Recipe: Apple Butter
Description:
This apple butter recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years, delivering rich flavor and optimal nutrition by cooking the apples with their skins on. 🍎 The slow cooking process ensures a deep infusion of spices and sweetness, resulting in a delectable spread that’s perfect for any occasion.
Total Time: 9 hours 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 hours
Recipe Category: Apple 🍏
Keywords: Fruit 🍇, Kid Friendly 👨👩👧👦, Weeknight 🌙, Canning 🥫, Oven 🍳
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 409.8
- Fat Content: 0.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 106.5g
- Fiber Content: 4.1g
- Sugar Content: 100.6g
- Protein Content: 0.4g
Yield: 12 6oz jars
Ingredients:
- 4 apples
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup cider
- 5 cups sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon clove
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cook apples in water until soft; force through a colander. This step allows the skins to infuse the mixture with maximum flavor and nutrients, enhancing the overall taste of the apple butter. 🌟 |
| 2 | Add remaining ingredients, including cider, sugar, and a blend of aromatic spices like cinnamon, allspice, and clove. These ingredients create a harmonious symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. 🎶 |
| 3 | Cook in a slow oven set to 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 hours, stirring and scraping the sides of the pan every half hour to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a velvety smooth texture and irresistible taste. 🕒 |
| 4 | Seal the apple butter in hot, sterilized glasses to preserve its freshness and extend its shelf life. Proper sealing ensures that you can enjoy this delicious spread for months to come, whether you’re spreading it on toast for breakfast or incorporating it into your favorite recipes. 🔒 |
| 5 | Makes 12 6 oz glasses. Note: 1 peck equals approximately 10-12 pounds, or 32 medium apples, or 3-4 9-inch pies, or 7-9 quarts frozen, or 4 quarts canned. So, I’d guess 10-12 pounds. This versatile recipe yields a generous amount of apple butter, perfect for sharing with friends and family or storing for later use. Enjoy the fruits of your labor! 🥄🍏 |
Tips:
- For a smoother texture, consider using an immersion blender to blend the cooked apples before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Experiment with different varieties of apples to find your preferred flavor profile. Granny Smith apples lend a tartness, while Fuji or Gala apples offer a sweeter taste.
- Be patient during the cooking process; low and slow is the key to achieving a rich, caramelized flavor in your apple butter.
- Store sealed jars of apple butter in a cool, dark place for optimal preservation. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a few weeks for the best taste and quality.
By following this time-tested recipe, you’ll create a batch of irresistibly delicious apple butter that will elevate any meal or snack. Enjoy the sweet taste of success with each luscious spread! 🌟
