Salted Caramel Apple Butter is the ultimate fall spread, combining the sweetness of caramelized apples with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The addition of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt elevate this apple butter to new heights. It's cooked low and slow in a slow cooker, allowing the apples to break down and the flavors to fully develop. Once blended to a smooth consistency, this rich apple butter can be enjoyed on toast, pancakes, or as a topping for desserts. It's a perfect homemade treat that captures the flavors of fall.
Salted Caramel Apple Butter is the ultimate fall spread, combining the sweetness of slow-cooked apples with warm spices and a rich caramel flavor. This versatile spread can be used on toast, pancakes, or even as a topping for desserts. The addition of sea salt balances out the sweetness, making this apple butter a truly indulgent treat that captures the essence of autumn.
Now, let's take a look at the key ingredients that make this Salted Caramel Apple Butter so irresistible.
INGREDIENTS
- Apples: 5 lbs of peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 10-12 medium apples) form the base of this apple butter. They cook down and caramelize, creating a naturally sweet and rich flavor.
- Granulated and Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar add sweetness and help the apples caramelize during the slow cooking process.
- Spices: 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon each of ground cloves and salt provide the warm, comforting flavors that define this apple butter.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the apples and complements the caramel notes.
- Caramel Sauce: 1/2 cup of caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) adds a rich, buttery sweetness to the apple butter, making it extra indulgent.
- Sea Salt: 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt balances the sweetness of the caramel and sugar, creating a perfect salted caramel flavor profile.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and slice 5 lbs of apples (about 10-12 medium apples). Place the apple slices in the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly.
- Step 2: Add Spices and Sugar
- Add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the apples. Stir well to ensure the apples are evenly coated with the spices and sugars.
- Step 3: Cook the Apple Butter
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the apples on low for 8-10 hours, or until the apples are very soft and have broken down. Stir occasionally during cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Step 4: Blend the Apple Butter
- Once the apples are soft and caramelized, use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Step 5: Add Caramel Sauce and Vanilla
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 cup of caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) until fully incorporated into the apple butter.
- Step 6: Thicken the Apple Butter
- If the apple butter is too thin for your liking, continue cooking uncovered on low for another hour, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Step 7: Season and Store
- Once the apple butter has thickened, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt to balance the sweetness. Let the apple butter cool slightly before transferring it to jars or airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or process in a water bath for longer storage.
Serving and Storage Tips
- This Salted Caramel Apple Butter is perfect for spreading on toast, English muffins, or pancakes for a sweet and spiced breakfast treat.
- It also makes a great topping for desserts like vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, or even apple pie for an extra layer of flavor.
- Store the apple butter in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can process the jars in a water bath for proper canning.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer a smoother apple butter, make sure to blend the mixture thoroughly with an immersion blender or blender. You can also strain it through a fine mesh sieve for an ultra-smooth texture.
- For an even deeper caramel flavor, try making your own caramel sauce from scratch and stirring it into the apple butter at the end.
- If your apple butter is too thick after cooling, simply stir in a little water or apple juice to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Ina Garten: Always use high-quality vanilla extract and fresh spices to ensure the best flavor in your apple butter.
- Martha Stewart: Make your apple butter ahead of time and give it as a homemade gift during the holidays—just tie a ribbon around the jar for a personal touch.
- Giada De Laurentiis: Add a touch of lemon zest to brighten up the flavors and balance the sweetness of the caramel and sugar.