Apple butter is a rich, thick, and velvety spread made by slow-cooking apples with sugar and spices until they reach a smooth, butter-like consistency. It’s a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes, from spreading on toast to incorporating into savory and sweet recipes. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make flavorful apple butter and how you can use it to enhance dishes like pork loin, as a dip, and in spice cake. Let’s get started on creating this delicious apple butter that will become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Apple Butter
- 5 pounds apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Gala, Fuji, and Granny Smith)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Juice of 1 lemon
How to Make Apple Butter
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by washing the apples thoroughly. Peel, core, and chop them into small pieces. You can use an apple corer and peeler to make this process faster and easier.
Step 2: Cook the Apples
Place the chopped apples in a large slow cooker. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and salt. Stir the mixture until the apples are evenly coated with the sugars and spices.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Apples
Cover the slow cooker and cook the apples on low heat for about 10 hours, stirring occasionally. The apples will become very soft and start to break down into a thick, dark mixture.
Step 4: Puree the Apple Mixture
Once the apples have cooked down, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender or food processor in batches and blend until smooth.
Step 5: Reduce the Apple Butter
After pureeing, continue to cook the apple butter on low heat for an additional 1-2 hours, uncovered, to allow any excess liquid to evaporate. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The apple butter is ready when it holds its shape on a spoon and has a thick, spreadable consistency.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Stir in the vanilla extract and the juice of one lemon to enhance the flavor and preserve the apple butter’s color. Mix well to combine.
Step 7: Store the Apple Butter
Let the apple butter cool to room temperature. Transfer it to sterilized jars or airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or process in a water bath canner for longer shelf life.
About the Main Ingredients
Apples
Apples are the star ingredient of apple butter, providing natural sweetness and a rich flavor. Using a mix of apple varieties, such as Gala, Fuji, and Granny Smith, adds depth to the taste and ensures a balance of sweetness and tartness. Apples are also high in pectin, which helps thicken the apple butter naturally.
Sugar
Both granulated sugar and brown sugar are used in this recipe to achieve the perfect sweetness and caramel-like flavor. Brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like taste, while granulated sugar ensures the right level of sweetness.
Spices
Ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice are the key spices that give apple butter its warm, autumnal flavor. These spices complement the natural sweetness of the apples and create a complex, aromatic profile.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the apple butter, adding a subtle sweetness and warmth. It rounds out the taste and adds a touch of sophistication to the final product.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice serves a dual purpose: it helps preserve the apple butter’s color by preventing oxidation, and it adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the apples and sugars.
Using Apple Butter in Recipes
Apple Butter Pork Loin
Apple butter can be used as a glaze for pork loin, adding a sweet and savory flavor to the dish. Simply spread a generous amount of apple butter over the pork loin before roasting. The apple butter caramelizes during cooking, creating a delicious crust that complements the tender meat.
Apple Butter Dip
Create a simple yet delicious dip by mixing apple butter with cream cheese. This creamy, tangy dip is perfect for serving with crackers, pretzels, or fresh fruit. To make the dip, combine equal parts apple butter and softened cream cheese, then mix until smooth and well combined.
Apple Butter Spice Cake
Apple butter can also be used in baking to add moisture and flavor to cakes. Incorporate apple butter into a spice cake recipe for a rich, flavorful dessert. Replace some of the butter or oil in your spice cake recipe with apple butter, and enjoy the added depth of flavor and moist texture.
Making apple butter at home is a rewarding process that results in a versatile and delicious condiment. Whether you spread it on toast, use it as a glaze for pork, or incorporate it into baked goods, apple butter is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. With its rich flavor and thick, smooth texture, it’s a perfect way to enjoy the natural sweetness of apples all year round. Try making apple butter yourself and discover the many ways you can use this delightful spread!
