Homemade Apple Butter Recipe

This Homemade Apple Butter is a rich and flavorful spread made from apples, spices, and sugar. It is a great way to preserve the taste of autumn! This recipe requires minimal effort and yields a luscious apple butter that can be enjoyed on toast, biscuits, or even as a filling for pies and cakes. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a sweet and tangy spread that will leave you wanting more. Give this recipe a try and savor the taste of harvest season all year round.

Ingredients

• 10 lbs apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

1. In a large pot, combine the chopped apples and lemon juice.
2. Place the pot over medium heat and cook the apples until they soften and release their juices, stirring occasionally. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
3. Reduce the heat to low and add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook the mixture on low heat, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 hours. The apples should break down and the mixture should thicken and darken in color. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
5. Once the apple butter has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly.
6. Using an immersion blender or a food processor, blend the apple butter until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip this step.
7. Pour the apple butter into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Seal the jars with lids and rings.
8. Process the jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation.
9. After processing, remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a towel-lined countertop. The lids should seal with a popping sound as they cool.
10. Store the apple butter in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 2-3 weeks.

Interesting Facts