Apple Butter: Quick, Easy, and Healthy! - Page 2

Prepare the Apples: Wash, peel, and core the apples. Cut them into small chunks to ensure they cook evenly.
Cook the Apples: In a large pot, combine the apple chunks with the apple juice or water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft and breaking down.
Blend the Apples: Once the apples are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the mixture to a regular blender or food processor, then return it to the pot.
Add Spices: Stir in the cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. These spices give the apple butter its warm, cozy flavor. If using, add the vanilla extract at this stage.
Simmer and Thicken: Continue to simmer the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Cook until the apple butter is thick and spreadable. This usually takes about 1-2 hours. The longer you cook it, the thicker it will become.
Cool and Store: Once the apple butter has reached your desired consistency, let it cool. Transfer it to clean jars or airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.