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Homemade Apple Butter Recipe: Rich, Spiced, & Silky Smooth


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  • Author: Evelyn Marcella Rivera
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: Approx. 3-4 Cups
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Contrary to what the name suggests, there is actually no dairy in this recipe. Instead, it is a highly concentrated, caramelized form of applesauce that spreads like soft butter and tastes like pure, spiced comfort. Unlike quick jams, this method relies on slow cooking to caramelize the sugars naturally found in the fruit. By keeping the skins and cores during the initial boil, we extract maximum pectin and flavor, resulting in a velvety spread with a deep mahogany color.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 pounds (10-12 medium) Apples; washed, unpeeled, uncored, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 4 cups Water
  • 3 Whole Allspice Berries (Optional)
  • 2 Cinnamon Sticks (Optional)
  • 1 (2-inch) piece Fresh Ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 1 Star Anise Pod (Optional)
  • 1 1/4 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar
  • Small pinch Kosher Salt

Instructions

  1. Simmer and Soften: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine apple chunks, vinegar, water, and aromatics (allspice, cinnamon, ginger, anise). Bring to a rolling simmer on high, then reduce to medium-low. Cook for 30-40 minutes until apples are completely soft and liquid is reduced by half.
  2. Mill the Fruit: Remove from heat and cool slightly. Discard the whole spices. Pass the mixture through a food mill to separate the pulp from the skins and seeds. (Alternatively, push through a fine-mesh strainer).
  3. Caramelize (Stovetop Method): Return pulp to the pot. Stir in granulated and brown sugars. Simmer on medium-low for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring occasionally, until thick and dark brown. (Watch out for splattering!).
  4. Caramelize (Oven Method): Alternatively, preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Pour pulp and sugars into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 3 to 3½ hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
  5. Finish: Perform the “plate test” (see Notes). Once thick and glossy, season with a pinch of kosher salt.

Notes

  • Whole Apple Technique: We cook the apples unpeeled and uncored to extract natural pectin from the skins and seeds, which thickens the butter naturally without additives.
  • Apple Variety: Mix different apple varieties (sweet and tart) for the best depth of flavor.
  • The Plate Test: Spoon a bit of butter onto a cold plate. If it sets immediately and no water leaks out around the edges, it is done.
  • Safety Tip: If cooking on the stovetop, be careful around the 1.5-hour mark. The mixture becomes thick and can splatter hot “lava.”
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Category: Condiment, Breakfast, Canning
  • Method: Slow Cooking, Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
  • Calories: 45 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 5 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg