Indulge in the rich flavors of homemade apple butter with this Kentucky-inspired recipe. Slow-cooked apples and warm spices come together to create a sweet and savory spread that is perfect for toast, pancakes, or as a flavorful ingredient in your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
- 5 lbs apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
Directions
- In a large pot, combine the sliced apples and apple cider. Cook over medium heat until the apples are soft, about 30 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, puree the cooked apples until smooth.
- Stir in the brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Once the apple butter has reached your desired consistency, let it cool before transferring to jars for storage.
- Enjoy your homemade Kentucky apple butter on toast, biscuits, or as a flavorful addition to your favorite recipes.
Interesting Facts
Apple butter has been a staple in American kitchens since the 18th century.
The slow cooking process of apple butter allows the flavors to deepen and intensify over time.
Apple butter is often enjoyed as a seasonal treat during the fall harvest.