Old Fashioned Apple Butter for Canning
Apple butter is one of the most iconic fall treats and a must-make on every canner's list! This tested recipe comes from Ball, but is made in a slow cooker to minimize scorching and to let the moisture evaporate slowly. One batch makes enough for 3 pint jars or 6 half pints and I often double it to fill a case of half pints at once!
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- 2 quart jars (for measuring the cooked apple sauce)
- cast iron apple peeler (the I prefer the clamp style as they stay put much better than the suction ones)
- immersion blender or food mill (for smooth apple butter)
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- ladle
- 6 Half pint jars or 3 pint jars for a single batch
- Jar lifter
- clean kitchen towel either 2 or also a paper towel for cleaning the rims
Ingredients
- 4 lbs fresh apples approximately 12-16
- 2 cups apple cider or water or apple juice
- 4 cups white sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 cup bottled lemon juice
Instructions
Prepare the apples
- Peel and core the apples. If not using a hand-crank apple peeler that also slices them, cut the apples into quarters.4 lbs fresh apples
- Place apples in a large saucepan or stockpot. (You can also do this in the crockpot, but you'll remove them to measure out the right amount of puree and then add them back.)
- Cover with water, apple juice, or apple cider, and let the mixture simmer until soft.2 cups apple cider
- Use an immersion blender to puree the cooked apples until smooth.
Make the apple butter
- Measure out 2 quarts of apple sauce and transfer to the slow cooker. (My slow cooker fits enough for a double batch, which I use to make the most of the long cooking time.)
- Add the sugar, spices, and lemon juice. Stir to incorporate.4 cups white sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, 1/4 tsp ground allspice, 1/4 cup bottled lemon juice
- Slow cook over high heat for 10-12 hours or until thickened. Leave the lid ajar to help evaporate extra moisture. Give it a good stir every 60-90 minutes to avoid burning. (I let mine cook over low heat overnight, then increase to high heat the next morning until it cooks down).
- When ready, the apple butter should be thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon. The amount of cooking time will vary depending on the liquid in the fruit. (If you make a double batch, it will likely take longer than a single batch.)
Water bath canning apple butter
- Soak your lids and bands in hot water.
- Fill your water bath canner about 1/3-1/2 full of water and warm over medium heat to warm your canning jars. Clean your lids and bands with warm soapy water and rinse clean. Remove from the jars from the hot water and place upside down on a clean kitchen towel. Let the lids and bands dry on the towel, too.
- Using the canning funnel and ladle, fill jars with the hot apple butter. Stir to remove air bubbles and make sure there is 1/4 inch head space.
- Clean the rims of the jars with a damp paper towel or kitchen towel. Center the lid over the jar, then add the ring. Seal until finger tight (do not overtighten or your lids may buckle when processing).
- Place jars into water bath canner and cover with at least 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil. Once the water begins to boil, process for 15 minutes. (Higher elevations may need to process for longer.) Let the jars rest in the canner for 5 minutes after they finish processing.
- Using a jar lifter, remove jars from canner and place lid-side up a clean kitchen towel. Let the jars cool to room temperature, undisturbed, for 12-24 hours.
- Once cooled, check the seals and remove canning rings. If any of the lids did not seal, store the apple butter in the fridge or freezer. Properly canned apple butter can be stored in a cool, dark place for at least 1 year.
Video
@milkglasshomekitchen Canning Slow Cooker Apple Butter 🍂 🍎 Is there anything better? Rich and full of apple flavor, it's my favorite fall canning project! Full recipe on the blog (you'll just need apples, water or juice, lemon juice, sugar, and some spices.) Easy! #applerecipes #applebutter #canningtiktok #homesteadinglife #fallflavors ♬ original sound - Rachael - Milk Glass Home 🌻
Servings: 6 half pints