If you’re craving a cozy, comforting spread that captures the essence of autumn in a jar, look no further than this Rich Spiced Apple Butter: Cinnamon & Clove Recipe. It’s a luscious, deeply flavorful apple butter that perfectly balances the warmth of cinnamon and cloves with the natural sweetness of apples. Whether you’re slathering it on toast, stirring it into oatmeal, or using it as a delightful gift, this recipe is pure magic that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Rich Spiced Apple Butter: Cinnamon & Clove Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in crafting that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors along with the perfect texture and color we all love in apple butter.
- 4-5 pounds of apples: Choose your favorite varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, or Braeburn for a beautifully nuanced flavor and nice texture.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: Adds rich caramel notes and depth of sweetness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the thick consistency.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The classic warm spice that defines apple butter’s cozy character.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds an intoxicating, aromatic touch responsible for that signature spiced aroma.
- 1 cup apple cider (or unsweetened apple juice or water): Provides moisture and intensifies apple flavor without overpowering the spices.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brightens the mixture and prevents the apples from browning while balancing the sweetness.
- Optional whole cinnamon sticks and whole cloves: Great for infusing even more fragrance and removing easily before blending.
- Optional tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or allspice: Perfect for adding an extra layer of warm spice complexity.
How to Make Rich Spiced Apple Butter: Cinnamon & Clove Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples
Begin by washing your apples well, because they’re the star ingredient here. Peel, core, and chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces. This size ensures the apples cook evenly and break down beautifully during simmering, making your apple butter irresistibly creamy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Large Pot
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, toss your chopped apples together with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, apple cider (or your choice of liquid), and fresh lemon juice. If you want to go the extra mile, add the whole cinnamon sticks and whole cloves now for that extra aromatic punch. Stir gently to make sure the apples are evenly coated and the spices are well distributed.
Step 3: Simmer Until Soft
Place the pot on medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the apples simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until they’re incredibly soft and tender — this is what unlocks those deep, concentrated flavors in the Rich Spiced Apple Butter: Cinnamon & Clove Recipe.
Step 4: Reduce the Mixture
Remove the lid and turn the heat to medium-low so the mixture simmers gently. Stir frequently for 1 to 2 hours to cook off excess liquid. This careful reduction is the secret step that gives the apple butter its thick, jam-like texture and rich intensity.
Step 5: Puree to Perfection
Take out any whole cinnamon sticks and cloves, then use an immersion blender, potato masher, or food processor to puree the softened apples until smooth. This silky texture is what makes this Rich Spiced Apple Butter: Cinnamon & Clove Recipe so spreadable and delightful.
Step 6: Cook Down to Final Consistency
Return the pureed apple mixture to the pot and continue cooking on very low heat. Stir almost constantly for another 30 minutes to an hour until the apple butter thickens into a luscious, spreadable consistency. A good test is to spoon a bit onto a chilled plate and check that it holds its shape without running.
Step 7: Jar Your Apple Butter
Carefully ladle the hot apple butter into sterilized jars, leaving about half an inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims clean and seal with lids and bands. This step locks in freshness and allows you to enjoy your homemade treat long after the cooking’s done.
How to Serve Rich Spiced Apple Butter: Cinnamon & Clove Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or a tiny dusting of cinnamon on top of your apple butter before serving. It adds a festive touch and gives a hint of the spices you’ll enjoy with every bite.
Side Dishes
Rich Spiced Apple Butter: Cinnamon & Clove Recipe shines when paired with crusty bread, warm biscuits, or soft pancakes. It’s also incredible swirled into creamy yogurt or atop a bowl of oatmeal for a comforting start to your day.
Creative Ways to Present
Use this apple butter as a glaze for roasted pork or chicken to add a sweet, spicy layer of flavor. It also works great as a filling for thumbprint cookies or a topping for vanilla ice cream when you want something irresistibly unique and seasonal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your homemade Rich Spiced Apple Butter: Cinnamon & Clove Recipe can be stored in airtight containers or jars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Keeping it chilled preserves its fresh flavors and thick texture that you’ll want every time you open the jar.
Freezing
If you want to keep your apple butter even longer, freezing is a wonderful option. Spoon it into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your apple butter again, gently warm it over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stopping to stir frequently. This brings back that fresh-from-the-pot warmth and looseness perfect for spreading or stirring.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! Mixing sweet and tart apples provides depth and balance. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, and Braeburn all work wonderfully, so feel free to customize based on what’s available and your flavor preference.
Is it necessary to add both brown and granulated sugar?
Using both sugars brings a richer flavor and better texture. Brown sugar adds a deep molasses note, while granulated sugar ensures sweetness without overpowering, resulting in a perfectly balanced Rich Spiced Apple Butter: Cinnamon & Clove Recipe.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! A slow cooker can gently soften the apples, but you’ll still need to reduce and thicken the mixture on the stove for that classic apple butter consistency. Slow cooking can be a good option if you want a hands-off approach to the initial cooking phase.
How long does the cooking process take?
The entire process takes about 2 to 3 hours, including simmering, reducing, pureeing, and final thickening. This patience is key to building the rich, concentrated flavors that make this recipe so special.
Can I use frozen apples if fresh ones aren’t available?
Frozen apples can work in a pinch, though fresh apples yield the best texture and flavor for this Rich Spiced Apple Butter: Cinnamon & Clove Recipe. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery result.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly enchanting about making your own Rich Spiced Apple Butter: Cinnamon & Clove Recipe. From chopping those fresh apples to filling warm jars with silky, spiced apple goodness, it’s a flavorful journey worth savoring. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy it—and maybe even look forward to fall just to make it all over again.
Print
Rich Spiced Apple Butter: Cinnamon & Clove Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 2 cups)
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Rich Spiced Apple Butter recipe combines the natural sweetness of apples with warm cinnamon and clove spices to create a thick, jam-like spread perfect for toast, baking, or gifting. Made by simmering and slow cooking apples with sugars and spices, this apple butter is smooth, deeply flavorful, and wonderfully aromatic.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4–5 pounds apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, or Braeburn)
Sweeteners
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Spices and Flavorings
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- Optional: whole cinnamon sticks
- Optional: whole cloves
- Optional: a tiny pinch freshly grated nutmeg or allspice
Liquids
- 1 cup apple cider (or unsweetened apple juice or water)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Wash your apples thoroughly, then peel, core, and chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and a smooth final texture.
- Combine ingredients: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine the chopped apples with the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, apple cider (or substitute), and fresh lemon juice. Add whole cinnamon sticks and cloves or nutmeg/allspice if using. Stir to coat apples evenly and distribute spices.
- Initial cooking: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally. Once bubbling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20-30 minutes until the apples are very soft.
- Thicken the mixture: Remove the lid, increase heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Stir frequently and cook the mixture for 1 to 2 hours to evaporate excess liquid and achieve a thick, jam-like consistency.
- Puree apple butter: Remove any whole spices from the pot. Use an immersion blender, potato masher, or food processor to puree the cooked apples until smooth.
- Final thickening: Return the smooth apple mixture to the pot and cook over very low heat, stirring almost constantly for 30 minutes to 1 hour until the apple butter is thick and spreadable. Test doneness by placing a spoonful on a chilled plate; it should hold its shape.
- Jar the apple butter: Ladle the hot apple butter into sterilized jars leaving about 1/2 inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, apply lids and bands for storage.
Notes
- Use a mixture of apple varieties for more complex flavor.
- Optional whole spices add a more intense flavor but remember to remove before blending.
- Apple cider can be substituted with unsweetened apple juice or water.
- Cooking times may vary depending on apple variety and moisture content.
- Store apple butter in sterilized jars and refrigerate after opening.
