Homemade Cinnamon Apple Butter Recipe

Homemade Cinnamon Apple Butter is a deliciously spiced spread that brings the cozy flavors of fall to your kitchen all year round. Made from sweet apples slowly cooked down with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice, this apple butter is thick, rich, and bursting with natural sweetness. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, stirring into oatmeal, or adding to your favorite baked goods for an extra touch of apple flavor. This simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and delivers a flavorful and versatile condiment that’s sure to become a household favorite.

The Origins and Benefits of Apple Butter

Apple butter has its roots in European and American culinary traditions, particularly in regions with abundant apple harvests. Unlike regular apple sauce, apple butter is cooked for a longer period, which allows the natural sugars in the apples to caramelize, resulting in a deep, rich flavor and a thick, spreadable consistency. This slow-cooking process also gives apple butter its signature dark color and intense taste, making it a cherished spread that can be used in numerous ways. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, apples are a nutritious addition to any diet, and this apple butter recipe captures all of those benefits in a deliciously concentrated form.

Ingredients

  • 6 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (use a sweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Apples

  1. In a large pot, combine the chopped apples, water, and lemon juice. The lemon juice not only adds a slight tang but also helps prevent the apples from browning too much during cooking.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the apples simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples should become very soft and start breaking down, releasing their natural juices.

Step 2: Blend the Mixture

  1. Once the apples are soft and have broken down, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
  2. Pureeing the apples at this stage ensures a smooth and creamy texture, which is characteristic of traditional apple butter.

Step 3: Add Spices and Simmer

  1. Stir in the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and vanilla extract. These warm spices elevate the flavor profile of the apple butter, adding depth and complexity.
  2. Continue to simmer the mixture over low heat, uncovered, for an additional 1-2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pot. As the apple butter cooks, it will thicken and darken in color, developing its rich, caramelized taste.

Step 4: Check Consistency

  1. To test if the apple butter is done, place a small spoonful on a plate. If no liquid seeps out and the apple butter holds its shape, it’s ready. If it’s still too watery, continue cooking, checking frequently, until you reach your desired thickness. The goal is to have a spreadable consistency that’s not too runny.

Step 5: Cool and Store

  1. Once the apple butter has reached the desired thickness, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
  2. Spoon the apple butter into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top. This space is important as it allows for expansion during freezing, if you choose to store it that way.
  3. Seal the jars with lids and let them cool to room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Enjoy your homemade cinnamon apple butter spread on toast, stirred into yogurt, as a topping for pancakes, or as a flavorful addition to baked goods like muffins and cakes. Its uses are versatile and it adds a wonderful burst of apple and spice to any dish.

Tips for Best Results

  • Storage: Keep the apple butter in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it in small containers for up to 6 months. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the containers to allow for expansion.
  • Sweetness Adjustments: If you prefer a sweeter apple butter, you can add a bit of honey, maple syrup, or your favorite natural sweetener during the simmering process. Taste as you go to adjust the sweetness level to your preference.
  • Variation: For an extra warming kick, consider adding a touch of ginger. A small amount can complement the other spices beautifully and add a fresh, slightly spicy undertone.

Nutrition Information

  • Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (based on approximately 2 cups of apple butter)
  • Calories: Approximately 20 kcal
  • Total Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugars: 4 g
  • Protein: 0 g

This Homemade Cinnamon Apple Butter is a delightful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of apples combined with warming spices. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and is a wonderful addition to your kitchen staples. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this apple butter on a variety of dishes, and savor the taste of homemade goodness every day!

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