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Chef John's Apple Butter

This apple butter recipe combines Granny Smith apples with sugar and warm spices in a slow cooker, simmered all day for a smooth, concentrated fruit spread.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Total Time 10 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 40 servings
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 5 pounds Granny Smith apples cored and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water

Method
 

  1. Place the chopped apples into a large slow cooker.
  2. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice over the apples.
  3. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and water, then stir gently to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on low heat for 10 hours, stirring every 2 hours to ensure even caramelization.
  5. Remove the lid and cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the spread.
  6. Use an immersion blender or potato masher to puree the mixture until smooth and glossy.
  7. Spoon the hot apple butter into sterilized jars and seal immediately.
  8. Let jars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or process in a water bath canner for long-term storage.