Homemade Apple Butter

Apple butter is a sweet and spiced spreadable cream, very similar to jam, but with a softer and more velvety texture. This delicious preparation is perfect to accompany bread, toast, or baked sweets. Here is the recipe for making homemade apple butter.

Ingredients

• 1 kg of apples (preferably sweet and floury varieties such as Fuji, Gala, or Golden Delicious)
• 150-200 g of sugar (depending on the sweetness of the apples and personal preference)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon of grated nutmeg (optional)
• 1 pinch of salt

Preparation

1. Wash and peel the apples, remove the cores and cut them into small cubes.
2. In a large pot, add the apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer slowly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The cooking will last about 1-2 hours.
4. When the apples have softened completely and the mixture has thickened, you can pass it through an immersion blender to obtain a smooth cream.
5. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring often, until the apple butter reaches the desired consistency.
6. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
7. Transfer the apple butter to sterilized jars and seal them tightly. You can store it in the refrigerator for several weeks.

Trivia

Apple butter has its origins in Anglo-Saxon tradition but has also spread to other parts of the world. It is called “butter” not because it contains dairy butter but for its smooth and creamy consistency that resembles that of real butter. Its natural sweetness and the spices make it an ideal companion for the fall or winter breakfast.