Apple Butter Recipe

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.

A tried and true apple butter recipe with the smoothest texture and wonderful apple flavor! Apples are simmered, then pureed and cooked down until rich and caramelized. Canning this apple butter preserves it so you can enjoy all year round.

• PREP TIME :20MINUTES MINUTES
• COOK TIME :1HOUR HOUR 45MINUTES MINUTES
• ADDITIONAL TIME :15MINUTES MINUTES
• TOTAL TIME :2HOURS HOURS 20MINUTES MINUTE

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.