I’m telling you, nothing competes with homemade apple butter. Apple butter smells lovely as it cooks on the stove or in your crock pot! Apple butter is concentrated applesauce and isn’t actually made up of any “butter.” It’s the richer, spicier, and thicker cousin of apple sauce. It gets its name from its smooth, buttery feel and spreadability. Want to make your own apple butter? Keep reading to learn how to make apple butter on the stove.
Difference Between Apple Butter And Applesauce
The texture and taste are the main difference between apple butter and applesauce. Apple butter is essentially a condensed type of applesauce. Both are boiled, but apple butter is heated longer until all of the liquid has evaporated. As a result, the natural sugars in the fruit caramelize, resulting in a thick, creamy, and sweet condiment.
Is Apple Butter Healthy?
Yes! The base ingredient is apples, which contain various nutrients that can improve a person’s health in a variety of ways.
Apples are nutrient powerhouses and contain lots of vitamins, fiber, and other minerals. Because of their diverse nutrient profile, they may aid in preventing several health problems.
They also contain a lot of antioxidants which are chemicals that help to neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are reactive molecules that are produced by natural processes and environmental stimuli. Excessive free radical levels in the body could cause oxidation, which can lead to cell damage.
Apples may help prevent diseases of the heart. One reason could be that apples contain soluble fiber, which can aid in the reduction of blood cholesterol levels. In addition, polyphenols, which act as antioxidants, are also present in them. The peel contains a high concentration of these. Epicatechin, a flavonoid, is one of these polyphenols that may help to decrease blood pressure.
Eating apples may help prevent type 2 diabetes. Apples include a variety of naturally occurring compounds that may also help to fight cancer. They’ve been associated with a lower incidence of cancer and cancer-related death in observational studies. Apples include antioxidants and anti-inflammatory chemicals that may benefit bone health. Additionally, fruit consumption may aid in bone mass preservation as you age.
How to Make Apple Butter on the Stove
Ingredients
- 4 pounds apples
- 4 cups sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla
- ½ teaspoon of allspice
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ⅛ teaspoon cardamom powder
- ½ teaspoon cloves, ground
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- In a big heavy-bottomed pan, put all of the ingredients. Put it on the stove.
- Bring it to a boil. Cover and cook for about 2 hours over low heat. Stirring after 10-15 minutes to prevent the apples from sticking to the pan.
- Remove the cover and set aside for 20 minutes to cool before blending with a stick blender or food processor.
- Serve warm or store in sterilized jars in the refrigerator. Apple butter lasts 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator.
How to Make Apple Butter on the Stove
Ingredients
- 4 pounds apples
- 4 cups sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla
- ½ teaspoon of allspice
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ⅛ teaspoon cardamom powder
- ½ teaspoon cloves ground
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- In a big heavy-bottomed pan, put all of the ingredients. Put it on the stove.
- Bring it to a boil. Cover and cook for about 2 hours over low heat. Stirring after 10-15 minutes to prevent the apples from sticking to the pan.
- Remove the cover and set aside for 20 minutes to cool before blending with a stick blender or food processor.
- Serve warm or store in sterilized jars in the refrigerator. Apple butter lasts 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator.
Recipe Notes
- I use Granny Smith apples when I make apple butter on the stove, but any cooking apple, such as Jonathan or Jonagold, can be used.
- You can increase or decrease the amount of sugar according to your taste.
- If you do not have a food processor, use a chinois and a large sieve to press the apple pulp and skin. Skin and seeds should be discarded.
- Cooking time may increase or decrease depending on the heat and type of apple you will use.
- Puree it in a mixer, food processor, or hand blender if you want a smooth product. I like my apple butter to be thick.
- Want to buy pre-made apple butter instead? Check out apple butter on Amazon.
Do I Need To Peel the Apples?
Some recipes specify that the peel is left on, while others specify that it be removed. I don’t peel the apples when I made apple butter on the stove since the skins give the butter a speckled appearance. It also saves time and effort, making it even simpler.
How to Thicken Apple Butter
One way to thicken apple butter is to cook it longer without the lid on. Another way is to use a thickening agent like cornstarch mixed with cold water. You can also add pureed peels to help thicken it.
What Is Apple Butter Used For?
Apple butter is excellent to eat directly from the jar with a spoon! But it’s also fantastic on toast and pancakes. I’ve even used it to fill apple cider donuts holes!
How to Store Apple Butter
Store your homemade apple butter in a closed jar or an airtight container for up to one month in the refrigerator. You can also store it in the freezer. Simply place servings in freezer-safe containers or quart-size storage bags. Then, as needed, take them out of the freezer and put them in the fridge to thaw.
Apple Butter Preservation through Canning
Canning is a fantastic way to store apple butter. After ladling the apple butter into jars, soak the jars for ten minutes in hot water. This processing time is dependent on your altitude. After processing and sealing the jars, the apple butter could be preserved in the pantry for 12-18 months. It will last in your refrigerator for up to one month once opened.
Substitutes for Apple Butter
- Pumpkin butter: It is made from pumpkin puree and has a similar texture and flavor to apple butter. It’s a great substitute for fall-themed recipes.
- Pear butter: If you’re looking for a fruit-based spread, pear butter is a great option. It is slightly sweeter than apple butter but has a similar texture.
- Apricot jam: For a sweeter and tangier option, apricot jam can be used in place of apple butter.
- Cinnamon and sugar: Mix these two classic ingredients together to create a similar flavor to apple butter.
