Apple Butter Canning Recipes: A Delicious Way to Preserve Fall's Bounty
Apple butter is a classic fall treat, bursting with the flavor of fresh apples and perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or even enjoying on its own. And the best part? Canning your own apple butter allows you to savor that delicious taste all year long!
Here are some tried and true recipes for making and canning your own apple butter:
Classic Apple Butter Recipe
Ingredients:
- 10 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples: Wash, peel, core, and chop the apples into 1-inch pieces.
- Simmer and Cook: Combine the apples, water, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the apples are completely softened and the mixture has thickened.
- Puree the Apples: Once the apples are cooked, use an immersion blender or food mill to puree the mixture until smooth.
- Continue Cooking: Return the pureed apple butter to the pot and continue to simmer over low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches the desired consistency. This will take another 1-2 hours. A good test is to see if a spoonful of apple butter coats the back of a spoon.
- Canning Process:
- Sterilize your jars and lids in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Fill the hot jars with the hot apple butter, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth.
- Place the lids and rings on the jars and process in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes.
- Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely.
Spiced Apple Butter
Ingredients:
- 10 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cinnamon
- 1/4 cup allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
Instructions:
Follow the same instructions as the classic recipe, but use the adjusted spices.
Tips for Making Apple Butter:
- Choose the Right Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are great for apple butter, as they provide a good balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pot: Ensure your pot is large enough to allow the apples to cook evenly without sticking.
- Use a Slow Cooker: If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can make apple butter in a slow cooker. Just combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Add a Touch of Vanilla: For a more complex flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the apple butter before canning.
Enjoying Your Apple Butter:
- Spread on toast or biscuits: A classic pairing for a warm and comforting breakfast.
- Use as a topping for pancakes or waffles: Add a touch of sweetness and flavor to your morning stack.
- Pair with cheese and crackers: Create a delicious and sophisticated appetizer.
- Add to yogurt or oatmeal: Boost the flavor and nutrition of your breakfast.
- Spoon over ice cream: A delicious and easy way to enjoy a warm dessert.
With its rich flavor and simple preparation, homemade apple butter is a delicious and rewarding way to preserve the bounty of fall. So gather your apples, gather your friends and family, and start canning!
