Apple butter is a delicious, spiced spread that’s perfect on toast, swirled into oatmeal, or paired with savory dishes like pork chops. This homemade version is surprisingly easy to make and fills your kitchen with an irresistible autumn aroma. Here’s how to whip up a batch of apple butter at home.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds of apples ( a mix of sweet and tart varieties is best)
- 2 cups of apple cider or apple juice
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon of allspice
Instructions:
- Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples.
- Place the apple pieces in a large pot and add the apple cider or juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it cook down for an hour until the apples are completely soft.
- Add the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens.
- For a smooth apple butter, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture right in the pot. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can mash the apples with a potato masher.
- Preserve the apple butter by canning using a water bath method, or store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
