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You might like apple butter, but if you have never tasted homemade apple butter, and I tell you that you are missing out! My husband spreads this on his English muffins or toast every morning. He was eating so much of it, that I knew I had to find out how to make it myself!
The best time of the year to make your apple butter is when apples are in season. They are affordable, and there is nothing more fun than an afternoon of apple picking.
There are plenty of crockpot recipes you can search for and create. But I don’t make mine that way. I prefer to stick with the old-fashioned method of cooking it in the oven. I just think the flavors meld better together.
Every time I go into the kitchen and make a batch of what my kids call “the best apple butter ever,” my entire house smells amazing. There is nothing like walking through the door and catching a whiff of the sweetly scented air. It screams fall – even if it isn’t!!!
My simple old fashioned apple recipeis below, but don’t forget to check out some of my other amazing and delicious apple-inspired recipes:
- Mini Apple Pies
- Caramel Apple Floats
- Copycat Starbucks Carmel Frappe Latte
- 25 delicious apple recipes
What is apple butter?
You may think that apple butter is a combination of apples and butter – but it isn’t. In fact, there is absolutely no butter in apple butter. Why we call it that, I have no idea. It seems someone wasn’t thinking clearly when they came up with that name! In fact, the only thing it has in common with butter is how easy it is to spread.
Apple butter is concentrated applesauce. That’s it.
What is the difference between applesauce and apple butter?
Both applesauce and apple butter are made using similar spices including cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg or other “warming spices.” The difference between the two is that apple butter is pureed or chopped more finely and cooked much longer. When finished, the result is a dark, caramelized spread exploding with intense apple flavor.
What are the best apples for applesauce?
When it comes to making apple butter, Granny Smith apples are the most popular choice due to their tart flavor and firm texture. However, other varieties such as McIntosh, Golden Delicious, Fuji, and Gala can also be used depending on your preference. Granny Smith apples will give you a more traditional apple butter flavor while McIntosh will give you a sweeter taste with a softer texture. Fuji apples have a slightly sweet taste with a crisp texture, while Gala apples are sweet and juicy. Depending on what flavors you prefer, any of these types of apples can be used in your apple butter recipe.
What do you use apple butter for?
Apple butter is commonly used on bread, toast or English Muffins. You might also try an apple butter and peanut butter sandwich for lunch. However, it can be used in other ways as well.
You can use it in sauces where you need a more concentrated flavor. It is also perfect for all of your fall baking! There are several amazing recipes right on Pinterest that you can try.
Is it safe to can applesauce?
Canning applesauce is a great way to preserve the harvest and enjoy the delicious flavor of apples all year round. However, it is important to follow proper canning procedures in order to ensure that your canned applesauce is safe to eat.
Although canning is generally considered safe when done properly, there are some potential risks associated with it, such as botulism poisoning if food is not processed correctly or if it has not been stored properly after being canned. Therefore, it is important to ensure you follow all safety guidelines when preserving food items at home.
If you would like more information on how to safely can foods at home, there are many reputable sources available online, such as The National Center for Home Food Preservation.
Homemade Apple Butter Recipe
- Author: Tracie
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 mins
- Category: Breakfast
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 lbs apples (I prefer Granny Smiths)
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon or 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250.
- Core and peel apples. Cut into bite-size pieces.
- Combine apples, apple cider, brown sugar, honey, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a Dutch oven over medium heat. A slow cooker or instant pot can be used to speed things up.
- Cook apples until soft (around 20 minutes). Stir often while cooking.
- Remove from the heat and add lemon juice, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Puree the mixture until smooth (a blender works well for this).
- Return the mixture to the Dutch oven and bake in the oven uncovered for 2.5 – 3 hours.
- Stir every 30 minutes.
- Cook until apples are the desired color, texture, and consistency.
- Remove the cooked apple mixture from the oven and let it cool.
- Transfer into an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
