This homemade canning apple butter recipe is a perfect way to preserve the rich, spiced flavor of fall. Slow-cooked to perfection, this apple butter captures the essence of autumn in every jar. Ideal for spreading on toast, biscuits, or muffins, this recipe is perfect for home canning enthusiasts looking to enjoy apple butter all year long. Whether you’re new to canning or a seasoned pro, this easy, flavorful recipe will guide you through the process to ensure your apple butter has a smooth, rich taste that lasts for months.
Ingredients:
6 lbs apples (Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ cup apple cider (optional for flavor depth)
Directions:
Prepare the Apple Butter:
Start by placing the chopped apples into a large slow cooker. Add both the granulated and brown sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and apple cider (if using). Stir everything together to coat the apples evenly. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 10-12 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are incredibly soft and the mixture turns a rich, dark brown.
Blend the Apple Mixture:
Once the apples are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you find that the apple butter is too thin, let it cook uncovered for 1-2 more hours until it thickens to your desired consistency. Stir in vanilla extract for added flavor.
Prepare for Canning:
Sterilize your canning jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Keep the jars warm until you’re ready to fill them to prevent cracking when the hot apple butter is added.
Fill and Process Jars:
Ladle the hot apple butter into the sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars clean, apply the lids, and screw on the rings until fingertip-tight.
Process in a Water Bath:
Place the filled jars into a boiling water bath, making sure they are fully submerged and covered with at least 1 inch of water. Process the jars for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude as necessary to ensure proper sealing.
Cool and Store:
After processing, carefully remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely. Once cooled, check that each jar’s lid has sealed correctly. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place where they can be enjoyed for up to a year.
Serving Tips:
Spread on Toast or Biscuits: Apple butter is delicious on warm, buttered toast or flaky biscuits. It adds a rich, spiced flavor to your breakfast or brunch.
Pair with Cheese: For a savory-sweet combination, serve apple butter alongside cheese like sharp cheddar or brie. It makes a perfect pairing for a cheese board or as an appetizer.
Mix into Yogurt or Oatmeal: Swirl apple butter into yogurt, oatmeal, or porridge for a naturally sweet, autumn-inspired flavor boost.
Baked Goods: Use apple butter as a filling for pastries, muffins, or cakes. It can be used as a healthier alternative to jams or as a base for fruit-filled desserts like pies.
Glaze for Meats: Brush apple butter on roasted or grilled meats like pork chops, chicken, or turkey to add a touch of sweetness and spice to your savory dishes.
Storage Tips:
Cool Completely Before Storing: After canning, make sure your apple butter jars are completely cool before storing them. This helps ensure that the lids form a tight seal.
Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Once sealed, store your apple butter jars in a cool, dark area, such as a pantry or cupboard. This will keep the preserves fresh and free from exposure to light, which can degrade the quality over time.
Check Seals: Before storing your apple butter jars, check that each lid has sealed properly. If the lid does not make a “pop” sound when pressed (indicating it has sealed), refrigerate that jar and use it within a few weeks.
Refrigerate After Opening: Once you open a jar of apple butter, keep it refrigerated. It will last about 2-3 weeks in the fridge after opening. Be sure to use a clean utensil each time you scoop it out to avoid contamination.
Use Within One Year: For the best flavor and quality, use your canned apple butter within one year. After that, while it may still be safe to eat, the flavor and texture may start to decline.
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FAQs:
Can I use any type of apples for apple butter?
Yes, you can use a variety of apples for apple butter, but some varieties work better than others. Sweet apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp provide a perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. Tart apples such as Granny Smith can be used if you prefer a tangier apple butter, but you may need to adjust the sugar levels to taste.
Can I can apple butter without a slow cooker?
While a slow cooker is ideal for making apple butter, you can also make it on the stovetop. Simply cook the apple mixture over low heat in a large pot, stirring frequently, until it reaches the desired thickness. It may take a little more attention and time, but the result will be just as delicious.
How do I know when my apple butter is the right consistency?
Apple butter is ready when it has thickened to a spreadable consistency. To test, place a spoonful on a cold plate and let it cool for a minute. Run your finger through it; if it doesn’t run back together, the apple butter is thick enough. If it’s still too thin, continue cooking with the lid slightly ajar to let excess moisture evaporate.
Can I adjust the spices in the apple butter recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, you can adjust the spices to suit your taste. Add more cinnamon for a spicier flavor, or experiment with ginger, allspice, or cardamom to create your own signature apple butter. Just be sure to balance the flavors so the spices complement the apples without overpowering them.
Conclusion:
Canning apple butter is a wonderful way to preserve the cozy, spiced flavors of fall. With simple ingredients and a slow-cooked method, you can enjoy homemade apple butter all year long. Perfect for spreading on toast, muffins, or used in baked goods, this recipe is a must-try for any canning enthusiast.
📖 Recipe:
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Canning Apple Butter
- Total Time: 12 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 4-5 pint jars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple butter is a classic, rich spread made from slow-cooked apples and warm spices that capture the essence of fall in every bite. Canning apple butter is the perfect way to preserve this delightful treat and enjoy it all year round. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through the process of making and canning your very own homemade apple butter. Spread it on toast, muffins, or biscuits for a cozy touch to any meal.
Ingredients
6 lbs apples (Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ cup apple cider (optional for flavor depth)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Butter: Place the chopped apples in a large slow cooker. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and apple cider if using. Stir everything together and cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 10-12 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and dark brown.
- Blend the Apple Mixture: Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If the apple butter is too thin, continue cooking uncovered for 1-2 additional hours to thicken it up. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Prepare for Canning: Sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Keep the jars warm until ready to fill.
- Fill and Process Jars: Ladle the hot apple butter into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, apply the lids, and screw on the rings until fingertip-tight.
- Process in a Water Bath: Submerge the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, ensuring at least 1 inch of water covers the tops of the jars. Adjust for altitude if necessary.
- Cool and Store: After processing, remove the jars and let them cool completely. Check the seals and store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Notes
Apple Variety: Choose sweet apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for the best flavor. If you prefer a tart apple butter, use Granny Smith apples and adjust the sugar to your taste.
Consistency: To test the consistency of the apple butter, place a spoonful on a cold plate and run your finger through it. If it doesn’t run back together, it’s ready.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to add additional spices like ginger or allspice to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 hours
- Category: Canning, Preserves, Fall Recipes, Breakfast, Condiments
- Method: Slow Cooker, Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Makes approximately 4-5 pint jars
- Calories: 40 kcal per tablespoon
