Apple Butter

A delicious spread made from fresh apples. This apple butter is made from fresh apples, sugar and a touch of spices.

Homemade Apple Butter made two ways - on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. You pick the method that works best for you.

Making homemade apple butter

Apple butter has always been a special treat for us.  When I was a kid it was my dad's favorite.  We used to buy apple butter and give it to him for birthdays, Father's Day and even Christmas.

We obviously didn't get very creative but he always seemed to be surprised! Nowadays, I make homemade apple butter and Dad still gets it from time to time as a gift....hope I didn't spoil the next birthday surprise, Dad!

Apple butter does not contain any butter. None whatsoever! So why is it called apple butter? Apple butter is cooked until it is soft and creamy and spreads nice and smooth. 

Sometimes I like to leave mine just ever so chunky, and sometimes I make it as smooth as butter - I just couldn't resist the play on words! 

Apple butter can be used anyplace you use jam. I use it on toast, english muffins, on pancakes and I often use it in these oatmeal bars in place of the applesauce. 

I made this recipe with about 18 medium sized apples. My crock pot has a 6 quart capacity. If yours is smaller, you will need to use fewer apples.

If you have a large amount of apples and a large stove top pot, you can increase the amount of apples you use. This recipe can be double if using the stove top method. 

Apple butter in a slow cooker

• The slow cooker does all the work - well, almost all the work! You just add the ingredients and turn it on low.  
• There's very little worry about the apple butter burning.
• You don't need to stir while it's cooking.
• The apple butter contains a lot of liquid from condensation, making it easy to puree.

Apple butter on the stove top

• The total amount of cook time is quicker than a slow cooker.
• You get a hands-on touch when using the stove stop.
• You can make a big, double batch, if you have a large pot.
• It's the way your grandmother made it!

You do need to core the apples, but I don't bother to peel them. In the end, everything is pureed and the skins are not noticeable.

Slow Cooker Method

Core and chop apples, no need to peel the apples

• Add apples to a slow cooker
• Add a small amount of water, sugar and spices and stir together.
• Put lid on and turn slow cooker to low. Cook for about 6 hours until apples are soft.
• Use an immersion blender to puree mixture.

Stove top method

• Place chopped apples in a pot along with a small amount of water.
• Cook over medium low heat for about one hour. Stir mixture often to avoid scorching.
• Add sugar and spices and stir.

• Continue cooking for an additional hour until apples are completely soft.
• Add ¼ cup of water to help thin mixture.
• Puree mixture with an immersion blender. Add additional water if too thick.

To store apple butter

Apple butter can be stored in the refrigerator or the freezer. You can also add to canning jars and process in a hot water bath.

If you are new to canning, you will want to read How to Water Bath Can.

To make this apple butter shelf stable:

• Place apple butter in clean canning jars
• Wipe rims and add lid and rings
• Place in a canning pot with water. The water should cover the jars and have at least one inch above the jars.
• Cover and bring to a boil. Process half-pints for 10 minutes and pints for 15 minutes. Be certain to adjust time for your elevation!

Altitude Feet	Increase Processing Time
1,001- 3,000 3,001- 6,000 6,001- 8,000 8,001-10,000	5 minutes 10 minutes 15 minutes 20 minutes

More canning recipes

• Canned apple pie filling
• Blackberry jam
• Apricot jam
• Canning cherries
• How to use a water bath canner

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Be certain to check out all my canning recipes.