Old Fashioned Apple Butter Recipe: Homemade for Canning

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If you’re like me, autumn just wouldn’t be complete without the sweet, spicy aroma of an old fashioned apple butter recipe wafting from the kitchen. This homemade delight is a staple in many households, and I’m here to show you just how to prepare it for canning. So, put on your apron, grab those ripe apples, and let’s start cooking!

What is Apple Butter?

Often mistaken for apple sauce, apple butter is a highly concentrated form of applesauce, cooked low and slow until the sugars caramelize, giving it a deep, rich flavor and dark color. The “butter” in the name is due to its smooth and soft consistency, not because it contains any butter. Apple butter is perfect as a spread for your morning toast or english muffin, a sweetener in fall cocktails, or even as a glaze for pork chops!

Choosing the Right Apples

The choice of apples is a personal preference, but a mix of sweet apples and tart apples usually gives the best balance of flavor. Granny Smith apples are a favorite for their tartness, while sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp balance out the tartness. This is a great excuse to head down to your local apple orchard during apple season and pick up a bushel of apples.

Preparing the Apples

The easiest way to prep your apples is by using an apple peeler. But if you don’t have one, a good sharp knife will do the trick. Once peeled, core and slice the apples. You’ll need about five to six pounds of apples for a good apple butter recipe.

Cooking the Apple Butter

The slow cooking process is key to a rich, caramelized apple butter. You can use a crock pot or an instant pot on the slow cook setting. Add a little bit of apple juice or apple cider vinegar to prevent the apples from sticking, then just leave it to cook on medium-low heat.

Blending the Apples

Once your apples are cooked down to a homemade applesauce consistency, it’s time to blend. An immersion blender is the easiest way to do this. But, if you don’t have one, a regular blender or food processor will work just fine. Just remember to let the apple sauce cool a bit before blending to avoid any hot splashes.

Sweetening Your Apple Butter

Now, it’s time to sweeten your apple butter. Brown sugar and maple syrup are my favorite things to use. They not only sweeten the apple butter but also contribute to the dark color and rich flavor. Honey or honey substitutes can be used as well. Again, the amount of sweetener is a matter of personal preference, so add gradually, tasting as you go.

Canning Your Apple Butter

Once your apple butter is sweetened to your liking, it’s time to can! Fill your sterilized mason jars with the hot apple butter, leaving about a quarter inch headspace. Wipe the rims clean, put the lids on, and process the jars in a water bath canner or pressure canner.

Enjoying Your Homemade Apple Butter

There you have it, your very own old fashioned apple butter recipe, homemade and ready for canning. Whether you spread it on toast or muffins, use it in your favorite recipes, or gift it to loved ones, this apple butter is sure to delight. Plus, apple butter freezes well, so you can enjoy it all year long!

Conclusion

So, here’s to embracing the fall season with the smell of apple butter lingering in your kitchen. This old fashioned apple butter recipe is a labor of love, but the finished product is worth every second. Now, all that’s left is to wait for the compliments to roll in!