Apple Butter
Ingredients
- 6 lb. mixed sweet and tart apples
unpeeled, uncored, chopped
- 6 cups unsweetened apple cider
- 1 cup raw or white granulated sugar or light brown sugar
- 1 3" cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton’s kosher salt
- 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
Directions
- 1
Bring 6 lb. mixed sweet and tart apples, unpeeled, uncored, chopped, 6 cups apple cider, 1 cup raw or white granulated sugar, or light brown sugar, one 3" cinnamon stick, 3 whole cloves, and ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton’s kosher salt to a boil in a large wide pot. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and apples are very soft, 1–1½ hours.
- 2
Discard cinnamon stick. Pass apple mixture through the fine disk of a food mill, or strain through a coarse-mesh sieve, pressing with a rubber spatula. Discard peel, seeds, and cloves.
- 3
Preheat oven to 350°. Transfer apple mixture to a 13x9" baking pan and bake, stirring every 30 minutes, until reduced by half and very thick and dark amber, 1½–2 hours. Stir in 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar or lemon juice; let cool in pan.
- 4
Do ahead: Apple butter can be made 1 month ahead; transfer to an airtight container and chill, or freeze up to 3 months.
- 5
Editor’s note: This recipe was first printed online in September 2016. Head this way for more of our best apple recipes →
Apple Butter
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About this Recipe
Have a bounty of fresh apples and searching for the perfect way to preserve their delicious essence? This homemade apple butter recipe is your answer, transforming an abundance of fruit into a wonderfully intense spread that captures the very soul of autumn.
What makes this apple butter stand out is its deep, concentrated apple flavor. By combining both sweet and tart apples with apple cider, you create a complex foundation that is further enhanced by subtle spices and just the right touch of sweetness. It's a method designed to yield a rich, flavorful result every time.
When you taste this apple butter, expect a luxuriously smooth texture with an unparalleled, profound apple taste. The sweetness is balanced, allowing the natural fruit to shine, complemented by warm notes of cinnamon and clove. It’s a truly comforting and versatile preserve, perfect for elevating everyday meals or adding a special touch to your breakfast.
This recipe offers flexibility to suit your pantry and preference. You can choose between raw, white granulated, or light brown sugar to adjust the sweetness and underlying caramel notes. Similarly, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can be used to provide that crucial bright finish. For the best flavor balance, be sure to use a mix of both sweet and tart apples.
This intense apple butter is ideal for enjoying throughout the cooler months. Spread it generously on toast, biscuits, or pancakes, or swirl it into yogurt for a delightful treat. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift.