Apple Butter: Classic Recipe and 5 Delicious Variations

**Apple Butter: Classic Recipe and 5 Delicious Variations**

Apple butter is a rich, smooth spread made by slow-cooking apples with sugar and spices until they reach a thick, buttery consistency. This traditional preserve is a staple in many households, especially during the fall when apples are abundant. Below, you’ll find a classic apple butter recipe followed by five delicious variations to try.

**Classic Apple Butter Recipe**

*Ingredients:*
– 4 pounds of apples (such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or a mix)
– 2 cups of apple cider or apple juice
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 1 cup of brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract

*Instructions:*
1. Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
2. In a large pot, combine the apples and apple cider. Cook over medium heat until the apples are soft, about 20-30 minutes.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth.
4. Add the sugars, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 1-2 hours or until thickened to your liking.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Allow the apple butter to cool before transferring it to sterilized jars for storage.

**Five Delicious Variations**

1. **Spiced Rum Apple Butter**
– Add 1/4 cup of spiced rum during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a warm, boozy twist.

2. **Maple Apple Butter**
– Replace the granulated sugar with 1 cup of pure maple syrup for a deep, rich flavor.

3. **Cranberry Apple Butter**
– Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries at the beginning of cooking for a tart, festive variation.

4. **Ginger Apple Butter**
– Incorporate 2 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger for a zesty, spicy kick.

5. **Vanilla Bean Apple Butter**
– Replace the vanilla extract with the seeds from one vanilla bean for a more intense vanilla flavor.

Each of these variations offers a unique twist on the classic apple butter, allowing you to experiment with flavors and find your favorite. Whether spread on toast, swirled into oatmeal, or used as a filling for pastries, apple butter is a versatile and delightful addition to any pantry.