Description
Homemade Apple Butter: Cinnamon & Clove Perfection
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 apples (a mix of Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or light brown sugar or maple syrup)
- 2–3 whole cinnamon sticks (or 1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon)
- 5–6 whole cloves (or 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves)
- 1/2 cup apple cider (or water)
- A tiny pinch of salt
- Optional: a small splash of apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare Your Apples: Wash all your apples thoroughly, core and chop them into roughly 1-inch chunks, leaving the peels on.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the chopped apples to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add your chosen sweetener, cinnamon, whole cloves, and apple cider or water. Stir to coat the apples.
- Initial Cook Down: Place the pot over medium heat, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce to low, cover, and cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples are softened.
- Puree the Apples: Remove any whole cinnamon sticks and cloves. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth, or transfer to a food processor in batches and puree.
- The ‘Butter’ Stage: Return the smooth apple mixture to the pot, increase heat to low-medium, and cook uncovered, stirring frequently for 1 to 3 hours until thickened and deep amber in color.
- Taste and Adjust: Once thickened, taste and adjust the spices or sweetness as needed.
- Jar It Up: Ladle the hot apple butter into clean, sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
Notes
- Store in a cool, dark place for best flavor.
- Can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.
- Use within a year if canned properly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg