Print

Caramel Apple Butter Recipe

Caramel Apple Butter Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 18 reviews

This rich and flavorful Caramel Apple Butter combines tender cooked apples with warm spices, smooth caramel, and a hint of cachaça for a unique twist. Perfect as a spread on bread, a topping for cheese, or an ingredient in cocktails, this homemade apple butter offers a perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and creamy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Butter Base

  • 10 cups of diced apples, skin on, cores removed (from about 3 lbs / 1.3 kg whole apples)
  • 1 whole cinnamon stick
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • A pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 whole allspice (or 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice)
  • 2 whole cloves (or 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves)
  • 1/2 cup 100% unsweetened apple juice
  • 1/2 cup cachaça + 1 tablespoon cachaça, divided

Caramel

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Core and dice the apples into small pieces, leaving the skin on. Place them in a large Dutch oven along with the whole cinnamon stick, apple juice, and 1/2 cup cachaça. Stir gently to coat the apples evenly with the liquids and cinnamon stick.
  2. Cook the Apples: Cover the Dutch oven and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 to 30 minutes. The apples should become very soft and tender during this time.
  3. Make the Caramel: While the apples are cooking, combine water and sugar in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Allow the water to evaporate and the sugar to caramelize, which should take 15 to 20 minutes, until the mixture is a light golden brown. Turn off the heat and quickly whisk in the butter, kosher salt, and heavy cream until smooth and glossy.
  4. Puree the Apples: Once the apples are soft, transfer them along with the cooking liquid into a blender. Puree until completely smooth. Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, then blend again to fully incorporate the spices.
  5. Combine Caramel and Apple Puree: Pour the prepared caramel into the blender with the apple puree and blend until fully combined, creating a smooth, rich mixture.
  6. Add Final Flavor: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cachaça to the blender and blend one last time to evenly distribute the flavor.
  7. Cool and Store: Transfer the finished apple butter into sterilized mason jars or airtight storage containers. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature before sealing the containers to preserve freshness.
  8. Serve: Enjoy your caramel apple butter spread on bread, paired with cheese, or as a flavorful addition to drinks and cocktails.

Notes

  • Choosing firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works best for balanced flavor and texture.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of your apples and your personal preference.
  • Cachaça adds a unique flavor; you can substitute it with rum if unavailable.
  • Store apple butter in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
  • Make sure jars are properly sterilized before storing to prevent spoilage.
  • You can omit the heavy cream and butter for a dairy-free version but the texture will be less creamy.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple butter, homemade apple butter, spiced apple spread, fall recipes, apple condiment

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/caramel-apple-butter-recipe/