Salted Caramel Apple Butter Recipe

Apple butter is a sweet, spicy, and smooth spread that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. When combined with salted caramel, it takes on a rich, indulgent flavor that’s perfect for spreading on toast, topping your pancakes, or even adding to your favorite desserts. This salted caramel apple butter recipe is easy to make and perfect for adding a touch of sweetness and warmth to any meal. The slow-cooked apples blended into a rich butter, paired with the deep flavors of caramel and sea salt, create an irresistible spread that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Apple Butter

This recipe stands out because of its perfect blend of sweetness and spice, along with a creamy and velvety texture. It’s simple to prepare with the help of a slow cooker, which makes it a hands-off recipe. The combination of apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel creates a delicious treat that’s ideal for fall but can be enjoyed year-round. Plus, with the added touch of sea salt, this salted caramel apple butter brings an unexpected, yet delightful savory twist to the otherwise sweet concoction.

Ingredients

Apple Butter Ingredients:

• Gala Apples: These apples are perfect for creating a smooth, sweet apple butter.
• Apple Juice: Unsweetened 100% apple juice helps create the right consistency for the apple butter.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the apples.
• Nutmeg: Gives the apple butter a cozy, aromatic spice.
• Cloves: Adds a hint of earthy warmth to balance the sweetness.
• Allspice: A key ingredient for that classic fall flavor blend.

Caramel Ingredients:

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the caramel.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the caramel and gives it a rich, deep flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a natural sweetness and a touch of authenticity to the caramel.
• Sea Salt: Elevates the sweetness with a hint of saltiness for that salted caramel flavor.
• Cream: Adds a silky texture to the caramel and makes it rich and smooth.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you want to switch things up or have dietary preferences, here are some alternatives:

• Apples: If you don’t have Gala apples, feel free to use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter variation.
• Apple Juice: Swap out apple juice for a homemade apple cider to give the apple butter a more tart flavor.
• Maple Syrup: If you’re out of maple syrup, you can use honey as a substitute for a more floral sweetness.
• Sea Salt: For an even bolder flavor, try using pink Himalayan salt or kosher salt in place of the sea salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Begin by spraying your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Add the Apples and Spices: Place the cut Gala apples, apple juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
3. Cook on High: Cover the slow cooker with the lid, set it to high, and cook for one hour to soften the apples.
4. Blend the Apples: After an hour, turn off the cooker. Add a third of the stewed apples to a food processor and blend until smooth. Repeat this process for the remaining apples until all of the mixture is pureed.
5. Return to Slow Cooker: Pour the blended apple mixture back into the slow cooker. Set it to low and cook for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally. The apple mixture should reduce to about half of its original volume.
6. Make the Caramel: In a heavy skillet, combine the maple syrup, butter, and brown sugar. Cook on medium to high heat while whisking until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
7. Add Sea Salt and Cream: Stir in the sea salt and cream, whisking continuously for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
8. Combine Caramel with Apple Butter: Slowly stir the caramel into the apple butter mixture in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s well incorporated.
9. Cool and Store: Allow the salted caramel apple butter to cool before spooning it into jars with airtight lids.

Tips & Tricks

• Slow Cooker Tip: Be sure to check the apple butter towards the end of cooking time. The mixture should be thick but still spreadable.
• Caramel Consistency: If the caramel is too runny, cook it for a little longer to thicken it up. If it’s too thick, add a splash of cream to loosen it.
• Storage: Store the salted caramel apple butter in airtight jars. It can last up to 3 weeks in the fridge, or you can freeze it for longer storage.
• Flavor Boost: If you prefer an even richer flavor, you can add a touch of vanilla extract to the caramel while whisking.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Salted caramel apple butter is wonderfully versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes:

• Toast & Biscuits: Spread it on warm toast, scones, or biscuits for a cozy breakfast.
• Pancakes & Waffles: Drizzle it over pancakes or waffles for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Cheese Plate: Pair it with sharp cheddar or brie for a delicious contrast of flavors.
• Desserts: Use it as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or apple pies for a decadent treat.

Health Benefits and Seasonal Appeal

This salted caramel apple butter offers a wonderful seasonal treat that’s perfect for fall. Not only is it a great way to use fresh apples, but it also provides a comforting, homemade alternative to store-bought spreads. While it is a sweet treat, you can control the level of sweetness and the use of natural ingredients like maple syrup and apples to enjoy it in moderation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this salted caramel apple butter recipe is the perfect fall treat, combining the sweet richness of apples with the decadent flavors of caramel and sea salt. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, topping your pancakes, or enjoying it as a dessert, its creamy texture and delightful balance of sweetness and savory notes will have everyone coming back for more. This recipe is easy to prepare and makes a great homemade gift, adding a special touch to your fall-inspired meals.

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