chef johns apple butter

Desserts

Chef John's Apple Butter

Apple butter is basically a spreadable apple pie filling, only better! Any classic cooking apple should work in this recipe. Though the cooking time is long, it's super easy and pretty hands-free. Pair this apple butter with some sharp Cheddar on a cheese plate, or slather it onto cheesy biscuits.

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
½ cup water

Directions

Place apple pieces into a large slow cooker. Add white sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and vinegar. Add 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.