Description
This Easy Stovetop Apple Butter recipe offers a smooth, flavorful spread made from fresh red apples, brown sugar, and warm spices. Slow-cooked on the stovetop, the apple butter is blended to creamy perfection and reduced for a rich, thick consistency, making it perfect for toast, baking, or as a delightful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Butter Ingredients
- 7-8 red apples (approximately 1 kg when cored)
- 100 g brown sugar
- 240 ml apple cider or apple juice (not apple cider vinegar)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare: Remove the cores from the apples and cut them into 1-2 inch cubes. Place the cubed apples into a medium saucepan along with all the other ingredients.
- Cook: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally with a rubber spatula as the liquids reduce and the apples soften and break down. After cooking, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly for 10 minutes.
- Blend: Transfer the mixture to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend on high for several minutes until completely smooth and creamy.
- Reduce: Pour the blended apple mixture back into the saucepan and place it over medium-low heat. Cover the pan with a lid to prevent spitting. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring carefully every 5-10 minutes to avoid sticking or burning. Be cautious when removing the lid, as the mixture will spatter.
- Cool and Store: Remove the apple butter from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Transfer the apple butter into clean airtight jars or sealed containers and refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
- Note 1: The 7-8 apples should weigh approximately 1 kg once cored.
- Note 2: Use apple cider or apple juice for sweetness and acidity, but avoid apple cider vinegar as it will alter the flavor.
- Use a high-speed blender or food processor to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
- When reducing the blended mixture, keep the lid on to minimize spattering and stir cautiously.
- Store the apple butter in airtight containers in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 weeks for the best freshness.
