Homemade Apple Butter Recipe: A Delicious Twist
If you’re a fan of Lucille’s Apple Butter, you’re in luck! After searching high and low for a recipe that replicates the real deal, I decided to take matters into my own hands. With a little experimentation and patience, I’ve come up with a recipe that’s surprisingly close to the original.
The Key to Success: Freshness
This homemade apple butter tastes best when it’s freshly made, so try to consume it within a week. If you need to store it for longer, refrigeration is an option, but be warned: the apples will start to rehydrate, and the flavor won’t be quite the same.
A Simple yet Time-Consuming Process
Don’t be intimidated by the 12-16 hour preparation time – most of it is spent waiting for the apples to dry. With just 20 minutes of active time, you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously sweet and tangy spread.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/8 cup honey (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 or 2 powdered apples (depending on size and taste)
Powdered Apples: The Easy Way Out
If you don’t want to spend hours drying apples, you can opt for freeze-dried apple fruit crisps instead. They work beautifully and save you a lot of time.
Drying Apples the Old-Fashioned Way
Peel, core, and slice 2 apples into 1/4 inch thick slivers. Dehydrate them for 12-15 hours, then process them into a fine powder using a food processor. You can also sun dry or oven dry the apples, but be prepared for a longer wait.
Assembling the Apple Butter
Whip the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. Add the honey and whip again, followed by the cinnamon. Finally, add the powdered apple in small increments (about 1/2 tbsp at a time), whipping between each addition. Taste and adjust as needed.
With these simple steps, you’ll be enjoying your very own homemade apple butter in no time!
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