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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>Naomi Premer</span> Mon, 09/13/2010 - 13:53
I saw on Martha Stewart one time that you can cook the butter overnight in the oven at 200 degrees. Much easier than on the stove top and no burning. Made making apple butter for me much easier. Still have to stir occasionally.