Spiced Apple Butter Cloves (Printable)
Smooth apple spread infused with cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, ideal for toast or oatmeal.
# What You Need:
→ Fruit
01 - 3 lbs peeled, cored, and chopped apples (Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp)
→ Sweetener
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
→ Liquids
04 - 1/2 cup apple cider or water
→ Spices
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Acid
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
# How To Make It:
01 - Place apples, sugars, and apple cider or water into a large heavy-bottomed pot and stir to blend evenly.
02 - Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until apples break down and soften, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
03 - Remove pot from heat and puree the mixture using an immersion blender or regular blender in batches until very smooth.
04 - Return puree to pot, then stir in cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and fresh lemon juice.
05 - Simmer uncovered on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until thick and deep brown, about 1 hour 30 minutes. The butter should mound on a spoon without running off.
06 - Taste and adjust sweetness or spices as desired. Allow to cool slightly before transferring to sterilized jars.
07 - Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or process in a water bath for extended shelf life after cooling.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It transforms a handful of apples into something that tastes gourmet and lasts for weeks, no special equipment needed beyond what's already in your kitchen.
- The spices are perfectly balanced so nothing overpowers the apple, and you can taste exactly what you put in—no hidden ingredients or strange aftertastes.
- Spreading this on warm toast or swirling it into morning oatmeal feels like giving yourself a small luxury on the busiest days.
02 -
- The apple butter will be thinner when hot than when cooled, so don't panic if it seems loose while still in the pot—let it cool fully before deciding it needs more time on the heat.
- Stirring frequently during the long simmer is the difference between butter and burnt fruit on the bottom of your pot; set a quiet timer if you tend to forget.
03 -
- If you want to intensify the flavor even more, split a vanilla bean lengthwise and add it during the spice phase, then remove it before jarring—the subtle sweetness will make people ask what your secret is.
- Freeze the butter in small portions using an ice cube tray, then transfer to freezer bags; you'll have ready portions for months, perfect for unexpected guests or your own quiet mornings.