Roasted Chai Apple Butter

Taylor Murray

23 October 2023 at 7:45 pm·6-min read

Crusty bread with chai apple butter - Taylor Murray/Tasting Table

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.

Gather The Ingredients For Chai Apple Butter

Various ingredients for apple butter - Taylor Murray/Tasting Table

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.

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Hand turning oven dial - Taylor Murray/Tasting Table

Preheat your oven to 400 F.

Step 2: Prep The Apples

Cutting apples for jam - Taylor Murray/Tasting Table

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.

Step 3: Roast The Apples

Pan of roasted apples - Taylor Murray/Tasting Table

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

Step 4: Process The Apples

Blended roasted apples in pan - Taylor Murray/Tasting Table

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.

Step 5: Season The Butter

Spices added to apple butter - Taylor Murray/Tasting Table

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

Step 6: Cook The Butter

Cooked apple butter in pot - Taylor Murray/Tasting Table

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.

Step 7: Finish And Cool

Finished chai apple butter - Taylor Murray/Tasting Table

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

What Kinds Of Apples Are Best For Making Apple Butter?

Bowl of red apples - Taylor Murray/Tasting Table

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.

How Can I Best Enjoy Chai Spiced Apple Butter?

Spiced apple butter on toast - Taylor Murray/Tasting Table

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.