Make Delicious Apple Butter at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Discover the Rich Flavors of Apple Butter

Apple butter, a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch specialty, is a game-changer for any fall gathering. This smooth, spiced, and long-cooked apple spread is a perfect addition to your favorite recipes. Enjoy it on buttered toast, paired with aged farmhouse cheddar and crackers, or as a topping for your classic pumpkin pie.

Storing Your Apple Butter

For optimal freshness, store your apple butter in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you plan to keep it for longer, consider freezing or canning it using our trusted canning instructions. For more creative ways to incorporate apple butter into your meals, check out our comprehensive guide.

Apple Butter Recipe

Yield: Approximately 5 half-pint jars
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: About 4 hours
Active Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup water
  • 4 pounds tart green apples (about 9 apples), peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preparing the Apple Butter

Preheat your oven to 250°F. In a large ovenproof Dutch oven or heavy pot, combine the apples, cider, sugars, spices, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then cover partially and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft, about 20 minutes.

Blending and Baking

Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the mixture until smooth. If using a standard blender, puree the mixture in batches to avoid overcrowding. Return the pureed apple mixture to the pot and bake, uncovered, stirring every so often, until thick and deep amber, about 3 to 3 1/2 hours.

Finishing Touches

Let the apple butter cool completely, then transfer it to sterile, airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Enjoy!

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