Homemade Apple Butter Recipe

Introduction

Homemade apple butter is a rich, spiced spread made from slow-cooked apples that transform into a thick, smooth delight. Perfect for toast, baking, or as a flavorful addition to many dishes, this recipe offers both slow cooker and Instant Pot methods to suit your kitchen style.

Ingredients

• 6 1/2 pounds apples
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (105 grams)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (12 grams)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (5 grams)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel, core, and slice the apples.
2. Step 2 (Slow Cooker): Place the sliced apples in the slow cooker. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine.
3. Step 3 (Slow Cooker): Cover and cook on low for about 10 hours, stirring every couple of hours. The apple butter should become thick and dark brown.
4. Step 4 (Slow Cooker): If you prefer a smooth texture, blend the apple butter using a blender or immersion blender until puréed.
5. Step 5 (Instant Pot): Add the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and 1/2 cup apple juice to the Instant Pot liner. Mix to coat the apples. Save the vanilla extract for later.
6. Step 6 (Instant Pot): Seal the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then allow a natural release for 20 minutes.
7. Step 7 (Instant Pot): Use an immersion blender to purée the softened apples until smooth.
8. Step 8 (Instant Pot): Turn the Instant Pot to “sauté” mode and simmer the apple butter for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired thickness. Be careful of bubbling and splattering; if it splatters, turn off the pot to cool slightly before continuing.
9. Step 9 (Instant Pot): Stir in the vanilla extract once the apple butter is finished cooking.

Tips & Variations

• Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor.
• Adjust the cinnamon to taste or add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
• For a smoother texture, blend thoroughly and strain if desired.
• If using the Instant Pot, adding apple juice prevents the burn warning and helps cook the apples evenly.

Storage

Store apple butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it in small portions for longer storage. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain smoothness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apples for apple butter?

Yes, you can use any apple variety, but a combination of sweet and tart apples tends to provide the best flavor and balance.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Yes, peeling helps create a smoother texture and reduces bitterness. However, if you prefer a chunkier apple butter, you can leave some skins on and blend accordingly.

Homemade Apple Butter Recipe

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Homemade Apple Butter is a rich, spiced spread made from slow-cooked or pressure-cooked apples, blended until smooth and thick. This comforting recipe uses simple ingredients like apples, sugars, cinnamon, and vanilla to create a flavorful butter perfect for toast, baking, or as a versatile condiment.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 hours (Slow Cooker) or 45 minutes (Instant Pot including natural release and sauté time)
• Total Time: 10 hours 20 minutes (Slow Cooker) or 1 hour 5 minutes (Instant Pot)
• Yield: About 6 cups 1x
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apple Mixture

• 6 1/2 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (105 grams)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (12 grams)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (5 grams)

Additional Ingredients for Instant Pot Method

• 1/2 cup apple juice (for Instant Pot method only, to prevent burn warning)

Instructions

1. Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples thoroughly to ensure even cooking and soft texture in the final product.
2. Slow Cooker Method: Place the sliced apples into the slow cooker. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir well to coat the apples evenly with the spices and sugars.
3. Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover with the lid and cook on low for about 10 hours, stirring every couple of hours to prevent sticking and promote uniform cooking. The apple butter should become thick and dark brown in color.
4. Blend to Smooth: If you prefer a smooth texture, transfer the cooked apple mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree it until smooth.
5. Instant Pot Preparation: For the Instant Pot method, add the peeled and sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and 1/2 cup apple juice to the Instant Pot liner. Mix thoroughly to combine the ingredients and coat the apples. Hold off on adding vanilla extract until after cooking.
6. Cook in Instant Pot: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then allow a natural pressure release for 20 minutes.
7. Blend and Simmer: Use an immersion blender to puree the cooked apples in the Instant Pot until smooth. Turn on the sauté function and simmer the apple butter for 8-10 minutes, stirring regularly to thicken. Watch carefully to avoid burning or splattering, turning off and on as needed during simmering.
8. Add Vanilla Extract: After simmering, stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor if using the Instant Pot method.
9. Storage: Once cooled, store the apple butter covered in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can also be frozen in small containers for longer storage.
10. Canning (Optional): Follow proper canning procedures if you wish to preserve your apple butter for extended periods.

Notes

• Use a variety of apples for a more complex flavor, such as a mix of tart and sweet apples.
• Stir the apple butter frequently during slow cooking to prevent sticking and burning.
• The Instant Pot method requires adding apple juice to prevent the burn warning and to maintain moisture.
• Adjust the sweetness by modifying sugar amounts to taste.
• Vanilla extract is added after cooking in the Instant Pot to preserve its flavor.
• Always cool the apple butter before transferring to storage containers to prevent condensation and spoilage.
• For a chunky texture, blend less or mash the apples by hand.

Keywords: apple butter, slow cooker apple butter, instant pot apple butter, homemade apple spread, fall recipes, cinnamon apple butter