I made this cranberry apple butter a few weeks ago, but it’s taken me a while to get around to posting it. I suppose that’s just as well, though, because it makes a great holiday recipe.
I stretch cranberry season out as long as I possibly can. I start cooking and baking with cranberries the moment I see them in the stores, and I freeze them so that I can use them well into the winter months. Plus, everyone loves cranberries this time of the year, and the spices in this apple butter are perfect for the colder temperatures that are on their way.
This is one of those simple recipes that tastes much more sophisticated and difficult than it really is. The ingredients can be thrown in the slow cooker at night and the cranberry apple butter will be ready the next morning. When using a food mill, there’s no need to even peel the apples, which even makes the prep work fast and easy, as well.
This cranberry apple butter is delicious on toast or crackers and pairs beautifully with cheese. I think it would be the perfect addition to a holiday gift basket, don’t you? In fact, I may have to make another batch so that I have some to give to my friends and family this Christmas.
Spiced Cranberry Apple Butter
(Makes about 2 pints)
- 3 pounds granny smith apples, cored and cut into chunks
- 12 ounce bag of cranberries, rinsed
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
Combine the apple chunks, cranberries, and cider in a large heavy bottomed pot over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook until the apples are soft and the cranberries have started to burst (about 15 – 20 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.
Ladle the mixture into a food mill and puree. All of the apple and cranberry skins will be left behind. Transfer the puree to a slow cooker. Add the granulated sugar to the puree. Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Stir in the seeds and the two halves of the vanilla bean along with the cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom.
Cook on low in the slow cooker for 8-12 hours, only partially covered. The mixture will reduce down and thicken. Remove the vanilla beans and allow to cool slightly. Transfer to canning jars or airtight containers and refrigerate.
I did not can this particular recipe, but the apple butter could be transferred to half-pint or pint jars and processed in boiling water for 10 minutes, if desired. I’d recommend this method for gift giving.
I adore apple butter, but it sounds even better with cranberry.
I made apple butter for gifts this year – I will definitely put this variation on the list for next year!!!
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This looks really wonderful. I think all the “fruit butters” are so delicious… comfort foods at their simplistic best!!
this looks really amazing! it would be delicious on bread or muffins. i just want to eat that spoonful in the first picture!
Jen, jars of this would make a great gift. I think I need to start a new folder for canning recipes.
Brilliant Jen – would NEVER have put cranberries in the ‘butter’ category!!
I love apple butter on its own, but with cranberries, it sounds so much more amazing. Yum!
I can’t wait to try this – we have an abundance of apples and I need to use them. Score!
how fortuitous for me that i stumbled across your blog. i have so many fresh cranberries and i’m clueless about what to do with them. i though a jam, perhaps, but i like the idea of a cranberry butter! oh my. thanks for sharing your recipe and lovely photos.
I would use this cranberry apple butter on everything. Really. Sounds wonderful :)
Those ingredients are just awesome… what creativity!!! And USEFUL!! Love this idea!
Oh wow, you were right! Imagine the looks on faces when they tasted this as their gift. Yum!
I am so LOVING this!!! Slow cooker? I’m all over this one. What a great idea.
That looks amazing. I will try it :-)
Oh my Jen ~ I’m jealous of everyone who is on your gift list!
Mmmmmmm, sounds wonderful! A must make!
Ohh that looks so good. What a great idea.
I have all these ingredients needing to be used up in my house – this will be on my list of things to do this weekend!
I love apple butter but I have never thought of adding cranberries…yum!
HOLY COW!! That looks awesome Jen. I can’t wait to make this for Christmas gifts.
Good food