Salted Caramel Apple Butter
A deliciously sweet and creamy spread made from pureed apples cooked with salted caramel and spices, perfect for spreading on toast or gifting during the holiday season.
Ingredients
For the Apple Mixture
- 6-8 medium medium apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended) A mix of sweet and tart varieties works best.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice To keep the apples from browning.
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg Optional for added warmth.
For the Salted Caramel
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1-2 teaspoons salt To taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel, core, and slice the apples. Toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning.
Cooking the Apple Mixture
- In a large pot, combine sliced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat for about 15–20 minutes until the apples are soft and have released their juices.
Making the Salted Caramel
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue to boil for about 4–5 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in salt to taste.
Combining and Blending
- Once the apples are soft, add the salted caramel mixture to the pot. Using an immersion blender, puree the mixture until smooth.
Thickening the Butter
- Return the mixture to low heat, simmering for another 30 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Jarring the Apple Butter
- Once thickened, carefully ladle the apple butter into sterilized jars while it’s still hot. Seal the jars tightly and let them cool to room temperature.
Enjoy or Gift
- Your homemade salted caramel apple butter can be enjoyed immediately or gifted beautifully.
Notes
Tips: Choose a mix of apple varieties for the best flavor. Seal jars tightly and refrigerate for a longer shelf life. Adjust sugar levels during cooking according to your preference.