Apple Cider Apple Butter Recipe – Easy Family Meal

As the leaves start to turn, my mind naturally drifts to flavors of fall. You know the ones I mean: crisp apples, warm spices, and cozy evenings. One of my favorite accompaniments to a warm slice of homemade bread or fluffy pancakes is a smooth and sweet apple cider apple butter. 

When I spread it on toast, it feels like wrapping myself in a warm sweater, full of comfort and goodness.

Apple butter has been a staple in American kitchens for generations. It’s simple yet delightful, a fantastic way to celebrate apple season. By cooking down sweet apples into a spreadable form, we enhance those natural flavors and blend in aromatic spices. 

After years of experimenting, I’ve perfected a recipe that showcases the richness of autumn in every jar.

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What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?

Describing the flavor of homemade apple cider apple butter is like trying to capture a sunset in a photograph—there’s a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy. The apples provide a natural sweetness, while the brown sugar and spices deliver warmth and depth. There’s a slight acidity from the apple cider that cuts through the sweetness, making each bite harmonious and satisfying.

What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Apple Cider Apple Butter Recipes?

What sets my apple cider apple butter apart is the choice of spices and the cooking method. Rather than relying solely on traditional flavors, I like to add a pinch of ginger for a little zing and use both brown and granulated sugar for a more complex sweetness. Plus, there’s no need for peeling the apples, which saves time and effort while retaining that rustic, wholesome quality.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

For a delightful apple cider apple butter, gather the following ingredients:

– 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) of soft, sweet apples, cored and diced into small pieces (about ¾ inch)

– ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar, to enhance the sweetness

– 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar, for that rich depth

– 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon, the heart of the flavor

– ¼ teaspoon salt, to balance the sweetness

– ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves, for warmth

– ½ teaspoon ground ginger, for a spicy kick

– 1 vanilla bean (or 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract) for a touch of floral sweetness

Recommended Equipment

– 6-quart slow cooker

– Immersion blender (if you don’t have one, see note below)

Ingredients From : sugarspunrun.com

How to Make Apple Cider Apple Butter

This recipe couldn’t be simpler! You’re essentially layering all the flavors into a slow cooker and letting it work its magic. Let’s dive into the steps, shall we?

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Core and Chop the Apples

Take your soft, sweet apples and slice them into small chunks, about ¾ inch. You don’t have to worry about peeling them; leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients. Discard the cores as you go along.

Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker

Once you’ve chopped the apples, place them all into the basin of your generous slow cooker. It’s fine if it looks full; they will cook down beautifully.

Step 3: Mix the Sugars and Spices

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, ground cloves, and the exciting splash of ground ginger. Stir everything until it’s well-combined, and you can just smell that warm, inviting aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Pour the sugar and spice concoction over the apple chunks in the slow cooker. Give it a good stir to ensure that every piece of apple is coated in that sweet mixture.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Apple Mixture

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 10 hours. Yes, you read that right! Let those flavors meld and develop, resulting in a deep, rich mixture.

Step 6: Blend the Mixture

Once 10 hours have passed, remove the lid and use an immersion blender to puree the apple mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches, then return it to the slow cooker.

Step 7: Add Vanilla

Scrape the seeds from the inside of the vanilla bean and add them into the smooth apple mixture. If you’re using vanilla extract, just pour it in and stir thoroughly.

Step 8: Cook It Down Again

Turn your slow cooker back on to low heat. Leave the lid off and allow it to cook for another 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This step thickens the mixture even more, giving it that lovely apple butter consistency.

Tips On Making Apple Cider Apple Butter

– Choose a mix of sweet apples like Gala and Honeycrisp for the best flavor.

– If you prefer a smoother texture, blend until completely smooth before the final cooking step.

– Adjust the spices according to your taste; add more cinnamon or cloves if you love those flavors.

– Use freshly bought spices for the best impact. Old spices lose their potency and flavor.

– Consider doubling the recipe and canning some for later; this apple butter makes fantastic gifts!

Storage Tips

To store your homemade apple cider apple butter, allow it to cool completely before transferring it into airtight jars or containers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or you can preserve it through canning methods to extend its shelf life. Just ensure that seals are tight to maintain freshness.

Serving Suggestions

– Spread it on toast: Enjoy it on warm, toasted whole-grain bread for breakfast.

– Swirl it into oatmeal: Add a tablespoon to your morning oatmeal for sweetness and flavor.

– Pair it with cheese: Serve it alongside a cheese board for a sweet and savory combination.

– Dollop on pancakes: Forget maple syrup; go for apple butter on your pancakes for a twist.

– Use it in baking: Incorporate it into muffins or cakes for additional moisture and flavor.

Substitute Options for Ingredients

– Apple Variety: If you can’t find sweet apples, Granny Smith apples will work, but you may want to add more sugar to balance the tartness.

– Ground Gingers: If you don’t have ground ginger, consider using fresh ginger—use a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger instead.

– Brown Sugar Swap: For a lower-calorie option, replace brown sugar with coconut sugar to achieve a similar flavor profile.

– Vanilla Bean Alternative: If you can’t find vanilla beans, use vanilla extract as noted in the recipe; just remember to adjust the amount down.

– Blending Equipment: No immersion blender? Use a regular blender, but be careful when transferring hot mixtures.

Conclusion

Crafting homemade apple cider apple butter is a delightful way to embrace the flavors of fall and bring some sweetness to your meals and snacks. This easy recipe yields a spread that’s as versatile as it is delicious. So grab those apples, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready for a treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

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