread.
Keeping It Fresh
To keep your apple butter tasting its best, always store it in clean, sterilized jars and keep it refrigerated once opened. For even longer storage, water bath canning is a reliable method that seals in that fresh-made flavor.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
I love dolloping this apple butter on my morning oatmeal or swirling it into plain yogurt for a quick upgrade. It’s also fantastic as a filling in pastries or melting over hot pancakes for an easy but indulgent touch.
A Time This Recipe Saved the Day
Once, when I was scrambling to prepare for guests with almost no notice, this apple butter came to the rescue as a quick delicious addition to simple bread and cheese platters.
- Don’t hesitate to tweak the spices to your liking, it’s quite forgiving
- If you want an ultra-smooth spread, strain before the final simmer
- Remember to cool jar lids before sealing for a better vacuum seal
Save to Pinterest Thanks for spending these moments with me in the kitchen; I hope this apple butter brings as much comfort and joy to your home as it has to mine.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What types of apples work best?
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A mix of sweet and tart apples offers balanced flavor and natural sweetness ideal for this spread.
- → How can I ensure a smooth texture?
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Use an immersion or countertop blender to puree the cooked apples thoroughly and strain through a fine sieve if desired.
- → What is the purpose of simmering for hours?
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Slow simmering thickens the mixture and deepens the spice-infused apple flavors for a rich consistency.
- → Can I adjust the spice levels?
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Yes, adjust cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves to suit personal taste preferences before simmering.
- → How should the spread be stored?
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Store in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to three weeks or process with a water bath for longer preservation.
