Calling all apple enthusiasts! Are you looking for a delightful and versatile treat that will transport your taste buds to a realm of pure bliss? Embark on a culinary journey to discover the secrets of crafting "amazing apple butter," a delectable spread that captures the essence of autumn's bounty. With its irresistibly smooth texture, symphony of sweet and tangy flavors, and endless possibilities for culinary pairings, apple butter is a true culinary masterpiece waiting to be relished.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
AMAZING APPLE BUTTER
I decided I wanted to attempt to make apple butter for the first time, so I searched everywhere for a recipe. There were so many to choose from, that I was confused on which one to pick, so I decided to take bits and pieces from a few of the best ones and come up with my own version. The result is 'Amazing Apple Butter.'
Provided by YUMMYNUMMY
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Canning and Preserving Recipes Fruit Butter Recipes
Time 10h40m
Yield 48
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Combine apples and apple juice in a stockpot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook at a simmer until apples are soft and mushy, 20 to 30 minutes.
- Spoon apples into a food mill and process into puree while discarding the cores and peels remaining in the mill. Transfer process apples to a slow cooker.
- Cook on High with the lid off until the moisture evaporates and the volume reduces by about half, overnight to 24 hours.
- Stir sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice through the apple puree.
- Continue cooking on High until mixture mounds on a chilled plate without any water separating from the edges, another 2 to 6 hours.
- Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the apple butter into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
- Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process 5 to 10 minutes.
- Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 75.4 calories, Carbohydrate 19.7 g, Fat 0.2 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 0.3 g, Sodium 1.7 mg, Sugar 16.2 g
AMAZING CROCK-POT APPLE BUTTER
This is not only the BEST apple butter I've ever made, it was also the EASIEST, because you put it in the crock pot and forget about it! What's not to love?!!
Provided by Janice G
Categories Jams & Jellies
Time 8h40m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- 1. Peel, core and slice the apples. (This is really the only time-consuming part of the recipe - peeling, coring and slicing the apples.) Place the prepared apples into the crock pot.
- 2. In medium mixing bowl, put the sugar and all of the other spices and stir to mix well. Pour/sprinkle this sugar mixture evenly over the apples in crock pot. Drizzle the liquid (I always use apple juice, instead of water, seems to give it more flavor, in my opinion) over the apples and stir (as best you can) with a large, flat spatula until well mixed. (Will be more like "tossing" than stirring.)
- 3. Turn crock pot on low setting and cook overnight or for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally, until it is thickened to your liking. When the apples have cooked for several hours, you will be able to "mash" them up a little bit with a potato masher, if you have one. I found it works best and makes the smoothest apple butter if you use an immersion blender and blend it until it is a smooth puree. If you feel like it is too thin, remove the lid and cook for awhile longer to allow it to thicken a little more. Stir more often toward the end of the cooking time, as it thickens, to prevent scorching. (I did not have to do this, mine did not have any trouble with sticking or scorching, but I guess it might if your crock pot is one that seems to cook hotter than normal.)
- 4. Original recipe says "Store in refrigerator for up to 6 weeks." However, I processed my jars in a boiling water bath to seal them so that it would keep for much longer (easily up to one year, if properly sealed). To "can" the apple butter (for longer non-refrigerated storage), pack into hot jars leaving 1/4-inch headspace and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This recipe made three 12 oz. jars, so the 2nd time I made it, I doubled it. That amount could vary a little, I suppose, depending on the size of your apples. Note, when doubling the recipe, the crock pot (if it is a 5 quart one) will be VERY FULL when first getting started, so much so that I actually had to save some of the sugar mixture until the apples had cooked down some (about two hours) before I could add it in or else it would've overflowed! But as you will see, it cooks down so much that it works out just fine. Some "canning recipes" like jams and jellies recommend NOT doubling because it somehow messes up the "jelling" process so that it doesn't set up just right, even when cooking for longer amounts of time. That was not a problem with this recipe. Also, the first time I made this, I used a mixture of Cortland and Red Delicious and it was great. Second time, I used a bag of McIntosh and it was just as good. I really didn't notice a big difference, to tell you the truth, so just go with your favorite apple.
AMAZING SPICED APPLE BUTTER
I was in Tennessee for business and ran across an apple farm near Pikeville. Went in and had lunch in their restaurant and grabbed a peck of Shizuka apples. They are a green apple with a hint of pear and sweetness about them. They made a wonderful apple butter. I cannot wait to get back to that part of Tennessee and,...
Provided by Deb Finney
Categories Fruit Sauces
Time 13h30m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 1. Wash, peel and core apples. I used a peck, which contained about 10 pounds. I used Shizuka apples, which had a slight pear taste to them. Dice them.
- 2. Mix the dry ingredients (sugars and seasonings) in a bowl.
- 3. Layer the apples and seasoning in your crock pot. Fill to the top, they will cook down. (OK sorry - it all has to go here - the site will not let me add another step). Let cook for about 10 - 12 hours (depends on your crock pot). Stir occasionally. When done and a deep brown, use an immersion blender or a mixer to blend. Add in the liquid seasonings (balsamic, vanilla and butter). Let it cook about 2 to 3 hours with the lid off. (Until it reaches your desired consistency). I ladeled into half pint jars (9 total) and 1 quart jar. I hot water processed them at a low boil for about 15 minutes. All sealed perfectly. The apple butter is divine. I am going to have to make another batch. These 9 jars are going fast.
Tips:
- Choose the Right Apples: Use a variety of apples to create a complex flavor. Choose apples with a good balance of sweetness and tartness, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn.
- Prep Your Apples Properly: Peel and core your apples before cooking. This will help to remove any unwanted bitterness and will make the applesauce smoother.
- Use a Slow Cooker for Easy Cooking: A slow cooker is a great way to make applesauce without having to babysit it on the stove. Simply add all of your ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the apples are very soft.
- Add Spices and Sweeteners to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices and sweeteners in your applesauce to suit your own taste. You can add cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or allspice for a warm and cozy flavor. For a sweeter applesauce, add brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
- Mash or Blend to Your Desired Consistency: Once the apples are cooked, you can mash them with a potato masher or blend them with an immersion blender to achieve your desired consistency.
Conclusion:
Making applesauce at home is a fun and rewarding experience. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious and versatile condiment that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you spread it on toast, use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles, or simply enjoy it as a snack, homemade applesauce is a delicious and healthy treat that the whole family will love. So next time you have a surplus of apples, be sure to give this easy applesauce recipe a try!
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