Intro:
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with our delicious homemade Caramel Apple Butter recipe. This sweet and tangy spread is perfect for spreading on toast, swirling into oatmeal, or drizzling over ice cream. Whether you’re looking for a new way to enjoy seasonal apples or a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe is sure to become a fall favorite in your kitchen!
Caramel Apple Butter
Ingredients:
– 5 lbs apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup apple cider
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large slow cooker, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well to coat the apples evenly with the sugar and spices.
2. Pour the apple cider over the apple mixture. Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on low for 8 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. After 8 hours, the apples should be soft and caramelized. Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the apple mixture to a blender or food processor in batches to puree until smooth.
4. Return the pureed mixture to the slow cooker and continue cooking on low, with the lid slightly ajar, for an additional 2 hours to allow the apple butter to thicken.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract during the last 30 minutes of cooking to infuse the apple butter with a hint of fragrant vanilla.
6. Once the apple butter has thickened to your desired consistency, turn off the slow cooker and let the mixture cool slightly.
7. Ladle the warm apple butter into sterilized jars and allow it to cool to room temperature before storing in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can also process the jars using a water bath canner for shelf-stable apple butter.
Enjoy your homemade Caramel Apple Butter spread on freshly baked bread, dolloped on pancakes, or swirled into yogurt for a taste of autumn in every bite. This versatile and flavorful condiment is sure to become a staple in your pantry, adding a touch of sweetness to your favorite dishes and treats.
Whether you’re preserving the harvest of apple season or simply looking to elevate your fall flavors, this recipe for Caramel Apple Butter is a delightful way to savor the essence of the season. Treat yourself or share the love by gifting jars of this delectable apple butter to family and friends—homemade goodness always makes the heart grow fonder!
