How to Make Chef John's Apple Butter - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's something inherently comforting about the aroma of apples, cinnamon, and sugar simmering on the stove. It's as if the entire kitchen is transformed into a cozy, warm haven with the promise of something delicious brewing in the pot. And when that something delicious is Chef John's Apple Butter, you know you're in for a treat.

Chef John's Apple Butter is a timeless classic that captures the essence of fall in a jar. It's a rich, velvety spread that is bursting with the sweet and...

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Ingredients

  • 5 pounds Granny Smith apples, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 ½ cups white sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 splash water

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 hrs
  • Total Time: 10 hrs 15 mins
  • Servings: 32
  • Yield: 4 cups

  • Place apple pieces into a large slow cooker. Add white sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and vinegar. Add a splash of water and mix well.
  • Cover and cook on High until apples are starting to soften and release liquid, 1 to 2 hours. Reduce heat to Low and cook, uncovered, until all the apple flesh is dissolved, 5 to 6 hours. Stir occasionally.
  • Puree using an immersion blender until smooth. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until darkened and thick, about 4 hours more. Pass apple butter through a strainer if desired. Seal in a glass container and refrigerate until cool.
  • Nutrition

    82 cal.

    • Sodium: 75mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 22g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 20g
    • Protein: 0g
    • Vitamin C: 4mg
    • Calcium: 9mg
    • Iron: 0mg
    • Potassium: 86mg