Roasted Chai Apple Butter

When apples come in season, we're always looking for tasty ways to use them up. Of course, there are always the obvious choices like apple pie or a simple apple crostata. Even easier than those is a cozy apple butter. Apple butter is a highly concentrated form of apple sauce, cooked slowly until the sugars in the apples caramelize, turning the apple butter a deep brown. It is made by slow-cooking apples with sugar, cinnamon, and other spices until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. The result is a sweet, spiced spread that you can spread on toast or use as a filling for baked goods.

Recipe developer Taylor Murray worked up a recipe for apple butter infused with a blend of spices traditionally found in chai tea, including cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and allspice. These spices not only enhance the rich flavors of the apple butter but also bring a warm, aromatic, and slightly spicy undertone reminiscent of a comforting cup of chai.

The main ingredient in apple butter is, of course, apples. Get organic, if you can, and search for heirloom varieties. These kinds tend to have much more flavor and a better texture. The apples get cooked in a mixture of brown sugar and butter, with a little apple cider thrown in to add moisture and prevent scorching. The apple cider will also go into the final mixture, which simmers with a mix of spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, pepper, and allspice). Finally, a splash of apple cider vinegar will add a nice burst of acidity and brightness to the butter.

Preheat your oven to 400 F.

Wash and quarter the apples. Place them in a large roasting pan. Pour half of the cider (¾ cup) over the apples. Sprinkle the dark brown sugar evenly on top and dot with butter.

Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast the apples for about 30 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly caramelized.

Remove the pan from the oven. Transfer the roasted apples and all the liquid from the roasting pan into a heavy-bottomed pot. If you have a food mill or ricer, press the apples through it into the pot to achieve a smoother consistency. If you don't, you can use a blender or a food processor to puree the apples, then transfer back to the pot.

Add remaining apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and the spices to the pot. Stir well to combine.

Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the apple butter has thickened and taken on a glossy appearance.

Once cooked, allow the apple butter to cool. Refrigerate until ready to consume.

Ideally, the best apples for apple butter are those that are naturally sweet and break down easily during cooking. Cortland and McIntosh apples are popular choices because of their tender flesh that cooks down smoothly. Golden Delicious offers a mellow sweetness that's perfect for apple butter's rich consistency, while Jonathan or Jonagold apples provide a lovely balance of tartness and sweetness. Gravenstein and Braeburn are other varieties that are known for their deep flavors and ability to soften nicely. 

Some enthusiasts prefer blending a mix of these varieties to create a depth of flavor that's both complex and satisfying. Whichever type you choose, it's crucial to pick ripe, high-quality fruit. Combining the natural sugars of the apples with the prolonged cooking process will caramelize and intensify the flavors, resulting in a rich, spiced, and delicious apple butter. If you can get direct from a local orchard, that's your best bet.

Chai spiced apple butter is incredibly versatile and there are so many ways to enjoy it, both savory and sweet. The most common use for apple butter is as a spread on toast, muffins, bagels, scones, or pancakes. It adds a sweet, spiced flavor that is more complex than regular jams or jellies. You can spread it straight-up or with a nice salted butter.

You can also incorporate apple butter into other things. Stir it into oatmeal or yogurt to add layers of flavor. For something more savory, consider using it as a glaze for grilled pork or chicken. It can also be used in desserts, like pastries, cakes, and pies. Apple butter turnovers are a common find, and they can also be swirled into bread, rugelach, or danishes. Whichever way you use it, this spiced apple butter is sure to be a nice addition to any meal.