Amish Apple Butter Recipe: A Delicious Twist On Classic Apple Spread

When it comes to spreads, apple butter is a classic favorite that has been enjoyed for generations. This rich and flavorful spread adds a touch of sweetness to any dish and is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or desserts. But if you’re looking for a twist on the classic recipe, why not try making Amish apple butter?

Amish apple butter is made with simple ingredients and cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations of Amish families. The result is a spread that is rich, creamy, and bursting with apple flavor. In this blog post, we’ll share two different Amish apple butter recipes that you can try at home.

Amish Apple Butter Recipe #1: Traditional Recipe

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs. of apples, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups of apple cider vinegar
• 3 cups of granulated sugar
• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground cloves
• 1 tsp. ground allspice

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the chopped apples and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the apples are soft.
2. Using a blender or food processor, puree the apple mixture until smooth.
3. Return the puree to the pot and add the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 hours or until the mixture thickens and turns a deep brown color.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool for 10-15 minutes.
6. Using a funnel, pour the apple butter into sterilized jars and seal with lids.
7. Store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

Nutritional Information:

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 40
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Total Carbohydrates: 11g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 0g

Cooking Time:

3-4 hours

Equipment:

• Large pot
• Blender or food processor
• Funnel
• Sterilized jars with lids

Serving Suggestions:

Amish apple butter is a versatile spread that can be enjoyed in many ways. Spread it on toast, muffins, or bagels for a delicious breakfast treat. Add it to oatmeal or yogurt for a sweet and healthy snack. Use it as a topping for ice cream or pancakes for a decadent dessert.

Variations:

For a slightly tangy flavor, you can add 1/4 cup of lemon juice to the recipe. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warm and spicy flavor.

Substitutions:

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar or lemon juice instead. You can also use brown sugar or honey instead of granulated sugar.

Storage:

Store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. Once opened, store the jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Tips:

• Use a large pot to prevent the apple mixture from boiling over.
• Be patient when simmering the mixture. It can take several hours for the mixture to thicken and turn brown.
• Use sterilized jars to prevent contamination and extend the shelf life of the apple butter.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I freeze Amish apple butter?
A: Yes, you can freeze Amish apple butter for up to 6 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers and leave some room at the top for expansion.

Q: Can I make a smaller batch of Amish apple butter?
A: Yes, you can scale down the recipe by using fewer apples and adjusting the other ingredients accordingly.

Amish Apple Butter Recipe #2: Slow Cooker Recipe

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs. of apples, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup of apple cider
• 2 cups of granulated sugar
• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground cloves
• 1 tsp. ground allspice

Instructions:

1. In a slow cooker, combine the chopped apples, apple cider, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Stir well to combine.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Using a blender or food processor, puree the apple mixture until smooth.
4. Return the puree to the slow cooker and cook on low for an additional 2-3 hours or until the mixture thickens and turns a deep brown color.
5. Remove the slow cooker from the heat and let the mixture cool for 10-15 minutes.
6. Using a funnel, pour the apple butter into sterilized jars and seal with lids.
7. Store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

Nutritional Information:

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 40
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Total Carbohydrates: 11g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 0g

Cooking Time:

10-13 hours

Equipment:

• Slow cooker
• Blender or food processor
• Funnel
• Sterilized jars with lids

Serving Suggestions:

Use this slow cooker Amish apple butter as a delicious spread on your favorite breads, crackers, or toast. It’s also a great addition to your morning oatmeal or yogurt, and is perfect to use in baking recipes.

Variations:

For a slightly tangy flavor, you can add 1/4 cup of lemon juice to the recipe. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warm and spicy flavor.

Substitutions:

If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice or water instead. You can also use brown sugar or honey instead of granulated sugar.

Storage:

Store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. Once opened, store the jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Tips:

• Choose apples that are sweet and juicy to get the best flavor.
• Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent burning and sticking to the slow cooker.
• Use sterilized jars to prevent contamination and extend the shelf life of the apple butter.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use a pressure cooker to make Amish apple butter?
A: Yes, you can use a pressure cooker to make Amish apple butter. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking times and pressure settings.

Q: Can I add other fruits to the recipe?
A: Yes, you can add other fruits such as pears or peaches to the recipe for a unique flavor twist.

Personal Thoughts

Amish apple butter is a delicious and versatile spread that can be used in many ways. I love the traditional recipe for its warm and spicy flavor, and the slow cooker recipe for its ease and convenience. Both recipes are easy to follow and result in a rich and flavorful spread that is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or desserts.

I encourage you to try making Amish apple butter at home and experiment