Best Homemade Apple Butter Recipe

Ingredients

• 10 pounds apples, quartered
• 4 cups unsweetened apple juice
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves
• 0.5 teaspoon ground allspice
• 6 half-pint canning jars with lids and rings

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine apples and apple juice, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until apples become tender and mushy, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Using a food mill, process the softened apples into a smooth puree, discarding cores and peels. Transfer the pureed apples to a slow cooker.
3. Cook on High, uncovered, until the mixture reduces by half and moisture evaporates, typically overnight to 24 hours.
4. Incorporate sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice into the apple puree, stirring well to combine.
5. Continue cooking on High until the mixture thickens and mounds on a chilled plate without any water separation, usually another 2 to 6 hours.
6. Sterilize jars and lids by boiling them in water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the hot apple butter into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Gently run a knife or spatula along the inside of each jar to release trapped air bubbles. Clean jar rims with a damp paper towel to remove residue. Secure lids and rings.
7. Place a rack in a large stockpot, fill halfway with water, and bring to a boil. Carefully lower jars into the boiling water using a jar holder, ensuring 2 inches of space between jars. Add more boiling water as needed to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Return to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 5 to 10 minutes.
8. Remove jars from the stockpot and set them on a cloth or wooden surface, spaced apart, to cool. Once cooled, gently press the center of each lid to check for a tight seal (no movement). Store in a cool, dark place.

Nutrition

• Calories: 75 kcal
• Fat Content: 0 g
• Fiber Content: 2 g
• Sugar Content: 16 g
• Sodium Content: 2 mg
• Protein Content: 0 g
• Carbohydrate Content: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g