Traditional Apple Butter

Name: Traditional Apple Butter
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 h
Total time: 12 h 20 min
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients: 6 lbs apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground cloves; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/2 cup water

🕒 Prep: 20 min

🔥 Cook: 12 hours

🍽 Serves: 10

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Traditional Apple Butter is the kind of recipe that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia. With its rich, spiced flavor and velvety texture, this slow-cooked spread is perfect for cozy fall days. Whether you're new to apple butter or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a must-try!

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Ingredients for Traditional Apple Butter

Apples are the star of the show, providing the base flavor and texture. Varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji offer a balance of sweetness and tartness. Granulated sugar and brown sugar add sweetness and depth, with the brown sugar enhancing the caramel notes. The trio of spices — cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg — brings warmth and complexity. A bit of salt rounds out the flavors. Vanilla extract is added at the end for an aromatic finish. Apple cider vinegar contributes a hint of tanginess, making the spread more interesting, while water helps in the initial cooking process.

Tips & Tricks

If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend less or mash with a potato masher instead of pureeing.
Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile.
Keep an eye on the consistency during the final cooking phase; it thickens more as it cools.

Serving Suggestions

Apple butter is delightful spread on warm toast or biscuits. Try it swirled into oatmeal or yogurt for a breakfast treat. It's also excellent as a glaze for pork chops or mixed into barbecue sauce for a fruity twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of apples?: Yes! Feel free to experiment with different varieties. Just make sure they are firm and flavorful.
How long does apple butter keep?: When stored in sterilized jars in the refrigerator, it can last up to three weeks.
Can I freeze apple butter?: Absolutely, apple butter freezes well. Store in an airtight container and use within six months for best quality.

Traditional Apple Butter Recipe Walkthrough

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing about six pounds of apples. If you have a nifty apple peeler, this task will be a breeze. Place the apple slices into a large slow cooker. Add in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, apple cider vinegar, and water. Give everything a good stir, making sure the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.

Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Let it work its magic for about 10 hours, stirring occasionally. You'll know it's ready when the apples are very soft and a deep, dark brown. Next, grab an immersion blender and puree the mixture until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, a regular blender works too — just be careful with the hot mixture.

Stir in the vanilla extract once everything is smooth. Continue to cook the mixture on low, uncovered, for another 2 hours. This step thickens the apple butter to a spreadable consistency. Don't forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it’s thick enough, let the apple butter cool completely before transferring it to sterilized jars for storage.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for a cozy aroma.
Slow-cooked to develop deep, caramelized flavors.
Minimal hands-on time; your slow cooker does most of the work.
Versatile spread for toast, pancakes, or even as a gift.

Ingredients

6 lbs apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp salt

1 tbsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup water

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Place the sliced apples into a large slow cooker. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, apple cider vinegar, and water.

2. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.

3. Cover and cook on low for 10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft and dark brown.

4. Puree the mixture using an immersion blender until smooth.

5. Stir in the vanilla extract.

6. Continue cooking on low, uncovered, for an additional 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick and spreadable.

7. Let the apple butter cool completely before transferring it to sterilized jars for storage.

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