Homemade Spiced Apple Butter Delight
This Homemade Spiced Apple Butter Delight is the perfect blend of sweetness and warmth, making it a staple for cozy autumn days and delightful holiday gifts. Starting with unsweetened applesauce, this easy crock pot recipe is an excellent introduction to canning your own preserves. This apple butter is not only richly flavored with a melody of aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice but also boasts a deep, luscious texture that spreads beautifully on bread. Whether paired with peanut butter for a satisfying snack or simply enjoyed on its own, this apple butter is sure to impress. Why not bottle up a jar (or two) to share with friends and family this holiday season? Just be sure to keep some for yourself—everyone will be asking for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsweetened applesauce
3 quarts (None)
white sugar
4 cups (None)
brown sugar
2 cups (None)
apple juice or water
1/3 cup (None)
ground nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon (None)
ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon (None)
ground cloves
3/4 teaspoon (None)
cinnamon
1 tablespoon (None)
Instructions
1
In a large crock pot, combine the unsweetened applesauce, white sugar, brown sugar, and apple juice (or water). Stir well to combine all ingredients.
2
Cover the crock pot and cook the mixture on low for 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
3
After 3 hours, add the ground nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and cinnamon. Stir gently to incorporate the spices evenly throughout the mixture.
4
Continue to cook on low, covered, for an additional 3 hours.
5
Once the spices have infused, uncover the crock pot and continue to cook on low for 1 to 4 hours. Stir occasionally and monitor the thickness of the apple butter, cooking until it reaches your desired consistency. The time may vary based on your crock pot's heat settings.
6
Once thickened, ladle the hot apple butter into clean 1/2 pint or pint-sized canning jars, leaving a 1/2 inch headspace. Seal the jars with lids and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure preservation.
7
Allow the jars to cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place. This recipe yields about 6 pints of delicious apple butter.
8
For those who prefer not to can, this apple butter can be frozen efficiently—just pour it into freezer-safe containers!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homemade Spiced Apple Butter Delight?
It is a sweet and warm spread made from unsweetened applesauce and a variety of aromatic spices, slow-cooked in a crock pot.
What is the primary ingredient for this recipe?
The primary ingredient is 3 quarts of unsweetened applesauce.
Can I make this apple butter in a slow cooker?
Yes, this is an easy crock pot recipe designed for slow cooking on a low heat setting.
What types of sugar are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 cups of white sugar and 2 cups of brown sugar.
What spices are included in the mixture?
The blend includes cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and ground cloves.
How much cinnamon is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.
Is apple juice necessary for this recipe?
You can use either 1/3 cup of apple juice or 1/3 cup of water.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
Combine the applesauce, white sugar, brown sugar, and liquid in a large crock pot and stir well.
How long does the initial cooking phase take?
The mixture should cook covered on low for 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
When should I add the ground spices?
Add the nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and cinnamon after the initial 3 hours of cooking.
How long do I cook the mixture after adding the spices?
Continue cooking on low, covered, for an additional 3 hours.
Why is the crock pot uncovered during the final step?
The crock pot is uncovered to allow the mixture to thicken until it reaches your desired consistency.
How long does the thickening stage take?
The thickening stage usually takes between 1 to 4 hours once the lid is removed.
How many pints does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 6 pints of apple butter.
Can this apple butter be canned for long-term storage?
Yes, it can be processed in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure preservation.
What size jars should I use for canning?
The recipe recommends using clean 1/2 pint or pint-sized canning jars.
How much headspace is needed in the canning jars?
Leave a 1/2 inch headspace when filling the jars with hot apple butter.
What if I do not want to use a water bath for canning?
If you prefer not to can, the apple butter can be frozen in freezer-safe containers.
Is this recipe good for beginners in canning?
Yes, it is described as an excellent introduction to canning your own preserves.
How should the jars be stored after canning?
Store the cooled, sealed jars in a cool, dark place.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
It spreads beautifully on bread and can be paired with peanut butter for a snack.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gifts?
Yes, it makes for a delightful holiday gift to share with friends and family.
How much ground nutmeg is needed?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
How much ground cloves is required?
The recipe requires 3/4 teaspoon of ground cloves.
How much ground allspice is added?
You should add 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice.
Should the crock pot be on high or low?
The entire cooking process is performed on the low heat setting.
Do I need to stir the apple butter occasionally?
Yes, you should stir it occasionally, especially during the final thickening stage.
What is the texture of the finished apple butter?
It has a deep, luscious texture that is easy to spread.
Can I use sweetened applesauce?
This recipe specifically calls for unsweetened applesauce to control the sugar content.
How long do the jars need to cool?
Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them.