Cracker Barrel Apple Butter
This Cracker Barrel Apple Butter recipe brings the warm, comforting flavors of homemade apple butter right to your kitchen. Made with a simple blend of apples, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and cloves, this recipe mimics the signature apple butter served at Cracker Barrel restaurants. The slow-simmered apples result in a smooth, rich, and velvety spread that’s perfect for slathering on warm biscuits, toast, or pancakes. It’s a versatile treat that can also be paired with meats or enjoyed on its own as a sweet snack.
Equipment
- 1 large pot (4-quart or larger)
- 1 immersion blender (or regular blender/food processor)
- 1 wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- 1 sharp knife and peeler
- 1 fine mesh sieve (optional for smoothing)
- 3-4 mason jars or airtight containers for storing
Ingredients
- 6 cups about 6–7 medium Apples (Gala, Fuji, or Jonathan)
- 1 cup 200g Brown sugar
- 1/2 cup 100g White sugar
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp Ground allspice
- 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup Water for cooking the apples
Instructions
Prepare the Apples:
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks, discarding the skins and seeds. This will help the apples cook evenly and make it easier to puree later.
Cook the Apples:
- In a large pot, add the chopped apples and 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 30–40 minutes, or until the apples are soft and starting to break down.
Puree the Apples:
- Once the apples are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor to puree. If you prefer an extra-smooth texture, you can pass the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or food mill to remove any remaining pulp or skin.
Add Sugar and Spices:
- Return the pureed apples to the pot. Stir in the brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Simmer Until Thick:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 1.5–2 hours. Stir frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. As it cooks, the mixture will thicken. Stir occasionally, and check for your desired consistency by spooning a bit onto a cold plate. If it holds its shape and doesn’t run, it’s ready.
Store and Serve:
- Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer the apple butter to jars or airtight containers. Let it cool completely before storing in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks, or canning it for long-term storage.
Serve:
- Enjoy your apple butter on warm biscuits, toast, pancakes, or as a topping for meats.
Notes
- Apple Variety: Different apple varieties will give your apple butter varying levels of sweetness and tartness. Gala and Fuji apples are sweet, while Granny Smith or Jonathan apples provide a bit of tartness, which adds a nice balance to the final product.
- Adjusting Sweetness: You can modify the amount of sugar in the recipe based on your preferences. If you prefer a less sweet apple butter, reduce the sugar, or substitute it with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Just note that this may change the cooking time slightly.
- Thickening: Apple butter thickens as it cools, so if it seems too runny when it’s hot, don’t worry! Just let it cool down before making any adjustments. If it's still too runny, cook it for a bit longer.
- Storage: Apple butter can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 weeks or canned for longer-term storage. Be sure to sterilize jars if you're planning to can it.
- Spice Variations: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg, ginger, or even a dash of vanilla extract. These small tweaks will create different flavor profiles to suit your taste.