Apple butter is a delicious and versatile fruit spread made from apples, sugar, and spices. Despite its name, it doesn’t actually contain butter. Instead, the term “butter” in this context refers to the smooth and creamy texture that results from cooking the apples down to a thick, spreadable consistency.
Here’s a basic recipe for making homemade apple butter:
Ingredients:
4-5 pounds of apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. You can use a variety of apple types for a more complex flavor.
Place the chopped apples in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or slow cooker. If you’re using a slow cooker, set it to the low heat setting.
Add the sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt to the apples. Stir to combine.
If you want to prevent the apples from browning, you can add lemon juice at this point and give it a gentle stir.
Cook the apple mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, for several hours. The cooking time will vary depending on your method. If using a stovetop, it can take 2-4 hours, while a slow cooker may take 6-10 hours. The goal is to cook the apples down until they become soft and the mixture thickens.
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