Chef John's Apple Butter

This recipe for apple butter combines chopped apples with sugar and spices in a slow cooker. Simmer all day until rich and concentrated for a fabulous fruity spread!

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 hr
• Total Time: 10 hr 15 mins
• Calories: 82 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 5 pounds Granny Smith apples, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 splash water
• 1.5 cups white sugar
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon ground allspice
• 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
• 0.125 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Cover and cook on High until apples are starting to soften and release liquid, 1 to 2 hours. Reduce heat to Low and cook, uncovered, until all the apple flesh is dissolved, 5 to 6 hours. Stir occasionally.

Step 2

Puree using an immersion blender until smooth. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until darkened and thick, about 4 hours more. Pass apple butter through a strainer if desired. Seal in a glass container and refrigerate until cool.

Step 3

Place apple pieces into a large slow cooker. Add white sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and vinegar. Add water and mix well.