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Homemade Spiced Apple Butter Recipe

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  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 10 hours (depending on cooking method)
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes to 10 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: About 4 cups of apple butter
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This homemade Apple Butter recipe brings together a delightful blend of sweet and tart apples slowly cooked and spiced to perfection, resulting in a smooth, thick spread bursting with warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Perfect for spreading on toast, swirled into oatmeal, or gifting to friends, this versatile preserve is made easy with multiple cooking options including Instant Pot, slow cooker, or stovetop.

Ingredients

Apples

  • 5 pounds apples (mix of sweet + tart, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith)

Liquid

  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (plus more to taste at the end)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Sweeteners and Spices

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Prep the apples: Core and chop the apples into chunks; no need to peel them, which saves time and retains nutrients.
  2. Combine ingredients: In your chosen pot (Instant Pot, slow cooker, or stovetop pot), add the chopped apples, water, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir well to blend all ingredients evenly.
  3. Cook the apples: Select one cooking method:
    • Instant Pot: Lock the lid and set to Manual/Pressure Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then release the remaining pressure quickly.
    • Crock-Pot: Cover and cook on Low for 8–10 hours or on High for 4–5 hours until apples are fully tender.
    • Stovetop: Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low. Partially cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1½ to 2 hours until apples are very soft and fragrant.
  4. Blend until smooth: Once apples are tender, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer to a blender in batches to puree until very smooth.
  5. Thicken: Continue cooking to evaporate excess moisture and achieve the desired thick consistency.
    • Instant Pot: Switch to Sauté mode on low and cook uncovered for 10–20 minutes, stirring often until thick and glossy.
    • Crock-Pot or Stovetop: Cook uncovered for an additional 30–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apple butter darkens and thickens.
  6. Finish: Stir in the vanilla extract. Taste and adjust by adding more lemon juice or sugar if needed. Allow the apple butter to cool slightly before transferring it into jars for storage.

Notes

  • Apple varieties with a mix of sweet and tart flavors provide the best balance for apple butter.
  • You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your preference.
  • If using an Instant Pot, be sure to use the sauté function to thicken after pressure cooking.
  • This apple butter stores well in airtight jars refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or can be frozen for longer storage.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten flavors and help preserve color.

Find it online: https://emilysplate.com/homemade-spiced-apple-butter-recipe/