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CHEF JOHN'S APPLE BUTTER

Chef John's Apple Butter

A deliciously concentrated apple spread that takes time but rewards with rich, deep flavors. Perfect on toast or as a baking ingredient.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 40 small servings
Course: Spread
Cuisine: American
Calories: 20
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2268 g Granny Smith apples cored and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 300 g granulated sugar
  • 100 g brown sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.125 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • 0.5 tsp ground allspice
  • 60 ml apple cider vinegar
  • 120 ml water

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Immersion Blender

Method
 

  1. Put everything in a large slow cooker and mix.
  2. Cover; cook on HIGH for 1–2 hours, until apples soften and release juice.
  3. Switch to LOW and remove the lid. Cook 5–6 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples have broken down.
  4. Purée with an immersion blender.
  5. Continue uncovered on LOW, stirring occasionally, about 4 hours, until concentrated, thick and darker. Timing varies by cooker; judge the finished texture. Strain if desired.
  6. Transfer to clean glass containers and refrigerate until cool.

Notes

For serving, spread the apple butter over toast. It can also be used as a filling in pastries or as a topping on pancakes.