Caramel Apple Butter Recipe for a Sweet Fall Treat

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the combination of warm apples and rich caramel, especially when transformed into a luscious spread like caramel apple butter. This delightful recipe takes the classic apple butter to a whole new level by infusing it with the deep, buttery sweetness of caramel, making it perfect for cozy mornings, holiday gatherings, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Whether you’re spreading it on toast, swirling it into oatmeal, or spooning it over vanilla ice cream, this caramel apple butter brings a burst of autumnal flavor to every bite. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home with just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience.

In this post, I’ll guide you through every step to create the perfect caramel apple butter that’s thick, smooth, and packed with that wonderful balance of sweet and spiced flavors. Ready to fill your kitchen with the aroma of simmering apples and caramel?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This caramel apple butter recipe is a game-changer for those who love traditional apple butter but crave something a little richer and more indulgent. By adding homemade caramel sauce into the mix, you get a spread that’s not only sweet and spiced but also silky and decadently smooth.

It’s perfect for using up a bounty of apples during the fall season and makes a fantastic gift for friends and family. Plus, it stores beautifully in jars, allowing you to enjoy that homemade taste well beyond apple season.

If you’ve never made apple butter from scratch before, this recipe is a wonderful place to start because it’s straightforward yet yields a gourmet-quality result.

Ingredients

• 6 large apples (preferably a sweet-tart variety like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (for the caramel)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (for the caramel)
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (for the caramel)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for the caramel)

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Immersion blender or regular blender
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Medium saucepan (for caramel)
• Glass jars or airtight containers for storing
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

1. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and chop your apples into roughly 1-inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and break down smoothly.
2. Cook the apples: In your large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, lemon juice, and water. Stir well to mix all ingredients.
3. Simmer gently: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The apples should become very soft and start breaking down.
4. Blend until smooth: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the apple mixture until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a blender and puree, then return it to the pot.
5. Make the caramel sauce: While the apples cook, prepare the caramel. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and cook, stirring frequently, until it dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble (about 3-4 minutes).
6. Add cream and vanilla: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Combine caramel and apples: Pour the caramel sauce into the apple butter mixture and stir well to combine. Continue cooking on low for another 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apple butter reaches your desired thickness.
8. Cool and store: Remove from heat and let the caramel apple butter cool slightly before transferring to clean glass jars or containers. Seal tightly and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 3 weeks in the fridge or can be frozen for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother apple butter, make sure to blend thoroughly and cook long enough to evaporate excess moisture.

– Apple varieties: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor. Granny Smith apples add tartness, while Fuji or Gala bring sweetness.

– Spice it up: For extra warmth, add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom.

– Vegan version: Substitute butter and heavy cream with coconut oil and full-fat coconut milk.

– Chunky style: Pulse the apple mixture less to keep some texture in your apple butter.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Caramel apple butter is incredibly versatile and can elevate many dishes. Spread it thickly on warm toast or bagels for a sweet start to your day.

Swirl a spoonful into your morning oatmeal or yogurt to add some cozy flavor.

Use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles, or drizzle it over vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an easy dessert. It also pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar cheese on crackers for a sophisticated snack.

Feeling adventurous? Stir some into your muffin or quick bread batter to add moisture and a wonderful caramel-apple flavor.

Conclusion

Making homemade caramel apple butter is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with the sweet, spicy aromas of fall. This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the natural tartness of apples and the buttery richness of caramel, resulting in a spread that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your breakfast routine, find a new baking ingredient, or create a thoughtful gift, this caramel apple butter recipe fits the bill perfectly.

With simple ingredients, easy steps, and flexible variations, it’s a recipe that anyone can master. So next time you find yourself with an abundance of apples, give this caramel apple butter a try – it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!

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