Homemade Caramel Apple Butter Recipe: Cozy Fall Goodness

Sweet autumn winds carry the nostalgic warmth of homemade caramel apple butter, blending rustic charm with indulgent flavors.

Crisp apples simmered with rich caramel create a spreadable magic that captures seasonal comfort.

Slow-cooked to perfection, this luscious preserve delivers depth and complexity in every spoonful.

The velvety smooth texture melts effortlessly on fresh bread or morning toast.

Each carefully crafted batch transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat that celebrates harvest traditions.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe connects you to generations of home cooking wisdom.

Prepare to savor a delectable spread that transforms ordinary moments into delightful memories.

Caramel Apple Butter Highlights

• Slow cooker method eliminates complex steps, making this recipe super approachable for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Layering spices with caramel and sea salt creates a rich, complex spread that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.
• Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg combined with sweet apples capture the quintessential autumn mood, making this recipe a seasonal favorite for cozy gatherings.
• Spread can be enjoyed on toast, pancakes, baked goods, or as a delightful gift, offering multiple ways to savor this delectable apple butter.

Caramel Apple Butter Ingredients

• Apples: Sweet and tender fruits that form the base of this delightful spread.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness and rich color to the apple butter.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds additional sweetness and helps in caramelization.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm and aromatic spices that create a classic fall flavor profile.
• Salt, Sea Salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness of the apple butter.

• Vanilla Extract, Caramel Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and extra richness to the spread.

Caramel Apple Butter Tools Needed

• Slow Cooker: Essential for slow-cooking and caramelizing the apples with minimal effort.
• Immersion Blender: Perfect for smoothly blending the apple mixture directly in the slow cooker.
• Blender (Alternative): Backup option for pureeing the apple mixture if no immersion blender is available.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing and slicing apples.
• Sharp Knife: Required for peeling and coring apples with precision.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients throughout the cooking process.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring spices, sugars, and other ingredients.
• Glass Jars or Airtight Containers: Used for storing the finished apple butter.

Caramel Apple Butter Preparation

Step 1: Washing And Preparing Apples

Thoroughly rinse the apples under cool water.

Remove stems and cores.

Slice the apples into thin, uniform pieces ensuring easy cooking and smooth texture.

• Honeycrisp
• Granny Smith
• Golden Delicious
• Fuji

Step 2: Creating Flavor Foundation

• Granulated white sugar
• Dark brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Fresh ground nutmeg
• Whole ground cloves
• Kosher salt

Gently mix ingredients until apples are completely coated with spice mixture.

Step 3: Slow Cooking Process

Cover slow cooker and set temperature to low.

Cook for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even caramelization.

Apples will gradually break down and transform into rich, dark spread.

Step 4: Transforming Texture

Use immersion blender or standard blender to puree the cooked apple mixture.

Blend until completely smooth and free of apple chunks.

If using standard blender, work in small batches for safety.

Step 5: Enhancing With Caramel

Introduce vanilla extract and homemade or store-bought caramel sauce into the mixture.

Stir thoroughly to create consistent, luxurious flavor profile.

Step 6: Achieving Perfect Consistency

Continue cooking uncovered if mixture seems thin.

Reduce liquid by allowing moisture to evaporate, creating thick, spreadable texture.

Step 7: Finishing And Storing

Sprinkle sea salt for final flavor enhancement.

Allow butter to cool completely.

Transfer to sterilized glass jars.

Refrigerate and consume within two weeks or process in water bath for extended preservation.

Apple Butter Tips for Success

• Choose firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn for the best flavor and texture in your apple butter.
• Adjust the amount of caramel sauce to customize the sweetness and depth of flavor according to your preference.
• Stir the mixture occasionally during slow cooking to ensure even caramelization and prevent sticking to the bottom of the cooker.
• Use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker for easier cleanup and smoother consistency compared to transferring to a standard blender.
• Freeze apple butter in small portions for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this seasonal spread throughout the year.

Caramel Apple Butter Twists

• Spiced Pear Butter: Replace apples with ripe pears for a unique, silky spread with warm winter spices.
• Vegan Caramel Apple Butter: Swap traditional caramel sauce with coconut milk caramel and use coconut sugar for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Apple Butter: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated and brown sugars to reduce overall sugar content.
• Cinnamon-Free Apple Butter: Eliminate cinnamon and replace with cardamom and ginger for a different aromatic profile that's still deeply flavorful.

Serving Caramel Apple Butter Ideas

• Breakfast Bliss: Spread this luscious salted caramel apple butter on warm, crispy toast or freshly baked bagels for a decadent morning treat.
• Dessert Companion: Swirl into vanilla ice cream, drizzle over cheesecake, or use as a filling for pastries and tarts to elevate your sweet creations.
• Charcuterie Charm: Pair with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, add to a fall-themed grazing board alongside crackers and nuts for an elegant appetizer spread.
• Gift-Worthy Delight: Package in cute mason jars with a ribbon, creating a homemade holiday gift that captures the warm, comforting essence of autumn flavors.

Storing Caramel Apple Butter Properly

• Transfer cooled apple butter to clean, airtight glass jars or containers with tight-fitting lids. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Portion apple butter into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving slight headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 3-4 months, labeling with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Gently warm refrigerated apple butter in microwave using 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Alternatively, slowly reheat in small saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously to maintain smooth consistency.

FAQs

• What makes the caramel flavor unique in this apple butter?

The caramel sauce is added after cooking, creating a rich, deep sweetness that blends perfectly with the cooked apples and spices, giving the spread a luxurious and indulgent flavor profile.

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. The combination creates a more complex and balanced flavor in the apple butter.

• Is an immersion blender necessary for this recipe?

While an immersion blender makes blending easier and safer, you can use a standard blender. Just be careful when transferring hot mixture and blend in small batches to prevent splattering.

Caramel Apple Butter Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 10 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Homemade caramel apple butter delivers a rich, autumnal spread perfect for morning toast or baking. Spices blend seamlessly with caramelized apples, creating a luxurious condiment that will delight seasonal palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5 lbs (2.27 kg) apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (110 g) brown sugar, packed

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

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Instructions

1. Wash and meticulously prepare apples by peeling, coring, and slicing them into uniform pieces, arranging them evenly inside the slow cooker.
2. Generously sprinkle granulated and brown sugars over the apple slices, then dust with aromatic cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt, thoroughly mixing to ensure each apple slice is completely coated.
3. Cover the slow cooker and allow the mixture to simmer on low temperature for 8-10 hours, periodically stirring to prevent sticking and promote even caramelization.
4. When apples have transformed into a soft, broken-down consistency, utilize an immersion blender to puree the mixture into a velvety smooth texture. Alternatively, carefully transfer contents to a standard blender and process in small batches.
5. Introduce vanilla extract and rich caramel sauce, stirring vigorously to create a harmonious blend throughout the apple butter.
6. If the mixture appears too liquid, continue cooking uncovered on low heat for an additional hour, allowing excess moisture to evaporate and achieving a thick, spreadable consistency.
7. Finish by incorporating sea salt for a sophisticated flavor profile. Allow the apple butter to cool completely before transferring to sterilized glass jars or airtight containers, then refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or process in a water bath for extended preservation.

Notes

• Choose firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture in your apple butter.
• Use a slow cooker for hands-off cooking that develops deep, rich caramelized flavors without burning.
• Adjust sugar levels based on apple sweetness, tasting and adding more brown sugar if needed for a balanced caramel profile.
• Blend thoroughly to achieve a silky-smooth consistency, removing any apple chunk remnants for a professional finish.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 hours
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 2 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg