The Best Homemade Apple Butter – with canning instructions
By Amanda Paa – Updated August 13, 2023
Preserve an abundance of apples by making this extra smooth, caramelized apple butter! This delicious fruit spread is simply an apple puree that is cooked down, concentrating the tart, sweet flavors. A stovetop recipe that includes water bath canning instructions.
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Homemade apple butter is a taste of fall in a jar.
Each spoonful has a rich, caramel flavor, silky smooth texture, and just the right amount of warm spices.
It’s very easy to make on the stovetop, where the low heat causes the natural sugars of the apples to caramelize and thicken, resulting in a deep brown color and decadent flavor. It’s a wonderful ingredient to use in both sweet and savory ways, and I can’t wait for you to make a few of these delicious recipes that use apple butter!
This luscious fruit spread is the perfect way to use up an abundance of apples, similar. You’ll use 4 pounds of apples, which will make 5-6 half pint jars of apple butter. The jars make the perfect gift when paired with a loaf of sourdough bread, as well as any of my canning recipes!
How to Can Apple Butter:
What’s most important is having your canning tools ready before you start.
- Start by sterilizing your Ball® jars and lids with warm soapy water.
- Peel and core your apples. Then chop into rough chunks.
- Add apples to a saucepan with water, and boil until soft.
- Use a food mill or high speed blender to process until completely smooth.
- Return puree to saucepan and add sugar and spices, whisking until combined. Simmer on stovetop until reduced, thickened, and takes on a caramelized brown color.
- Meanwhile, heat sterilized jars so they are hot, in your water bath canner. Have your jar lifter, towel, funnel, and spatula within your reach.
- When apple butter is ready, fill each jar individually with apple butter leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Screw lid on until finger tight.
- Put each jar back in your water bath canner once filled, and repeat. This is not an assembly line process. Once you’ve filled all jars and returned them to canner, bring it to a boil.
- Process jars 15 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Turn off heat, remove lid, let jars stand 5 minutes. Remove jars and cool 12-24 hours.
What Variety of Apples Make The Best Apple Butter?
Apple butter is as pure as it gets. Just apples and a bit of sugar and spices cooked down, concentrating the flavor of this autumn fruit. For that reason, I like to use a mix of tart and sweet apples rather than just one variety. My favorites are:
- Cortland
- Liberty
- Sweet 16
- Pink Lady
- Honeycrisp
Unlike apple pie, in which you need to use firm apples to stand up to the heat of the oven, softer textured apples work well for apple butter because they cook down faster.
The Secret to Extra Smooth Apple Butter
I’ve used a food processor and a food mill to puree the apples for apple butter, but nothing breaks them down as well as a high speed blender! Simmer your apples until they give no resistance to a fork, then blend until they are silky smooth.
When reduced on the stovetop, this smooth apple puree will turn into a glossy, caramelized apple butter.
Delicious Ways to Eat Apple Butter:
- Swirl it into oatmeal.
- Smear it on top of peanut-buttered sourdough toast.
- Add it to a cheeseboard, especially with a blue cheese pairing!
- Use it as a topping for ice cream sundaes.
- Serve it alongside something savory, like grilled bone-in pork chops.
More Heartbeet Kitchen Canning Recipes:
Yield: 5 to 6 half pints
Ingredients
- 4 pounds apples (Cortland, Liberty, Sweet 16, Pink Lady, and Honeycrisp are great options)
- 2 cups water
- 1 3/4 cups organic cane sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions
- You’ll need 5 or 6 half pint jars for this recipe.
- Core and peel apples. Cut apples into quarters.
- Combine apples and water in a large saucepan. Cook apples at a simmer until soft. Puree mixture using food mill or high speed blender.
- Return apple pulp to saucepan. Add sugar and spices, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cook at a gentle boil over medium heat until apple mixture is thick enough to mound on a spoon, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Remove from heat.
- Ladle hot apple butter into a hot jar leaving a ¼ inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Wipe jar rim. Center lid on jar and apply band, adjust to fingertip tight. Place jar in boiling water canner. Repeat until all jars are filled.
- Process jars 15 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Turn off heat, remove lid, let jars stand 5 minutes. Remove jars and cool 12-24 hours, listen for the pop to know they are sealed. Check lids for seal 12 hours later, they should not flex when center is pressed.
- Now that your pantry is full, here are 23 recipes that use apple butter for you to make!
Did you make this?
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October 23, 2020
Kristen
November 14, 2024
This looks wonderful – as all your recipes do! Amanda, if I don’t want to “can” these, do I just put them into jars and refrigerate immediately OR let them cool and then refrigerate? Also, how long will they last in the fridge? Thanks always and Happy Holidays!!!
Amanda Paa
November 15, 2024
Hi Kristen! If you don’t want to can, the jars will last unopened in the fridge for at least 3 weeks!
Krissy
October 27, 2024
Doesn’t this need an acid like cider vinegar or (lemon juice like in the Ball recipe) to be safe? I do not think apples were acidic enough on their own.
Amanda Paa
October 27, 2024
Hello! Lemon juice is not needed. At a pH 3.1 to 4.0 apples are considered acidic; Due to its high acidity, sugar content here, and low amounts of free water, bacterial growth is inhibited.
Charity
October 25, 2024
Very tasty recipe! I ended up using about 5 lbs of apples and I only got 1 pint with this recipe. I think I probably could’ve reduced it even more, making it a little thicker, which would’ve given me less than a pint. Not sure why I ended up with so little. I do like my apple butter very thick and flavorful, so that could be why. I used my slow cooker and set in on low with the lid on, overnight. And then I took the lid off the next morning and let it reduce more. I might add less water next time so it takes less time to get to the thickness I like.
Paige
October 25, 2024
Hello! I cooked my apples in apple cider instead of water for more robust flavor, would it be safe to use less sugar or should I still use same amount?
Amanda Paa
October 25, 2024
Hi Paige! I would say you could reduce the sugar by 20 grams and not have an issue.
Paige
October 25, 2024
Thank you!
James Willemin
October 21, 2024
I used Jonagold apples here, and it was sweet enough to not need any added sugar. Also, I cooked the apple puree down quite a bit and got four half pints (but the apple butter is thick and creamy and just plain yummy). Thus, if one has the time a long simmer (with frequent stirring as it gets thick) is perfectly OK. Good recipe!
Teri
October 16, 2024
Can you use canning jars without the two piece lids? Just the regular lids?
Thanks
Amanda Paa
October 16, 2024
Hi Teri! Do you mean you would like to water bath can this and use a screw top lid? If so, they would not be canning safe. You do need a sealing lid for canning.
Joseph J Wilkinson
September 21, 2024
Loved the recipe easy and delicious 😋
Dede
September 19, 2024
I really love your sourdough recipes. The rhubarb cake is a friends and family favourite. Is it possible to use granulated Monkfuit sweetener in the canned apple butter recipe?
Amanda Paa
September 20, 2024
Hi Dede! I’m so glad you enjoy my recipes. Unfortunately it’s not recommended to use monk fruit when canning because there’s no information about how it affects the pH of home-canned foods. Sugar plays a key role in the quality and preservation of canned fruit products.
Linda
September 18, 2024
How about using honey or coconut sugar?
Joan
September 15, 2024
Hi I dont have the big canning pot to put the jars in. I do have mason jars will they seal them selfs without having to boil the jars/
Amanda Paa
September 15, 2024
Hi! For canning and food safety they need to be boiled and sealed. You could freeze instead if you don’t have the canning pot.
Joan Anderson
September 14, 2024
I only have a blender and a food processer. will one of them do for puree the apples. thank you.
Amanda Paa
September 14, 2024
Yep, the recipe uses a blender!
Gloria Bankston
August 4, 2024
I do not have cardamom what can I use as substitute
Amanda Paa
August 4, 2024
You can omit it; but the cardamom adds a depth of flavor that really makes this special and unique, just for future reference. Is very much worth getting some for your pantry.
Erin
September 1, 2024
Could I substitute pears for the apples?
Amanda Paa
September 1, 2024
Hello! I do have a really delicious pear butter recipe!
Belynda Burroughs
July 28, 2024
Alot of recipes call for lbs. How do I know how much to use? I’m making Apple butter. It says 16 lbs. I need cups. Lol
Emily Kirlin
September 11, 2024
Most canning recipes call for pounds because cups don’t translate to weight directly and you need to have the proper acidity ratio for the weight of fruit/veggies for whatever you’re preserving so it won’t spoil.
Amanda Paa
September 11, 2024
correct!
Glendora Racy
March 6, 2024
Is the 4 lbs of apples before or after peeling and coring?
Amanda Paa
March 6, 2024
Before.
Glendora Racy
March 6, 2024
Thank you
Nicole
February 25, 2024
What shoukd the texture be? I made some yesterday and canned it. Mine seems to be like applesauce thia morning? Should it be thicker? New to canning. I felt like it cooked forever on the stove top once adding in sugar and spices.
Donna
February 1, 2024
I made a batch and it’s really good! Since I give them as gifts, I like to have a “Best by” date to add to the information but I am not finding one with the recipe. My other fruit butters are in half pints and they have a best by date of 2years… would this be the same? Thank you
Amanda Paa
February 1, 2024
Hi Donna! I usually do 18 months just to be safe!
Cindy Gerson
January 26, 2024
Delicious
Jess
December 14, 2023
I don’t need any pectin or lemon for the canning? Just checking before I jar it up!
Amanda Paa
December 14, 2023
Correct! The pectin is in the apples and it is cooked down to the fruit butter consistency you prefer, then canned.
Kevin
December 8, 2023
Do you think it would work if I used half cane and half brown sugar? As well added a few extra dry spices?
Amanda Paa
December 8, 2023
Yes, I think that would be lovely! I’d just be subtle on the spices, as you don’t want it to overtake the apple flavor.
Wendy
December 6, 2023
Why peel the apples? Once the apple cooks the peels are soft and using an immersion blender everything gets mixed together and is still very smooth.
Amanda Paa
December 7, 2023
Hi! You get more of a caramelization of the apples during the cooking process when the skins have been removed.
Cheka
December 6, 2023
Can I use a steam canner? Totally new at this canning stuff.
Amanda Paa
December 7, 2023
I don’t have any experience with steam canners, sorry!
Suzannah
September 11, 2024
Just an FYI to your steam canning question. Yes, this works great in a steam canner! I’ve found if you follow the directions on yur steam canner, just about everything canned in a water bath canner can be canned in a steam canner! :)
Peggy
October 30, 2023
I made this apple butter today but I have reduced the sugar to 100gm (1 3/4 cups should be around 350gm, I checked) cos we generally do not like it too sweet. The sweetness is just nice for us.
SandyEn
October 29, 2023
Started work on my seasonal “Gifts from My Kitchen” this week with a batch of this Apple Butter. This morning we opened the jar we had reserved for ourselves put great fragrant dollops of it on our oatmeal. Oh yummm!
Notes to Self: * This is so good it is likely to become a staple in my refrigerator so watch second hand sites and sales for an Apple peeler/corer (the only tedious part of the process).
* Having used a variety of apples may have lengthened the cook process (different firmness of raw apples) prior to blending but I think the final product taste is even better because of it.
* I used an immersion blender and it worked beautifully. Smoooooth, tasty and oh so aromatic.
So all in all? My sincere thanks. This is definitely a keeper recipe.
SandyEn
Amanda Paa
October 29, 2023
I’m so glad to hear this, Sandy! Thank you for making the recipe and the great notes. I like to use a variety of apples as well.
Connie
October 28, 2023
My apples are sweet, will it work to use hardly any sugar?
Amanda Paa
October 28, 2023
Hi Connie! I wouldn’t recommend that; I’ve developed this recipe to be not be overly sweet regardless of the apples used, and still safe for canning. You will not get the same texture, either.
Susan Haebig
October 25, 2023
Hello Amanda,
Could I freeze the Apple Butter, instead of canning?
Thank you, Susan
Amanda Paa
October 26, 2023
Hi Susan! Yes, you can freeze the apple butter. Will be great for 8-10 months in freezer!
Sarah
November 5, 2023
Yay! Came here to ask this as I’ve never canned anything in my life and don’t know where to start/how to do it. All my jams are freezer jams because of this…. someday I’ll learn!
Dani
October 25, 2023
I’ve made this an obnoxious number of times at this point! My friends and family have been raving over it. This recipe is a keeper!!
Amanda Paa
October 26, 2023
yay, so glad you like the apple butter!
Lisa Dickens
October 25, 2023
Can I process this in 1/4 pint jars? If so do I use the 1/2 pint jar processing time?? By the way, the apple butter is delicious!!
Amanda Paa
October 25, 2023
Hi Lisa! Glad you like it! The processing time would be the same, 15 minutes.
Elizabeth
October 19, 2023
Looking forward to this!
Can I substitute regular sugar for the cane sugar?
Amanda Paa
October 19, 2023
Yes, both work great!
Renee C
October 14, 2023
Does anyone by chance know in weight about how much I should use? My apples are already peeled and cored. As they came off my trees I had a lot of waste and i’m sure my pre weighted apples would need to be more. TIA :)
Amanda Paa
October 14, 2023
Hello! How much do they weigh peeled and cored?
Renee C
October 14, 2023
I have a ton! Already peeled and cored them. Some apples yielded way less/more than others because of my worm and wasp problems. I do want to can and am new at this so I’m just worried about the Apple sugar ratio and having correct pH
Amanda Paa
October 15, 2023
Use 3 1/2 pounds of peeled and cored apples and you’ll be all set!
Faye Biffert
October 12, 2023
Delish and sooo easy!! We used red delicious and golden delicious apples because a friend in NC had given them to us from their trees. My husband used a device that cores, peels
and slices apples quickly. I also did not have cardamom so substituted a large pinch of ground cloves. Yum!
Amanda Paa
October 12, 2023
Love to hear that, Faye! And so fun to be able to use homegrown apples from your friend.
Côme
November 18, 2023
I made this recipe today with Fuji apples from our tree in Northern California. It turned out spectacular. Some notes that might be of interest:
1) I reduced sugar by a third and it still tastes fabulous. Maybe with Fuji less sugar is possible.
2) I made a double batch size and started with 12 lbs apples to arrive at 8lbs net after peeling and coring. About 1/3 loss. This made 14 pint jars.
3) it took about 15 minutes on induction heat level 5 boiling the apples in water to get soft and then I blended fine in a Vitamix.
4) it took a lot longer than 1hr45 to cook thick, more like 2 hours on induction level 2 plus an hour on 3. The last hour was pretty messy as it boiled and spattered solids out of the pot. Use a big pot. Going lower on heat and longer meant less stirring needed and no burning. You want it to be thick enough that when you turn a heaping spoon sideways most of it stays on the spoon.
5) I wonder if adding Xantham Gum like when you make a thick hot sauce would reduce cook time.
6) also wonder if a Crock Pot with no lid could be used on low heat and just leave it for the afternoon to cook.
Susan
September 13, 2024
I have FOUR Crockpots full of Fuji apples right now! Second year doing it this way. I put about 5 pounds of peeled & sliced apples into each! Cooked on high about 3 hours, then on low all night long with the lid ON. This morning, they are thickening up beautifully & the house smells great! Will can it all today. So, Crockpots work GREAT for Apple Butter!!!
Sarah Orbison
October 7, 2023
This is a great recipe and the apple butter is amazing!
Amanda Paa
October 8, 2023
Yay! Thanks for making the recipe, Sarah.
Raphaëlle
October 6, 2023
Thank you for this recipe, it is just starting to cook. Can you please clarify the cooking time for each steps, approximately. Thank you!
Amanda Paa
October 6, 2023
Hello! Time will really depend on the moisture in your apples and the heat you are using to cook down. It is best to just go by the texture and thickness you are looking for.
Raphaëlle
October 6, 2023
Thank you for the prompt reply 🙏🏼
Alyssa N.
October 4, 2023
This is a great recipe, lightly spiced and lots of rich apple flavor! I’m not one to follow recipes exactly so I did add a bit of Braggs apple cider vinegar before cooking down with sugar and spices. Delicious!
Amanda Paa
October 4, 2023
Love to hear that! I really enjoy the big apple flavor, too.
Chris
October 4, 2023
Turned out great and was first time making apple butter
Amanda Paa
October 4, 2023
So glad to hear that!
Karen R Paxton
September 25, 2023
Can you use plastic containers,freeze after cooking? Thanks
Amanda Paa
September 25, 2023
Yes, you sure can do that!
Shirley
September 21, 2023
This is almost exactly the way my mom and grandmothers made theirs!! Thanks so so so much for sharing your recipes for apple butter and applesauce 💜🙏💯
Amanda Paa
September 22, 2023
Yay, I’m so glad you enjoyed it Shirley!
Ania
September 21, 2023
That sounds so yummy! Can’t wait to make it. If I freeze it what container would you recommend and how long is it good for in the freezer?
Amanda Paa
September 21, 2023
Hi! You could freeze in glass jars leaving 1 inch from top of jar to apple butter. Will last for up to a year!
Laura Kohler
September 21, 2023
If I only have one kind of apple, is it ok to add lemon to this for a tang effect?
Amanda Paa
September 21, 2023
Definitely!
Susan Wagnon
September 13, 2023
Thanks for sharing this recipe, I was telling my husband that I wish I had written my father’s canning recipes down and then I found your website. Thank you Susan
Amanda Paa
September 13, 2023
Love that nostalgia. Enjoy! ❤️
Brenda
September 1, 2023
½ pint jars would be a waste of lids for our family. We love apple butter and it disappears fast. How long do you water-bath for pints?
Amanda Paa
September 1, 2023
Hello! I consulted with Ball Canning and the processing time for pints for apple butter is the same, 15 minutes.
Julie
September 1, 2023
Can this recipe be doubled or tripled?
Amanda Paa
September 2, 2023
Hello! You could double it, but it will take a lot longer for it to cook down to the desired consistency because there is so much more fruit to cook down. I’d recommend making this apple butter in the quantity listed, but you are always welcome to try doubling if you prefer!
Patti
August 30, 2023
I put in too much sugar. 3 cups to 2 quarts purée. I know it will be sweeter but will it be a problem with the canning?
Amanda Paa
August 30, 2023
Hi Patti! The extra sugar will not affect safety of the recipe or shelf life.
Carye
August 17, 2023
I have made 1 batch of this so far and it was super easy and the best apple butter I’ve ever had!! I have another bushel of apples waiting on me as we speak to make another batch. I did not peel the apples first and the peels blended up beautifully. I also didn’t have any cardamom and used a pinch of cloves because it’s what I had on hand. It was wonderful! This is my go-to recipe.
Do you have any tips for adding bourbon or maple syrup to the mix? Would that change the shelf stableness at all?
Amanda Paa
August 17, 2023
Hello! So glad you enjoyed the apple butter! Adding bourbon (or any alcohol) in canning will not affect the shelf stableness or safety, as it is a natural preservative. You would want to stir it in after you take the apple butter off the stove, otherwise it will boil off the flavor. I would start with 1 tablespoon, taste it, and add more if you desire. Maple syrup I have not tested, sorry!
Annette Sue Hall
February 27, 2023
Can I use apple juice instead of water when cooking apples?
Amanda Paa
February 28, 2023
That will be fine, it may just be a bit sweeter, so you could reduce the sugar by 1/3 cup.
Jessica
January 28, 2023
Two questions ;
1. This recipe doesn’t need pectin ?
2. How long of a shelf life.does it have after canning it?
Amanda Paa
January 29, 2023
Hello! This recipe does not need pectin because the ph is already at the correct level for safe canning, and apples are very high in natural pectin. The shelf life is 12-16 months when stored in a cool, dark place.
Carol Thompson
November 26, 2022
I have not YET. But I will as I’m craving homemade apple butter. I appreciate that you say to use a variety of apples and firm apples are not necessarily the type to use. I prefer to use 3 – 5 different types (medium consistency). One thing I’ve not noticed in anyone’s recipes is…toward the end of baking down in the oven, add one red hot candy. Make sure it get melted and blended in with other ingredients. That gives the apple butter a light pink color (not pink) and will cause your apple butter to stand out in crowds, When I was a very young teen (now 78 yo) my aging neighbor taught me how to make apple butter. She made it and served it to me every time I visited, which was often!
Amanda Paa
November 27, 2022
Thanks for sharing that story, Carol!
Carrie H
November 11, 2022
I made this with apples I had cooked, puréed and frozen. I switched the cinnamon with 1 teaspoon of ginger and added some grated orange zest – Delicious!
Also, I read in another recipe several years ago that if you’re using a high power blender, you don’t need to peel. I haven’t since, saves so much time!
And an FYI, I live at 5K feet (MIle High City) and the altitude adjustment is an additional 10 minutes.
Amanda Paa
November 12, 2022
oh the ginger and orange zest sounds amazing! and thank you for the high altitude notes.
Candace
October 29, 2022
When you puree the apples, do you include the water you boiled them in? Newbie here.
Amanda Paa
October 30, 2022
Yep, you do! The water will have reduced significantly during the stovetop boiling.
Eva
October 8, 2022
Amanda can I use an alternative sweeter like, honey, pure maple syrup or coconut sugar in place of unrefined sugar?
Amanda Paa
October 10, 2022
Hi Eva! I haven’t tested it with an alternative sweetener, so I’m not sure how it would turn out.
Toni
October 3, 2022
Instead of canning, can I freeze the apple butter?
Amanda Paa
October 3, 2022
Yes, you can freeze this!
Bill
September 12, 2022
4 pounds after coring and peeling?
Amanda Paa
September 12, 2022
4 pounds before coring and peeling.
Debra
September 11, 2022
Excellent. I made this and it is heavenly
Amanda Paa
September 12, 2022
So glad you liked the apple butter, Debra!
Krista Hirseland
October 21, 2021
Can we add other ingredients, for example, maple syrup or chili flakes?
Amanda Paa
October 21, 2021
hi! Yes, you could definitely add chili flakes or other spices that you like. I wouldn’t substitute too much of the sugar with maple syrup,
as it may affect canning safety of final product.
Jenn
September 21, 2021
This recipe is so good!!! Love cardamom, and it was a pleasant change from recipes I’ve used in the past using cloves and nutmeg. Planning my next batch soon!
Amanda Paa
September 22, 2021
Yes, I love the subtle cardamom too! Adds such a nice compliment to the apples. Glad you liked the recipe!
Dab
September 21, 2021
Just curious and I know you can’t be exact but in step four, approximately how long does it take to reduce to the proper consistency? Thanks.
Amanda Paa
September 22, 2021
hello! it can differ with each batch depending on the moisture level of the apples. i go off of the desired thickness rather than time.
Sam
August 29, 2021
Hi. I’m not sure what a Hot water canner is and also ‘ adjust for altitude ‘. Sorry – I’m in the Uk.
Emily
July 24, 2022
a hot water canner is a water bath method where you submerge the jars under by at least a one inch of coverage. Adjusting for altitude is depending on how high you live from sea level depends if you have a shorter or longer processing time, if your not sure you can search “what’s my altitude?’ on the web and most sites will ask for your location to pinpoint it then it will tell you. hope this helps
Diana Swanson
August 3, 2021
would using 1/4 pint jars work?
KATHLEEN ASHFELD
October 24, 2020
how many jars does this make? And what size jars? Thank you
Amanda Paa
August 3, 2021
yep, that works great! just keep same headspace.
Robin
August 20, 2023
The receipe says 5 – 6 1/2 Pint jars.
Cary J
September 30, 2023
first time making this EVER, it turned out so yummy, i added nutmeg, what a delicious flavor it added, i made two separate batches!! the best recipe ever!!
Amanda Paa
September 30, 2023
yay, so glad you enjoyed it!
Julie
April 27, 2025
Can you use nutmeg in it instead of the cardamom and if so how much?
Amanda Paa
April 27, 2025
Hello! Nutmeg can be very assertive so I would start with 1/8 teaspoon, stir it thoroughly, taste, and see if you would like to add more.