Description
This homemade apple butter recipe features slow-cooked apples blended with warm spices and a touch of sweetness, creating a rich, creamy spread perfect for toast, pancakes, or oatmeal. Made either on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot, it results in a thick, jam-like texture with deep, caramelized flavors.
Ingredients
Apple Base
- 4 pounds apples (8-9 medium), peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
- 2 cups apple cider
Spices & Sweeteners
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook Apples: In a large, deep pot, combine the peeled and chopped apples with the apple cider. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, then cover and let it simmer until the apples are soft, about 25-30 minutes.
- Blend Apples: Transfer the softened apples to a blender and blend until mostly smooth to create a puree.
- Simmer with Spices: Return the apple puree to the pot and add the packed brown sugar, cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Bring the mixture to a low simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until the apple butter thickens to a jam-like texture and turns the color of dark brown sugar, which should take approximately 75-90 minutes.
- Finish and Store: Remove the pot from heat, stir in the lemon juice to balance the flavors, then allow the apple butter to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Optional Instant Pot Method: Place apples and apple cider in the Instant Pot and seal. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then allow a natural venting before opening. Blend the cooked apples until smooth. Return puree to the Instant Pot on sauté mode, add brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt, then simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 75-90 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, cool, and refrigerate as above.
Notes
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or a mix of sweet and tart apples for best flavor.
- Adjust the brown sugar quantity to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet apple butter.
- Be patient during the simmering stage; low heat and slow cooking develop the deep flavors and dark color.
- Storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator will keep the apple butter fresh for up to two weeks.
- You can can apple butter using proper canning techniques for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Spread
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
