Description
This homemade Apple Butter recipe combines a mix of sweet and tart apples simmered and cooked down with apple cider vinegar, sugars, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to create a rich, smooth, and spreadable fruit butter. Perfect as a comforting spread for toast, crackers, or as a flavorful addition to baked goods.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Liquids
- 3 lbs. apples (1,361 grams, peeled and chopped, use a mix of sweet and tart)
- ¾ cup apple cider vinegar (170 grams)
- 1 cup water (227 grams)
Sweeteners and Spices
- ½ cup brown sugar (107 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (6 grams, or pie spice)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
Instructions
- Simmer Apples: Add the peeled and chopped apples, apple cider vinegar, and water to a large pot. Cover and simmer over medium heat until the apples are very tender, approximately 20 minutes.
- Process Mixture: Transfer the softened apple mixture to a food processor and pulse until the apples are broken down and mostly smooth. Return the processed mixture to the pot.
- Add Sugars and Spice: Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a spreadable consistency, about 15 minutes.
- Finish with Vanilla: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract. Allow the apple butter to cool slightly before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use a combination of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
- You can adjust the sugar amounts depending on your preferred sweetness.
- Store apple butter in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.
- Ensure to stir frequently while thickening to prevent burning on the bottom of the pot.
- For smoother texture, blend longer or strain before final cooking step.
