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Stovetop Apple Butter
Melissa Hart

Stovetop Apple Butter

Apple butter is apple sauce cooked past soft and into dark, spreadable concentration. A heavy pot and low heat do the job without scorching the sugar. This batch is for the refrigerator or freezer, which keeps the method straightforward and the apple flavor bright.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 48
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 5 lbs mixed sweet-tart apples peeled, cored and chopped
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Method
 

  1. Combine the apples and cider in a heavy pot, cover, and simmer for 35 to 45 minutes until the fruit collapses.
  2. Puree the apples with an immersion blender until completely smooth.
  3. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, cloves and salt.
  4. Cook uncovered over low heat for 2 to 2 1/4 hours, stirring more often as it darkens, until a spoonful holds its shape and no watery ring forms around it.
  5. Stir in the lemon juice, cool for 30 minutes, and transfer to clean containers.
  6. Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months, leaving 1 inch of expansion space in freezer containers.