24 ounces apple sauce, unsweetened or sweetened (I used sweetened this time)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg, freshly grated is best
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp cardamom
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp mace, optional
Put the applesauce and spices into a heavy bottomed saucepan. You want a heavy pot because that will help prevent the thick apple butter from scorching on the bottom of the pan as it cooks.
Stir to combine everything and bring up to a boil.
Cook at a medium boil, stirring often, for about 30-45 minutes, until the butter is nice and thick. Be careful, the mixture will sputter in the beginning.
Note: I use a splatter guard. You don't have to stir constantly, but keep an eye on it for scorching and stir often. I also like to use a silicone 'spoonula' because it makes it easy to scrape the sides and bottom of the pan.
When it is ready, you will be able to drag a spoon across the bottom of the pan and leave a trail that will not fill in immediately. The butter will continue to thicken as it cools.
For a silky apple butter, blend in a blender until smooth.
Put the apple butter into a jar and refrigerate. It will last several weeks. To freeze, be sure to leave 1/2 inch headspace at the top of the jar to allow for expansion. To can, see directions below.
NOTES
If you use unsweetened apple sauce and want to sweeten your butter, add white or brown sugar, maple sugar, maple syrup, honey, or other sweetener to taste. Add your sweetener along with the spices to the pan at the very beginning. There are many flavored apple sauces on the market, and you can use those, too.
Canning instructions
Carefully spoon the hot apple butter into a clean hot jar leaving a ¼ inch headspace. Wipe down the rim of the jar. Screw on the lid to fingertip tight.
Process jars in boiling water to cover for 15 minutes, (if you live above sea level, adjust for your altitude.)
Turn off heat, remove the lid from the pot, and leave for 5 minutes. Remove jars and let them cool on a kitchen towel for 12-24 hours.
Remember to always check that your lids have sealed properly ~ the center should be depressed.
Message Thread
« Back to index