Chunky Apple Butter

1. Prepare Caramel-like Base

Melt unsalted butter with light brown sugar in a medium pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved into the butter, creating a caramel-like base, about 5 minutes.

2. Add Apples and Spices

Add the diced Granny Smith apples, sweet red apples, fresh apple cider, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground allspice, and vanilla bean to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the apples to tenderize and the spices to meld.

3. Simmer and Reduce

Continue simmering the apple mixture for an additional 35 to 40 minutes until the apples are completely soft and the liquid has reduced significantly.

4. Pulse to Chunky Texture

Remove the vanilla bean from the pot. Transfer the apple mixture to a food processor and pulse five times to maintain a chunky texture.