How to Make Apple Butter

apple butter in a mill

Apple butter is a delicious treat for many people, who eat it on toast, in desserts, and many other ways. It is available already made by food manufacturers, such as Smuckers, but the taste is not as good or fresh as homemade. Apple butter can be made fairly easily. The whole process takes a bit of time but most of the time is spent on cooking in a crock pot. One advantage to making it at home is that the sweetness and spices can be made to the desired taste.

Things You'll Need

• Cutting board
• Large knife
• Large crock pot (approximately 5 quarts)
• Food mill
• Measuring cup and tablespoon
• Large spoon
• 10-18 apples (Granny Smith or other tart apple)
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 Tablespoon ground allspice
• 1/2 Tablespoon ground cloves

Instructions

Instructions

1. Slice the apples.

2. Put apples into a crock pot.

3. Pour in the apple cider.

4. Cook for 10 to 18 hours on low (6 to 8 hours on high).

5. Puree cooked apples with a food mill. The skins will be removed.

6. Pour pureed apples back into crock pot.

7. Add sugar and spices to the pureed apples and mix completely.

8. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours (high 2 to 4 hours).

9. Stir occasionally to check thickness.

Tips & Warnings

• A bit of pectin, which acts as a thickener, is in the cores and flavor in the peels.

• When spoon stands up in apple puree, the apple butter is definitely done.

• Sweeter apples, such as Red Delicious, may be used, if a very sweet taste is desired.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish