Description

Homemade apple butter is a delightful spread that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. This rich, spiced treat transforms simple apples into a luxurious topping perfect for toast, pancakes, and more. With warm notes of cinnamon and cloves, this recipe not only enhances your breakfast but also makes a thoughtful gift for friends and family. Simple to prepare with just a few ingredients, homemade apple butter is versatile enough to elevate both sweet and savory dishes. Experience the cozy flavors of fall with this easy DIY apple spread.

Ingredients

Scale

4 lbs apples (10 small-medium apples)
½ cup apple juice (or apple cider)
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 cup light brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp salt

Instructions

Core and chop the apples into chunks (peeling is optional) and place them in a large stock pot.
Add the apple juice, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Stir until well combined.
Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 1-2 hours until the apples are very soft.
Blend the mixture using an immersion blender or in batches with a regular blender until smooth.
Return the pureed mixture to heat for another 30-60 minutes until thickened to your liking.
To check doneness, spoon some on a plate; if it cools without water separation, it's ready.
Transfer to clean jars, seal tightly, and refrigerate for up to one month.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Spread
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (20g)
Calories: 45
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Choose sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for the best flavor. Taste during cooking to adjust sweetness as needed. For added depth, experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger.