Apple butter gets a grown-up twist with this spiced whiskey apple butter recipe. Sweet, warm spices meet the rich, smoky flavor of whiskey (or bourbon) for a spread that’s perfect on toast, biscuits, oatmeal, or even as a baking ingredient. The alcohol cooks out, leaving behind a depth of flavor that complements the natural sweetness of apples. While it takes some time to prepare, the result is a jar of deliciousness that’s worth every minute.
Ingredients for Spiced Whiskey Apple Butter
- 8 lb red apples (3.5 kg)
- ½ cup brown sugar, firmly packed (100 g)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)
- ½ cup whiskey (120 ml) (bourbon can also be used)
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon (15 g)
- ¼ tsp ground cloves (1.5 g)
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (1.5 g)
- 1 pinch salt
How to Make Spiced Whiskey Apple Butter
Test Kitchen Tip:
The apples will take time to cook down, so stir them occasionally during cooking to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and chop the apples into chunks. Place them in a large bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until evenly blended.
Step 3: Reduce the Whiskey
In a small saucepan, bring the whiskey to a boil over medium heat. Stirring frequently, allow the whiskey to reduce by half, concentrating its flavor.
Step 4: Layer the Apples and Spices
In your slow cooker, layer the apple chunks and sprinkle them with the spice mixture, creating layers similar to a lasagna.
Step 5: Add the Whiskey
Once all the apple chunks are in the slow cooker, pour the reduced whiskey evenly over the top.
Step 6: Sprinkle Remaining Spices
Sprinkle any remaining sugar and spice mixture over the apples for an extra boost of flavor.
Step 7: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook the apples for about 10 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 8: Blend the Apple Butter
Once the apples have cooked down, transfer them to a blender. Adjust the amount of leftover juice you include based on your preferred apple butter consistency—less juice for thicker butter, more for a thinner spread. Blend until smooth.
Step 9: Store or Can
Once the apple butter is thoroughly blended, transfer it to jars for storage.
Step 10: Canning Instructions
If canning, follow your canner’s safety guidelines to ensure proper sealing and preservation.
Spiced whiskey apple butter is a versatile addition to your kitchen, bringing warm, complex flavors to a variety of dishes. Use it as a spread, a filling, or even a topping for desserts. With its rich aroma and taste, this recipe captures the essence of fall and the coziness of homemade goodness. Perfect for gifting or keeping all to yourself, this apple butter is sure to become a seasonal favorite!
