Old-Fashioned Apple Butter Recipe for Canning

A jar of apple butter with a ribbon tied around it.

4.08 from 14 votes

Old-Fashioned Apple Butter Recipe for Canning

This old fashioned apple butter for canning is thick, richly spiced, and water bath safe. Made with simple ingredients and clear steps, it’s perfect for beginners who want confident, pantry-ready results and a shelf full of homemade goodness.

Prep Time30

Cook Time1 10

Total Time1 40

Keyword: apple butter canning recipe, apple butter recipe for canning, how to make apple butter

Servings: Servings

Calories: 17kcal

Author: Melissa Norris

Cost: varies

Equipment

Sharp Knife
Cutting Board
immersion blender A potato masher works for a chunky texture, and a food mill works best if you want it really smooth.
Large Saucpan
Canning Supplies Waterbath canner, jars, lids, rings, ladle, headspace measuring tool, and jar lifter.

Ingredients

8 pounds of apples about 32 medium
4 cups of sugar or more as needed, up to 8 cups
2 cups of liquid water or apple cider
2 cups vinegar 5% acidity
4 teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon cloves

Instructions

Wash apples, core, peel and quarter (or you can leave them whole and simply use a food mill). Combine apples with water (or cider if using), vinegar, sugar, cinnamon and cloves (water or cider—the more cider ratio you use, the more apple-y it will be!) Simmer until apples are soft, then mash or puree to desired consistency. (I used a potato masher and wished I had a food mill to get it a little more fine.)
Continue to heat apple mixture on low, stirring frequently, until it thickens to desired consistency (I allowed mine to thicken for about an hour, though it could have gone a little longer). As it turns into apple butter, it will become darker and rich.
During this time, I had washed the jars, rings and lids in the dishwasher and everything was keeping warm. The canning kettle was filled to the right level and the water had begun to boil. I set the lids to heat on the stove in a little water and got all set up to begin the canning process.
Ladle hot apple butter into the hot jars (half pints or pints), leaving ¼ inch of head space, wipe the jar mouths with a clean, damp rag and gently screw the lids on.
Process for 10 minutes in a hot water bath. Remove lid from canner and let sit for 5 minutes. Then remove jars onto a towel and allow to cool for 12 to 24 hours. Check seals and move to your pantry shelves to enjoy all year long.
Note: if 1,000 feet above sea level process the jars for an extra ten minutes, 20 minutes total.

Notes

This recipe yields about 8 pints.

Recipe Tips:

Stir often once the mixture thickens to prevent sticking or burning.
If your apple butter isn’t thick enough, keep cooking. Time is your friend here.
Taste as you go and adjust sugar slowly.
A splatter screen can help keep the stove clean during long simmering.
Darker color means deeper flavor, so don’t rush it.

Storage Instructions:

Once sealed, store jars of apple butter for canning in a cool, dark pantry for up to one year. After opening, refrigerate and use within 2 to 3 weeks. Always discard any jar that did not seal properly or shows signs of spoilage.

Apple Butter Serving Suggestions:

Now that you’ve gone through the effort to make this delicious apple butter recipe for canning, don’t let the jars sit forgotten on the shelf! With these practical, real-life suggestions, your preserves will be put to good use.

Baked Goods – Spread on English muffins, homemade buttermilk biscuits, spiced pumpkin applesauce muffins, or toast made from this sourdough boule recipe.
Hot Cereal – Swirl into cream of wheat or oatmeal. (Check out my easy homemade oatmeal mix!)
Yogurt – Mix into plain homemade yogurt for a lightly sweet breakfast. (This is the best homemade yogurt recipe.)
Pancakes – Use as a pancake or waffle topping instead of syrup. Whip up this homemade pancake mix for no-fuss mornings. Or, if you are a sourdough baker, use this recipe for sourdough discard pancakes.
Breakfast Sandwiches – Layer apple butter into breakfast sandwiches with sausage or bacon for a sweet, savory balance.
Baking Swaps and Substitutes – Substitute apple butter for oil in muffins or quick breads (use a 1:1 swap). Add to cake batter and quick breads for moisture and natural sweetness. Spread between cake layers instead of frosting. Substitute apple butter for the filling in my chocolate caramel cinnamon rolls, or use it as a filling for this homemade Pop-Tarts recipe.
Meats and Sauces – Brush apple butter onto pork chops, ham, or chicken before roasting. Stir into this sweet and smoky barbecue sauce recipe for depth and sweetness. Use it as a glaze base for meatloaf. Or add a spoonful to pan sauces for richness.

Nutrition