1Peel, core, and slice 6 1/2 pounds of apples, which will be about three 3-pound bags. The video recommends using Gala apples.
2Pour in 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of cloves, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste into the pot with the apples.
3Mix all ingredients well to coat the apples evenly.
4Place the pot on the stove to simmer for about 6 to 8 hours, stirring often.
5Keep the lid on for the first half of the simmering process to trap heat and help the apples soften.
6Remove the lid for the remainder of the cook time to allow water to evaporate.
7Once the apples are a deep brown color, use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until ultra-smooth and velvety. Blend for about 7 to 10 minutes.
8Finish by simmering for another 30 minutes, uncovered, to thicken and remove any last bit of moisture.
9Allow to cool, then spoon into jars.
Ingredients
6.5 pounds apples
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
0.25 teaspoon cloves
0.25 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
Equipment
apple peelerlarge potstoveimmersion blenderjars
Tips
It's important to leave the lid off for the remainder of the cook time to allow the water to evaporate, which is the key to a thick, velvety apple butter instead of a runny one.
Blend for a lot longer than you think you need to for a more velvety texture. The video suggests 7 to 10 minutes of blending.