Description
This easy homemade apple butter is rich, smooth, and full of warm spices, making it a perfect cozy fall spread. Made with simple ingredients like apples, brown sugar, and warm spices, it’s ideal for spreading on toast, pancakes, or biscuits.
Ingredients
Apples
- 6 apples (peeled, cored, chopped)
Sweeteners & Spices
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cloves
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Other
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Cook Apples: Add the peeled, cored, and chopped apples along with ¼ cup of water to a pot. Cook over medium heat until the apples become soft and tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash or Blend: Once the apples are softened, mash them with a potato masher or blend using an immersion blender until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Add Sugars and Spices: Stir in the brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves evenly into the apple mixture.
- Simmer and Reduce: Lower the heat to a simmer and cook the mixture on low for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing the apple butter to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Finish with Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract at the end of cooking and mix thoroughly.
- Cool and Store: Remove from heat and let the apple butter cool completely before transferring it to jars or airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor balance.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in airtight containers.
- Freeze in portions for extended shelf life.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Spread / Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
