Chef John's Apple Butter

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 600 min
Servings: 40
Yield: 40 servings

Description

This recipe for apple butter combines chopped apples with sugar and spices in a slow cooker. Simmer all day until rich and concentrated for a fabulous fruity spread!

Ingredients

5 pounds Granny Smith apples, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 splash water

Directions

1 Place apple pieces into a large slow cooker. Add white sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and vinegar. Add water and mix well.
2 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.
3 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.