The Best Old Fashioned Apple Butter for Canning

ByKatie
16 Comments

This Old Fashioned Apple Butter is a delicious blend of sweet apples, warm spices, and a splash of apple brandy for extra depth. Slow-cooked to perfection, this rich, flavorful spread is perfect on toast, biscuits, or even straight from the jar.

The perfect fall recipe for waterbath canning, you can make this on the stovetop or in your slow cooker. Optional apple brandy plus plenty of spices make this a fall classic you’ll make every year.

Old Fashioned Apple Butter

The perfect, classic blend of sugar, spices and apples, with the addition of a secret ingredient. Stovetop and slow cooker instructions.
Print Recipe
half pint jars of apple butter
Prep Time:45 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:1 hour

Equipment

  • Waterbath canning equipment
  • Pint or half-pint jars

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds apples, peeled and quartered (about 12 medium apples)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup apple brandy (can substitute apple cider or water)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 1 tablespoon bottled lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

  • Prepare your apples. Before you get started, make sure to prepare your apples by peeling and quartering them. Peeling the apples by hand is the easiest way to do it. Even if you have a fancy apple peeler with a turning handle, it might take longer to set it up than to peel the apples by hand.
  • Prep the waterbath canner and jars. Warm up empty jars by washing them in the dishwasher or a 200°F oven. Put the rings and lids in simmering water. Then, fill the canner with water and place it on the stovetop. Depending on how fast your stove heats up, you can heat the canner now or later.
    peeled apples in bowl.
  • Cook the apples until soft. Place apples, water, and apple brandy in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer the apples for 20-30 minutes or until they are soft enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
    saucepan of apples cooking
  • Blend the apples until smooth, and add the sugar, spices, lemon juice, and salt. Using an immersion blender, blend the apples until completely smooth. Then, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, lemon juice, and salt. Don't forget to stir until combined.
  • Cook until thickened. Bring the apple butter to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, for 15-30 minutes or until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. The apple butter will become darker as it cooks.
  • Fill jars and process in canner. Fill hot jars with hot apple butter, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean and place the lids on top. Screw the bands on, tightening the jars until fingertip tight. Process in the canner for 15 minutes, fully submerged.
  • Cool and store. Let the jars rest on the counter for 24 hours until cool and sealed. The jar lid should not move when pressed. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Video

Notes

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Fuji, for a well-balanced flavor.
Make sure to peel the apples well to avoid any unwanted texture in the final product.
When simmering the apples, keep the heat low and cover the pot. This helps the apples cook evenly without burning.
When blending hot apples, make sure your immersion blender is fully submerged to avoid splatters and burns.
Taste the apple butter before canning. You can always add a bit more cinnamon or cloves if you prefer a stronger spice flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 30kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 5mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg
Servings: 6 half-pints
Calories: 30kcal
Author: Katie

We love, love, LOVE this old-fashioned apple butter recipe in our house. It’s one of those things that just makes everything feel a bit cozier and more special. Whether it’s spread on toast, swirled into oatmeal, or dolloped onto pancakes, it’s always a hit. I remember the first time I made it, the whole kitchen smelled like a fall wonderland, and I couldn’t wait to taste it. Everyone was hooked from the first bite! It’s become a tradition to make a big batch every apple season, and we always end up sharing jars with friends and family.

2 half pint jars of homemade apple butter

I hope you love it as much as we do!

Tips For Making Apple Butter

  • You can also make this in the slow cooker very easily! In Step 2, cook the apples and brandy in the slow cooker, covered on low, for 4-6 hours. 
  • Blend, add the sugar and seasonings, and cook on high for 2-3 hours. Put the lid on, but place a wooden spoon underneath so moisture can escape. Can as directed.
  • Put a spoonful on a plate and let it cool to test if your apple butter is thick enough. If it doesn’t spread much, it’s ready.
  • As the apple butter thickens, stir it often to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
  • Make sure your jars are properly sterilized to prevent any contamination and have a long shelf life.
  • For a hands-off approach, use a crock pot. Cook the apples on low for 8-10 hours until soft, then blend and add your sugar and spices. Continue cooking on high for 2-3 hours with the lid slightly ajar to let moisture escape.

This recipe needs some important ingredients and tools to help you get the best results. Here are some key ones:

ingredients on white counter
  • Apple brandy: This adds flavor depth. You can usually find it in liquor stores or larger supermarkets’ wine and spirits sections. If unavailable, apple cider or water can be used as substitutes.
  • Hand blender: This is essential for achieving a smooth, silky texture. A regular blender can also be used if you don’t have one.
  • Canning jars: These are essential for preserving the apple butter. These are usually found in the kitchenware section of big-box stores, specialty kitchen stores, or online. They may also be stocked in grocery stores during the canning season (late summer to early fall).
  • Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice. You can also use fresh cinnamon sticks, which can be removed before blending.

Using these items will help make sure that your apple butter is delicious and has the perfect texture.

Substituting Ingredients

If you don’t have apple brandy, you can substitute it with apple cider, apple juice, or water. Each will slightly alter the flavor but will still result in a delicious apple butter.

And for a healthier option, reduce the sugar by half. Use 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of light brown sugar. It will still be sweet but with less sugar content.

Serving Suggestions

This apple butter pairs well with toast, homemade biscuits, pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, yogurt, a cheese and cracker platter, or sandwich bread.

FAQs

What is the best type of apple to use for apple butter?

The best apples for apple butter are a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith apples and Fuji. This combination ensures a well-balanced flavor.

Can I use a food processor instead of an immersion blender?

Yes, you can use a food processor to blend the cooked apples until smooth. Make sure to do it in batches to avoid overfilling.

How much sugar should I use if I prefer a less sweet apple butter?

You can reduce the amount of sugar by half if you prefer a less sweet apple butter. Start with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, then taste and adjust as needed.

Can I use maple syrup instead of sugar?

Yes, you can substitute some or all of the sugar with maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Start with 1 cup of maple syrup and adjust to taste.

How do I know if my apple butter is thick enough?

Put a spoonful on a plate and let it cool to test if your apple butter is thick enough. If it doesn’t spread much, it’s ready.

What should I do if I see air bubbles in my jars?

Use a jar lifter to gently tap the jars on the counter to release any air bubbles before sealing them. This helps ensure a proper seal and prevents spoilage.

Storing Leftovers

After the jars have cooled and sealed, store them in a cool, dark place. They will stay good for up to 1 year. Once you open a jar, keep it in the refrigerator and use it within one month.

Apple butter freezes very well if you don’t want to can it. Pour the finished product into freezer bags and freeze them flat for easy storage.

When you’re ready to eat, defrost them overnight in the fridge and pour them into a mason jar for easy serving!

Enjoy making this Old Fashioned Apple Butter and savor its rich, comforting flavors. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends or as a special homemade treat for yourself.

Remember, the key to perfect apple butter is patience—let it simmer until it’s just right.

butter knife mixing up jar of apple butter
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By Katie Shaw

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Katie shares simple, reliable recipes from her home in Virginia, where she lives with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens.

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16 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I have made this for several years now. I make the applesauce on the stovetop then put it in the crockpot to finish before canning. Such great apple flavor!!!

    Reply

  2. 5 stars
    I used my crock pot and this turned out delish! I did add 1/2tsp allspice for an extra bit of spice…super easy ..plus I used apple scraps and made apple cider!

    Reply

  4. 5 stars
    I have Made this Apple Butter recipe many times. I give as gifts. Everyone wants more when theirs is gone. I don’t peel the apples. I cut in small size and make it in the crock pot. YUMMY

    Reply

  8. 5 stars
    This recipe is simular to the one that I got from my german grandmother, but I lost it. It was enough to trigger my memories. The internet tends to be the go all to sesarch but realized that it is not so easy to find due to in-leads for adverstisement.

    Reply

  9. 5 stars
    This is DELICIOUS! I will definitely be using this recipe again. It was definitely sweet so I will probably reduce the sugar a bit next time (personal preference) and the whole process took so much longer than I thought it would (waiting for the canner water to boil, sterilizing the jars, etc.) but it was well worth the effort. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  11. 5 stars
    Great recipe! Easy to follow and understand. This is the best Apple Butter recipe ❣️ Thank you for my sick easy and clear explainations. Looking forward to trying more of your recipes!

    Reply

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