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This silky, slightly caramel-tasting apple butter will take plain old toast and turn it into a cozy breakfast or the perfect fall snack you’ll come back to again and again.
The first time I made these toasts on a rainy Sunday, that warm scent of caramelized apples drifted through the house. Now, it’s our favorite autumn morning ritual.
Tasty Ingredients
- 4 slices bread: Brioche is super soft and sweet, but crusty bread brings a heartier crunch if you prefer that
- 2 Golden or Boskoop apples: Pick apples that stay firm when cooked so they get jammy and flavorful
- 30g butter: Go for good-quality unsalted butter for deeper flavor
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Try honey or maple syrup for a twist with richer notes
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: If you have Ceylon cinnamon, it’ll taste a bit more mellow and less spicy than the usual kind
- Pinch of salt: Salt’s key for making those apples pop and cutting through the sweetness
Simple Step-by-Step Directions
- Get the toasts ready:
- Toast your bread till it’s golden and crispy on the edges but still pillowy inside. Using a pan? Toss in a bit of butter for bonus flavor.
- Finish the apple butter:
- Take a fork and smash some of the apples so you get both chunky and smooth bits. You want something halfway between jam and applesauce.
- Make the apples:
- Peel the apples and chop into uniform cubes about 1cm each. Too big and they’ll stay crunchy, too small and you’ll end up with mush.
- Cook the apple butter:
- Melt 20g butter in a skillet over medium till it’s bubbly but not browned. Add apple cubes, then dump in the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir gently so everything’s coated. Let it cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring every so often, until the apples are tender but not falling apart, and the juice has thickened into a caramel.
- Put it together:
- First, spread the rest of the butter onto the hot toast so it melts in. Heap on the warm apple butter and dig in.
Good to Know
- Easily double up this batch. The apple butter keeps up to 5 days chilled
- Chilled apple butter’s great as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or even yogurt
- A quick squeeze of lemon juice in the apple butter makes the fruit punchier and slows down browning
This apple butter always takes me right back to afternoons at my grandma’s. She’d toss in a little grated nutmeg and somehow make this simple treat feel extra fancy. The kitchen aroma is still one of my favorite childhood memories.
Storing and Making Ahead
Pop your apple butter in an airtight container in the fridge and it’ll keep just fine for up to 5 days. Heat up a little before spreading—it’ll go back to its silky self. If you want things quick, batch-cook a lot on the weekend and treat yourself every morning all week long.
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Tasty Twists
This dish is super flexible so raid your pantry or just go with your mood. Toss in toasted chopped nuts for crunch or rum-soaked raisins for depth. A swirl of cookie butter or some gingerbread crumbs amp up that cozy autumn vibe. Cheese fans—add a thin slice of melted cheddar or comté under the apple butter for an awesome sweet-salty combo.
Serving Ideas
It's easy to work these toasts into lots of situations. Pair with your favorite hot drink and some plain yogurt for a balanced breakfast. For dessert, up the wow factor with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of gently sweetened crème fraîche. Serving brunch? Cut the toasts into triangles and pile them up with a mix of sweet and savory finger foods.
Pro Tips
- Leave a few apple pieces bigger for a more interesting texture
- A nonstick pan keeps things from sticking and saves scrubbing
- Warm up your toasts if the apple butter was cold so the flavors pop again
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of bread works best for toast?
You can choose from sandwich bread, brioche, or rustic loaf based on your preference. Each brings a unique taste and texture.
- → Can sugar be swapped out?
Yep! You can replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural and mellow sweetness.
- → Is cinnamon necessary?
Cinnamon isn’t a must, but it gives an aromatic boost that pairs wonderfully with apples. You could also try vanilla or nutmeg instead.
- → How should apple butter be stored?
Keep apple butter in a sealed container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Warm it a little before serving.
- → Can extra toppings be added?
Of course! Add chopped nuts, raisins, or even speculate spread for creative flavor twists.