Janet Jordan
@jjqueen52
Homemade Apple Butter
Deliciously smooth and spiced apple butter made from fresh McIntosh apples, perfect for spreading on toast or using in recipes.
Details
- Difficulty:medium
- Estimated Cost:N/A
- Ingredients:8
- Views:2
Recipe Information
- Prep time20 min.
- Cook time9 min.
- Total time29 min.
- Servings44
Ingredients
- 5 1/2 pounds, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 3/4 cup
- 3/4 cup
- 1 tablespoon (optional)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons
- 1/2 teaspoon
- 1/2 teaspoon
- 1/2 teaspoon
Cooking Instructions
Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Homemade Apple Butter.
Step 1
Start by blending the chopped McIntosh apples in batches using a blender until they reach a smooth consistency, ensuring there are no large chunks left behind. This step is crucial for achieving that velvety texture in your apple butter.
Step 2
Next, in a slow cooker, combine the blended apples with white sugar, dark brown sugar, and if you like, a splash of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor. Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger, and give it a good stir to mix everything together.
Step 3
Set your slow cooker to high and let it cook uncovered for about an hour. This initial cooking time helps to kickstart the process and release the wonderful apple aroma throughout your kitchen.
Step 4
After the first hour, cover the slow cooker and continue cooking for 6 to 8 hours, stirring about twice per hour. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the mixture to become smooth and rich.
Step 5
Once the apple butter has thickened and is spreadable, remove the cover and let it cook for an additional 2 to 4 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to achieve that perfect consistency.
Step 6
When your apple butter is ready, spoon it into clean jars, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Seal the jars tightly and store them in the freezer for future enjoyment.
How to Serve
Serve your homemade apple butter on warm toast, pancakes, or as a delightful filling for pastries. It also makes a great gift when jarred beautifully!
How to Store
Store your apple butter in the freezer for long-term preservation. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks.