How is apple syrup made?

Question

I've been making dutch apple pastries for a couple of weeks now, and I've noticed that the apple filling that spills from the pastries turns dark brown like apple syrup (or apple butter, apple paste or apple cheese) The taste is similar, as well. But the texture is off.

The question is how to make a real batch of apple syrup? Apple, sugar & heat for some amount of time? Or are some other ingredients needed?

If you're looking for stroop, it's so much thicker than anything most people would call a syrup ... it's typically thicker than even apple butter. — Joe, Jun 23 '11 at 17:08

score 4 · Answer 1 · answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:34

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When I make apple syrup, I use apples (2 cut, peeled, sliced, and cored), sugar (1/2c), and two tablespoons of water. Combine everything, let the sugar dissolve, and then bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 10 minutes until the apples have become nice and soft and the syrup thickens. I usually do it for a bit longer just to be on the safe side. I have also found that adding a bit of cinnamon gives it just a bit extra!

answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:34

AtlasRN

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Sounds good, but does it turn dark brown or black? – BaffledCook Jun 23 '11 at 13:49
When I have made it, it turns dark brown. What color does it turn when you try? – AtlasRN Jun 23 '11 at 14:17
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I've never tried. I've noticed a similarity with 'stroop' as @Joe mentioned. Stroop is very thick and very dark. – BaffledCook Jun 23 '11 at 17:12
How does that differ from applesauce? – Yamikuronue Nov 10 '11 at 17:26

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Jun 23 '11 at 17:06

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I admit, I've never attempted making stroop (apple or otherwise) on my own ... but some discussion on a forum post regarding Dutch cooking mentioned that there's something called 'apple cheese' which sounds like it might be quite similar, based on the description of the end consistency and the amount of sugar used.

answered Jun 23 '11 at 17:06

Joe

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apple butter or apple cheese or apple paste, so many names for good old 'stroop'. – BaffledCook Jun 23 '11 at 17:17

score 2 · Answer 3 · answered Jun 23 '11 at 21:26

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Apples go brown when the air hits the flesh - if they are cooked quickly or kept away from air until cooked, they don't go brown. Lemon juice can delay the browning. Cooking without stirring can result in lessened browning, because the top layer in the pot protects the mass from the air.

It can be hard to resist stirring, but you have to remember that stirring will also introduce air.

With a lot of things, I microwave apples in a covered dish, cut in large chunks. After that, they can sit around for a while before I get around to using them.

answered Jun 23 '11 at 21:26

James Barrie

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I suspect that the reason that BaffledCook asked about it turning brown is because Stroop *is* brown ... it's darker than most toffee, because they boil it down 'til it caramelizes. If you follow the ["apple syrup" link](http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appelstroop) in the question, there's a picture of bread with stroop -- the stroop is the molasses looking stuff (but it's not quite like molasses ... maybe when warmed ... at room temperature, it's more spreadable, like a jam) – Joe Jun 24 '11 at 16:57

score 2 · Answer 4 · answered Jun 24 '11 at 14:41

I will sometimes make a different sort of Apple Syrup that is more like maple syrup in consistency.

The process starts with making Apple Sauce. Once the apples have been boiled and sent to be mashed, I take the water that was used, strain out large particles, and then start boiling it down until I get a syrup like consistency out of it. I almost never have to add anything to sweeten it, but that will really depend on the mix of apples you started with.

That sounds promising. I'll give it a try someday. – BaffledCook Jun 24 '11 at 16:57 — BaffledCook, Jun 24 '11 at 16:57

Christina S · Answer 5 · 2021-08-26T21:22:25.507

Apple molasses is made from fresh apple cider. I made it once in a crock pot. You have to cook it for a long time to reduce 7 litres down to 1. Unfortunately the apples I used were too tart and the apple molasses turned out quite sour. I have since learned you need to use low acid apples, like Tolman Sweet, or Pound Sweet. These are old heritage varieties. If you use a low acid apple, there is no need to add sugar.

How is apple syrup made?

5 Answers5