If you’ve never experienced the heavenly aroma of apples, cinnamon, and spice bubbling together for hours on end, canning apple butter is about to become your new autumn obsession. This recipe transforms humble apples into a velvety-rich, intensely flavored fruit spread that captures all the best parts of fall in a single jar. Whether slathered on warm biscuits or used as a secret ingredient in your favorite bakes, canning apple butter lets you preserve the season and share its cozy magic with friends and family all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of canning apple butter lies in its handful of simple ingredients, each one adding something essential to the final flavor and texture. Choose high-quality apples and warming spices, and the rest practically takes care of itself.
- Apples (6 pounds, peeled, cored, and sliced): A mix of sweet and tart varieties brings the perfect balance and depth of apple flavor—think Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith.
- Granulated Sugar (2 cups): Adds just the right amount of classic sweetness to complement the fruit.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Brings a rich, caramel note and a darker color to your apple butter, making it irresistible.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): This is where that comforting, signature spice comes from—it’s not apple butter without it!
- Ground Nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Just enough to add gentle warmth and complexity.
- Ground Cloves (¼ teaspoon): Offers a subtle, aromatic kick that keeps each spoonful interesting.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): A tiny pinch sharpens all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Rounds everything out with a smooth, mellow undertone.
- Apple Cider or Apple Juice (½ cup): Adds brightness and helps coax the apples into that glorious, buttery consistency.
How to Make Canning Apple Butter
Step 1: Prep Your Apples
Grab your favorite apple peeler and get in the groove—peeling, coring, and slicing six pounds of apples is a labor of love but so worth it! Don’t be shy about mixing sweet and tart varieties; the blend creates a truly multidimensional flavor. Place them straight into your slow cooker or a heavy-bottomed pot as you go to prevent browning.
Step 2: Initial Slow Cooking
Add the apple cider or juice to your apples. Cover with a lid and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. This long, gentle simmer is where the magic starts—the apples slowly break down and take on a deeply concentrated, naturally sweet flavor.
Step 3: Puree Until Silky Smooth
Once your apples are incredibly soft and nearly falling apart, it’s time to puree. For the silkiest texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or work in careful batches with a regular blender (just watch out for the hot steam!). Aim for a smooth puree, free of any chunks.
Step 4: Spice and Sweeten
Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract. The mixture will smell absolutely incredible at this point—now you’re on the home stretch to perfect canning apple butter.
Step 5: Reduce and Thicken
Remove the lid and continue to cook the apple butter on low, stirring occasionally, for another 1 to 2 hours. The goal is to reduce excess moisture and reach a thick, spreadable consistency. You’ll know it’s ready when a spoonful holds its shape and there’s no watery separation.
Step 6: Prepare for Canning
While the apple butter finishes up, get your jars, lids, and rings sterilized and ready to go. Keep the jars warm until you fill them to prevent cracking.
Step 7: Fill and Process the Jars
Ladle the hot apple butter into the prepared jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, top with lids and rings, then process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Adjust the time if you’re at higher altitudes, and let the jars cool undisturbed before checking their seals.
How to Serve Canning Apple Butter
Garnishes
A classic jar of canning apple butter doesn’t need much, but you can make it pop with a simple sprinkle of cinnamon right before serving or a swirl of whipped cream for a more decadent touch. Fresh apple slices or a bit of lemon zest also add a pretty and flavorful punch.
Side Dishes
Spread your homemade apple butter on toasted sourdough, warm biscuits, or homemade pancakes, and you’ll turn any breakfast into a special event. It pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar cheese on a snack board or as a sweet counterpoint to savory roasted meats, especially pork or chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress up your canning apple butter as a thoughtful gift by tying some twine and a handwritten tag around the jar—perfect for holidays or hostess presents. You can also drizzle it over vanilla ice cream, swirl it into oatmeal, or use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies and cinnamon rolls. The possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once opened, keep your jar of canning apple butter in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for two to three weeks. Always use a clean utensil when scooping out your spread to maintain its integrity and flavor.
Freezing
If you decide not to can your apple butter or have extra on hand, it freezes beautifully. Let it cool, spoon it into freezer-safe containers (leaving space for expansion), and freeze for up to six months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir before serving—a lifesaver for those moments when you need a taste of fall out of season.
Reheating
While canning apple butter is delicious cold, gently warming it will intensify its flavors and make it extra spreadable, especially if you’re adding it to pancakes or breakfast rolls. Microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, or heat over low in a small saucepan.
FAQs
Do I really need to use a mix of apple varieties?
Mixing sweet and tart apples gives your canning apple butter a more complex and nuanced flavor, but you can absolutely use whatever apples you have on hand. If you use just one variety, try to choose one with lots of flavor.
Can I reduce the sugar or make it sugar-free?
The sugars in this recipe help with preservation, color, and texture, but you can experiment with reducing them if you like a less sweet spread. For sugar-free options, substitute with apple juice concentrate or your preferred sweetener and refrigerate or freeze rather than canning.
What’s the best way to check if my apple butter is thick enough?
Drop a spoonful onto a cold plate and tilt it—if it’s thick, glossy, and doesn’t weep liquid, you’ve nailed the perfect consistency. The longer you cook it uncovered, the thicker and richer it will become.
Can I use a pressure canner instead of a water bath?
You can, although a water bath canner works perfectly for high-acid recipes like canning apple butter. If you prefer a pressure canner, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for timing and pressure settings.
How do I know if my jars are sealed properly?
After cooling for 24 hours, press the center of each jar lid—if it doesn’t pop back, it’s sealed! If the lid flexes or pops up and down, refrigerate and eat within a couple of weeks or reprocess with a new lid.
Final Thoughts
Canning apple butter is more than a recipe—it’s a delicious tradition that brings a little warmth and nostalgia into any kitchen. I hope you grab a bushel of apples, invite some friends to help, and fill your pantry with jars of this homemade autumn delight. Once you’ve tasted it, you’ll want to make it every year!
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Canning Apple Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 10 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6–7 half-pint jars 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Description
Learn how to make delicious homemade apple butter with this easy canning recipe. Perfect for spreading on toast or using in various recipes, this apple butter is a fall favorite!
Ingredients
Apples:
- 6 pounds apples (peeled, cored, and sliced – a mix of sweet and tart varieties works best)
Sugar Mix:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup apple cider or apple juice
Instructions
- Cook Apples: Place sliced apples and apple cider in a slow cooker or pot. Cook on low for 8–10 hours until soft.
- Puree: Blend apples until smooth. Add sugars, spices, salt, and vanilla. Cook uncovered for 1–2 hours.
- Canning: Ladle hot apple butter into sterilized jars. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, allow the apple butter to cook overnight.
- Properly sealed jars can be stored for up to 1 year.
- Refrigerate after opening and use within 2–3 weeks.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours (slow cooker method)
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
