Ingredients
Ingredients
- 5 pounds apples (mix of sweet + tart such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 1/4 cups cane sugar or brown sugar (adjust to taste — start with less if you prefer it less sweet)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (plus more to taste at the end)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep the apples: Core and chop the apples into pieces. There is no need to peel them as the skins add flavor and help with the texture.
- Combine ingredients: In your chosen cooking pot, add the chopped apples, water, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir everything well to combine thoroughly.
- Cook the apples: Depending on your preferred method, cook the mixture until the apples are tender. For Instant Pot, seal and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick releasing the rest. For Crock-Pot, cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–5 hours. On stovetop, bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low, cover partially, and cook for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Blend until smooth: Once the apples are fully tender, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the mixture in batches to a blender and purée until smooth and creamy.
- Thicken the apple butter: For Instant Pot users, switch to the Sauté mode on low and cook uncovered for 10–20 minutes, stirring often until the apple butter thickens and becomes glossy. For Crock-Pot or stovetop, continue cooking uncovered for 30–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it darkens to your preferred thickness.
- Finish: Stir in the vanilla extract. Taste the apple butter and adjust sweetness or acidity by adding more sugar or lemon juice as needed. Allow the apple butter to cool slightly, then transfer to jars for storage and later use.
Notes
- The apple variety can be adjusted based on availability; a mix of sweet and tart apples creates the best flavor balance.
- No need to peel apples; the skins add natural pectin aiding in thickening.
- You can reduce sugar depending on your sweetness preference.
- Be sure to stir frequently when thickening to avoid burning or sticking, especially when cooking uncovered.
- Store apple butter in sterilized jars and refrigerate; it keeps well for several weeks or can be frozen for longer storage.
- Use the apple butter as a spread, ingredient in baking, or as a flavor enhancer for oatmeal and yogurt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Condiments/Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
