Indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade apple butter, a delectable spread that captures the essence of fall. This versatile condiment, crafted from the goodness of apples, spices, and a touch of sweetness, transforms simple dishes into culinary masterpieces. Whether you prefer a smooth and velvety texture or a chunky rustic charm, our collection of stovetop apple butter recipes offers something for every palate. Explore the classic version, where the aromatic blend of apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg takes center stage, or embark on a culinary adventure with variations that incorporate unique ingredients like maple syrup, vanilla, and even a hint of chili pepper. Each recipe guides you through the process with simple instructions, ensuring a successful and flavorful outcome. Prepare to elevate your breakfast toast, oatmeal, and baked goods with this irresistible homemade delight.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
STOVETOP APPLE BUTTER
The taste of homemade apple butter is worth the time it takes to make this delectable spread. My dad's family made theirs in the backyard in a big copper kettle over a fire of burning hedge wood. It took 6 bushels of apples, 60 lbs. of sugar, four cinnamon sticks, a lemon slice and about 9 hours of constant stirring to make 18 gal. of apple butter-about a year's supply! -Rev. Willis Piepenbrink, Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 8h25m
Yield 4 cups.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a 6- to 8-qt. heavy kettle, bring apples and water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until apples are tender. Press cooked apples through a colander or food mill. Discard peels. , Return pureed apples to the kettle. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Simmer, uncovered, stirring frequently, until the consistency is very thick and the color is dark brown, about 8 hours. Freeze in containers.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 135 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 0 sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (31g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 0 protein.
APPLE BUTTER
A great answer to that eternal question - "What do I do with all these apples?" - apple butter is a sweetened, concentrated, lightly spiced spread that's smoother than jam and thicker than applesauce and fantastic on buttered toast, thinned with vinegar as a sauce for pork chops, or used to top breakfast treats like pancakes, waffles or biscuits. The apples here are intentionally left unpeeled and uncored to take advantage of the extra flavor in the peels and pectin-rich cores. (A pass through a food mill or sieve after cooking will pull them out.) As for the ideal apple butter apple - well, there is none. Use nearly any variety: This recipe is only improved by mixing and matching. Note, too, that this can be made on the stovetop or in the oven. The oven method may take longer, but it can be worthwhile if only to avoid the inevitable splattering of the stovetop method.
Provided by Alison Roman
Categories jams, jellies and preserves
Time 3h
Yield About 4 cups
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Combine apples, vinegar, allspice berries (if using), cinnamon sticks (if using), ginger (if using), star anise pod (if using) and 4 cups water in a large, heavy bottomed pot over high heat. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are completely softened and the liquid has reduced by half, 30 to 40 minutes. (Some pieces of apple might float at first; they will sink and become submerged as they soften.) Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Leaving behind allspice berries, cinnamon sticks and star anise pod, pass the apples through a food mill. (Alternatively, working in batches, ladle apples into a strainer or colander, and using a ladle, wooden spoon or spatula, press apples to pass pulp through, leaving behind seeds and skin.)
- To finish on the stovetop: Place apple pulp in the same large, heavy-bottomed pot, add granulated sugar and light brown sugar and stir to dissolve. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture is thick, glossy and a deep golden brown (somewhere between honey and molasses), 2 to 2 1/2 hours. (Around the 1 1/2-hour mark, things will start to bubble rather violently. Stirring constantly will help, but expect, and be careful of, a few splatters.) To test the thickness, spoon a bit onto a plate: The mixture should set almost immediately with no spreading or wateriness. If it's not there yet, cook another 8 to 10 minutes and test again. When the desired consistency is reached, season with kosher salt.
- To finish in the oven: Heat oven to 300 degrees. Place apple pulp in a 9-inch by 13-inch (3-quart) baking dish, add granulated sugar and light brown sugar and stir to dissolve. Place in oven and let cook, stirring every 30 minutes or so, until mixture is thick, glossy and a deep, golden brown color (somewhere between honey and molasses), 3 to 3 1/2 hours. To test the thickness, spoon a bit onto a plate: The mixture should set almost immediately with no spreading or wateriness. If it's not there yet, cook another 20 to 30 minutes and test again. When the desired consistency is reached, season with kosher salt.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 311, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 80 grams, Fat 0 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 1 gram, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 19 milligrams, Sugar 72 grams
Tips:
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot: This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the apple butter from burning.
- Peel and core the apples before cooking: This will help to make the apple butter smooth and reduce the cooking time.
- Add some spices to the apple butter: This will help to give it a more complex flavor. Common spices that are used in apple butter include cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Cook the apple butter over low heat: This will help to prevent it from burning and allow the flavors to develop.
- Stir the apple butter frequently: This will help to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
- Cook the apple butter until it has reached the desired consistency: The apple butter should be thick and spreadable, but not too thick.
- Can the apple butter: This will help to preserve it for up to a year.
Conclusion:
Apple butter is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be enjoyed on toast, pancakes, or waffles, or used as a glaze for chicken or pork. It can also be used in baking, such as in cakes, cookies, and pies. With its sweet and tangy flavor, apple butter is a great way to add a touch of autumn to your favorite dishes.
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