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Apple Butter

Image Credit:
Brent Hofacker/shutterstock
Written By: The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors The Almanac Editors and Staff
Yield
Makes 3 to 4 quarts.
Category
Dips and Spreads
Fruit
Course
Side Dishes
Preparation Method
Cook
Simmer
Sources
Yankee Magazine's Great New England Recipes

Make your own apple butter with this simple recipe. Apple butter is a delicious alternative to peanut butter and a great way to use fresh apples. There’s no need to peel the apples, but you can if you prefer.

See Best Cooking Apples and use the varieties you would use for applesauce.

Cortland apples work well because they don’t oxidize as rapidly when cut as do other varieties. 

Ingredients
1/2 peck or 6 pounds mixed apples, cored and quarter
2 cups apple cider
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
zest and juice from 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. In a pot over medium heat, cook apples until soft, adding enough cider to get them started without scorching. When apples are soft, push through a sieve into the pot. 
  2. Add remaining ingredients and simmer over very low heat, uncovered, until desired thickness is reached. Stir often to avoid burning.

About The Author

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Almanac Editors and Staff

Under the guiding hand of its first editor, Robert B. Thomas, the premiere issue of The Old Farmer’s Almanac was published in 1792 during George Washington’s first term as president.Today, the Almanac...

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Comments

<span>Kate</span> Fri, 09/11/2020 - 10:48
What brand of apple would be considered grade B? Thank You.
<span>Deb</span> Thu, 04/09/2020 - 10:31
Can I use frozen apples and if so?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Thu, 04/09/2020 - 14:08

We are not sure what your entire question is, but yes you can use frozen apples.

 <span>Susan Fiello</span> Mon, 09/23/2019 - 08:02
what can I use in place of apple cider? thankyyou
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Tue, 09/24/2019 - 15:10

Hi, Susan. We highly recommend using the apple cider in this recipe. However, if you can't get or find any, you can substitute with unsweetened apple juice.

 <span>Peg Bittner</span> Mon, 10/16/2017 - 19:57
You speak of all the different kinds of apples and what they are good for but when you list your recipe for apple butter you do not list what particular apples you recommend or used in the recipe. It would help a person who is first starting out.
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Tue, 10/17/2017 - 16:16

Hi, Peg. There is a link at the top of this page that you can click on to go to our apple page, which tells you what kind of apples to use for baking, sauce, etc. If you can't find it, you can also click here:. 

 <span>Barbara</span> Sun, 10/08/2017 - 17:08
And ,how do you save it. Is it like freezer jam.Cause I don't can.
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Wed, 10/11/2017 - 09:55

You can store this in the refrigerator.

 <span>Sandra</span> Tue, 09/19/2017 - 14:57
What do you do with the lemon rind and juice, doesn't say in recipe?