Cranberry Apple Butter
A delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, this homemade Cranberry Apple Butter is perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with meats, or giving as a gift.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 4 cups chopped apples Use crisp, fresh apples for best results.
- 2 cups fresh cranberries Can also use frozen cranberries; adjust cooking time.
Sweeteners and Flavorings
- 1 cup sugar Can substitute with honey or maple syrup.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Freshly squeezed is best.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash the cranberries thoroughly and chop the apples into small pieces, removing any cores or seeds.
Cooking
- In a large pot, combine the chopped apples and cranberries with the sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Stir well.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until bubbling (about 10 minutes). Reduce heat to low.
- Allow to simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring often until thickened. Add a splash of water if it sticks.
Finalizing
- Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or spices as desired.
- Transfer into sterilized jars while hot and seal.
- Let cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating.
Notes
For enhanced richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter before jarring. Consider adding a splash of orange or apple cider for a fruity twist. This spread can be stored in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to three weeks or frozen for longer storage.