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Sage Apple Butter Recipe

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4 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 10 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 1 large jar (about 2 cups)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Sage Apple Butter is a rich, smooth, and perfectly spiced spread made by slow-cooking apples with brown and granulated sugar, cinnamon, and fresh sage. It’s slowly simmered to develop deep autumnal flavors, then pureed to a velvety consistency, making it an ideal accompaniment for toast, biscuits, or as a flavorful addition to recipes. Infused with vanilla and a hint of herbal sage, this apple butter brings a unique twist to a classic fall favorite.

Ingredients

Fruits and Herbs

  • 3 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and diced into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 bunch fresh sage

Sweeteners and Spices

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples and ingredients: Place the peeled, cored, and diced apples in a slow cooker. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and kosher salt, stirring gently to combine. Insert the cinnamon stick and the whole bunch of fresh sage into the cooker.
  2. Slow cook the apple mixture: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Allow the apples and spices to cook gently for about eight hours until the apples have broken down and are releasing their juices, creating a soft, cooked fruit base.
  3. Remove herbs and blend: Carefully remove and discard the sage leaves, and take out the cinnamon stick, setting it aside for later use. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the apple mixture until it becomes very smooth and creamy.
  4. Add vanilla and continue cooking: Stir the vanilla extract into the blended apple butter along with the reserved cinnamon stick. Cover and continue cooking the mixture on high heat for an additional two hours. Stir occasionally during this time to prevent sticking and encourage thickening. The apple butter should darken to a rich brown color and reach a thick, spreadable consistency.
  5. Final touches and storage: After cooking, remove and discard the cinnamon stick. Let the sage apple butter cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to clean jars and store in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to two weeks, ready to be enjoyed whenever you desire a cozy, flavorful spread.

Notes

  • Slicing the apples into uniform chunks ensures even cooking and smoother blending.
  • Feel free to adjust the sugar quantities to taste, depending on the sweetness of your apples.
  • For a thicker apple butter, cook longer on high, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  • The cinnamon stick enhances flavor during cooking but should be removed before blending to avoid bitterness.
  • Apple butter freezes well; store in airtight containers for longer preservation.
  • Use an immersion blender for easier pureeing directly in the slow cooker vessel.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 hours
  • Category: Spread
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/sage-apple-butter-recipe/