How do you thicken apple butter?

1. Reduce the Liquid:

* Simmer: This is the most common and effective method. Continue to simmer your apple butter over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours depending on the initial consistency and desired thickness.

* Use a Food Mill: If you have a food mill, use it to remove excess liquid and seeds from your apple butter.

2. Add Thickening Agents:

* Cornstarch or Tapioca Flour: Mix a tablespoon or two of cornstarch or tapioca flour with a little bit of cold water to make a slurry. Whisk this slurry into your simmering apple butter and cook until the desired thickness is reached.

* Pectin: This is a natural thickening agent found in fruits. You can add pectin to your apple butter while it's simmering, following the manufacturer's instructions.

* Apple Butter Powder: This is a commercially available product specifically for thickening apple butter. Simply whisk it into your simmering apple butter until desired thickness is reached.

Tips for Thickening Apple Butter:

* Start with a good apple butter recipe: Choose a recipe that produces a thick, concentrated apple butter.

* Use a large pot: This will help to prevent the apple butter from burning while simmering.

* Stir regularly: Stirring your apple butter frequently will help to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

* Use a thermometer: A thermometer is helpful for determining the correct cooking temperature.

Important Note: Be careful not to overcook your apple butter. Overcooked apple butter can become hard and dry.