Spicy Cinnamon Red-Hot Apple Butter
Indulge in the warm, spiced flavor of this Spicy Cinnamon Red-Hot Apple Butter, perfect for spreading on toast, pancakes, or muffins. This easy-to-make delight can be prepared in either a crockpot or on the stove, although using a crockpot allows the flavors to develop slowly and richly without the risk of burning. If you have fresh apples on hand, feel free to use them; simply peel, core, and cook until soft before blending. The addition of red-hot candies infuses the butter with a surprising kick that sets it apart from traditional apple butters. This recipe yields four pints, making it great for gifting or enjoying throughout the season!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
applesauce
48 ounces (jarred or homemade from fresh cooked apples)
sugar
2.5 cups (granulated)
apple pie spice
1/4 teaspoon (or substitute with allspice)
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (freshly grated is best)
cinnamon
1.5 teaspoons (ground)
red-hot candies
2 ounces (crushed, to mix evenly)
Instructions
1
If using fresh apples, peel and core them, then cook until soft. Process in a food processor until smooth.
2
In a large crockpot, combine the applesauce (or processed apples), sugar, apple pie spice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and red-hot candies.
3
Stir ingredients together to ensure they are well blended.
4
Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 12 to 18 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of your applesauce.
5
The apple butter is ready when it turns a rich, dark brown and has thickened to your desired consistency.
6
Once done, cool and store the apple butter in your refrigerator or can in a water bath for 20 minutes for longer shelf life.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Cinnamon Red-Hot Apple Butter?
It is a spiced fruit spread made with applesauce, sugar, and red-hot candies, perfect for toast, pancakes, or muffins.
How many pints does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately four pints of apple butter.
Can I make this recipe on the stove?
Yes, it can be made on the stove, though a crockpot is recommended to prevent burning and allow flavors to develop slowly.
Why use a crockpot for apple butter?
Using a crockpot allows the flavors to develop richly over a long period without the risk of burning the mixture.
Can I use fresh apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh apples; simply peel, core, and cook them until soft, then process in a food processor.
What gives this apple butter its spicy kick?
The addition of 2 ounces of crushed red-hot candies provides a unique spicy flavor.
How long does the apple butter cook in the crockpot?
It should be cooked on the high setting for 12 to 18 hours.
What are the main ingredients?
The ingredients include applesauce, sugar, apple pie spice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and red-hot candies.
How do I know when the apple butter is finished?
It is ready when it turns a rich, dark brown color and thickens to your preferred consistency.
How should I store the finished product?
Once cooled, it can be stored in the refrigerator or canned in a water bath for a longer shelf life.
How long do I water bath can the jars?
Process the jars in a water bath for 20 minutes.
What can I substitute for apple pie spice?
You can substitute apple pie spice with allspice if needed.
What type of nutmeg is recommended?
Freshly grated nutmeg is recommended for the best flavor results.
Should I crush the red-hot candies?
Yes, the candies should be crushed so they mix evenly into the apple butter.
What type of sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2.5 cups of granulated sugar.
Does the cooking time vary?
Yes, the time may vary depending on the initial thickness of your applesauce.
Should I stir the apple butter while it cooks?
Yes, stir the mixture occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the crockpot.
What is the first step for using fresh apples?
Peel, core, and cook them until soft before blending into a smooth consistency.
What foods does this apple butter pair well with?
It is delicious spread on toast, pancakes, muffins, or served as a dessert spread.
Is this recipe suitable for gifts?
Yes, it makes an excellent gift for the fall season or special occasions.
How much cinnamon is required?
The recipe uses 1.5 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
How much applesauce is needed for one batch?
You will need 48 ounces of applesauce.
Can I use jarred applesauce?
Yes, you can use jarred applesauce or homemade sauce made from fresh apples.
What setting should my crockpot be on?
Set your crockpot to high for the duration of the cooking time.
Is this a good recipe for the fall season?
Yes, it is tagged specifically as a fall recipe and utilizes classic autumn spices.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 ingredients: applesauce, sugar, apple pie spice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and red-hot candies.
Is this a thick spread?
Yes, it is cooked until it thickens to the desired consistency of a butter.
Can I make this if I am a beginner?
Yes, this is considered an easy recipe with simple steps.
What should the final color be?
The finished apple butter should be a rich, dark brown.
Can I use this on pancakes?
Absolutely, it is recommended as a perfect topping for pancakes.