When the leaves start to turn and a crisp chill fills the air, Pennsylvanians know that apple butter season has arrived. This thick, smooth spread, crafted from slow-cooked apples, sugar, and a medley of warm spices, is more than just a condiment – it’s a cherished part of the state’s culinary heritage. With roots stretching back to the Pennsylvania Dutch settlers of the 18th century, apple butter has become a beloved staple in kitchens and at farmers’ markets across the Keystone State.
The History of Apple Butter in Pennsylvania
The origins of apple butter can be traced back to the German-speaking settlers who arrived in Pennsylvania in the early 1700s. These industrious farmers and craftsmen, known collectively as the Pennsylvania Dutch (a corruption of “Deutsch,” meaning German), brought with them a tradition of preserving the bounty of their orchards by cooking down apples with cider, sugar, and spices until the mixture thickened into a spreadable consistency.
In the days before refrigeration, apple butter was a valuable way to extend the shelf life of the apple harvest and provide a source of fruit throughout the winter months. Families would gather together in the fall to peel and core bushels of apples, stirring the bubbling mixture in large copper kettles over an open fire. The process was labor-intensive, often taking a full day or more, but the resulting apple butter was a delicious and nutritious addition to the Pennsylvania Dutch larder.
As the popularity of apple butter spread beyond the Pennsylvania Dutch community, it became a staple at church suppers, community festivals, and family gatherings across the state. Today, apple butter remains a beloved part of Pennsylvania’s culinary landscape, with countless variations and adaptations that reflect the diversity and creativity of the state’s home cooks and artisanal producers.
Traditional Apple Butter Recipe
While every family and region may have their own unique twist on apple butter, most traditional recipes follow a similar basic formula. Here’s a classic Pennsylvania Dutch recipe that has been passed down through generations:
Ingredients
- 4 pounds tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Braeburn, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine the chopped apples, sugar, cider, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and salt in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the apple mixture, uncovered, for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and turns a deep, rich brown color.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the apple butter cool slightly. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth, or transfer it to a food processor or blender and process until desired consistency is reached.
- Ladle the hot apple butter into clean, sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, apply the lids and rings, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Remove the jars from the canner and let cool completely on a towel-lined counter. Check the seals, label, and store in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
This traditional stovetop method yields a rich, intensely flavored apple butter with a silky smooth texture. However, many modern recipes adapt the process for the slow cooker or Instant Pot, allowing for a more hands-off approach that still captures the essence of the classic dish.
Creative Ways to Use Apple Butter
While spreading apple butter on a slice of warm, buttered toast is a simple pleasure that never goes out of style, there are countless other delicious ways to incorporate this versatile condiment into your cooking and baking. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
Breakfast and Brunch
- Swirl apple butter into your morning oatmeal or yogurt
- Use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast
- Spread it on a toasted bagel with cream cheese
- Stir a spoonful into your coffee or tea for a hint of sweetness and spice
Sandwiches and Snacks
- Use apple butter in place of jelly in a classic PB&J
- Spread it on a grilled cheese sandwich with sharp cheddar and crisp bacon
- Pair it with soft, ripened cheeses like brie or camembert on a charcuterie board
- Dip pretzels, graham crackers, or apple slices into apple butter for a satisfying snack
Main Dishes
- Brush apple butter onto pork chops or tenderloin during the last few minutes of cooking
- Use it as a glaze for roasted chicken or turkey
- Stir a spoonful into your favorite chili or stew for a touch of sweetness and depth
- Spread it on a pizza crust and top with caramelized onions, goat cheese, and prosciutto
Desserts and Baked Goods
- Use apple butter as a filling for cakes, pies, or tarts
- Swirl it into a cheesecake or brownies before baking
- Stir it into your favorite cookie or muffin batter
- Drizzle it over ice cream or frozen yogurt for a quick and easy dessert
The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to incorporating apple butter into your culinary repertoire. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find new and creative ways to enjoy this classic Pennsylvania treat.
Where to Find the Best Apple Butter in Pennsylvania
If you’re eager to taste the authentic flavors of Pennsylvania’s apple butter for yourself, there are plenty of opportunities to do so throughout the state. Here are a few notable spots to check out:
Farmers’ Markets and Festivals
Many of Pennsylvania’s farmers’ markets and fall festivals feature local producers selling their homemade apple butter. Look for vendors offering samples and be sure to stock up on a few jars to take home. Some notable markets and events include:
- Reading Terminal Market (Philadelphia)
- Lancaster Central Market (Lancaster)
- Rittenhouse Square Farmers’ Market (Philadelphia)
- Pennsylvania Apple & Cheese Festival (Canton)
- National Apple Harvest Festival (Biglerville)
Orchards and Farm Stands
During the fall apple season, many of Pennsylvania’s orchards and farm stands offer freshly made apple butter for sale. Some even allow visitors to watch the apple butter being made in traditional copper kettles over an open fire. A few notable spots include:
- Weaver’s Orchard (Morgantown)
- Brown’s Orchards & Farm Market (Loganville)
- Kauffman’s Fruit Farm & Market (Bird-in-Hand)
- Hollabaugh Bros. Fruit Farm & Market (Biglerville)
Online and Mail Order
If you can’t make it to Pennsylvania in person, many local producers offer their apple butter for sale online and by mail order. Some popular options include:
- Kauffman’s Fruit Farm & Market (Bird-in-Hand)
- The Pennsylvania General Store (Reading)
- Stonewall Kitchen (York, ME)
- Apple Valley Creamery (East Berlin)
No matter where you source your apple butter, be sure to look for products made with high-quality, locally grown apples and traditional cooking methods for the most authentic and delicious taste of Pennsylvania.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings in the kitchens of Pennsylvania Dutch settlers to its current status as a beloved artisanal product and farmers’ market staple, apple butter has remained a cherished part of the Keystone State’s culinary heritage for generations. With its rich, spiced flavor and silky smooth texture, it’s no wonder that this versatile condiment continues to capture the hearts and taste buds of food lovers across the state and beyond.
Whether you prefer to spread it on toast, swirl it into your morning oatmeal, or use it as a glaze for roasted meats and vegetables, there’s no denying the comforting, nostalgic appeal of a jar of homemade apple butter. So the next time you find yourself in Pennsylvania during the fall apple season, be sure to seek out a local producer or try your hand at making your own batch of this classic treat. Your taste buds (and your kitchen) will thank you.
