Apple Butter Recipe (Canning Optional)
This easy apple butter recipe is slow-cooked to perfection in the crockpot—no peeling required! Includes optional water bath canning instructions for year-round enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 pints
- Category: Breakfast, Condiment
- Method: Slow Cooker / Canning
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
4–5 pounds apples (mixed varieties recommended)
4 cups sugar (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
⅛ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
Wash, core, and thinly slice apples (peeling optional).
Add apples, sugar, and desired spices to crockpot.
Cook on low for 8–12 hours (overnight works well).
Stir or whisk until smooth. Use an immersion blender if needed.
Store in airtight containers in the fridge, or follow canning instructions for long-term storage.
Optional Canning Instructions:
Wash and heat 5 pint jars, lids, and rings.
Bring a large pot of water almost to a boil.
Fill jars with apple butter, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles with a plastic tool.
Wipe rims, place lids and rings, and tighten finger-tight.
Place jars in boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Remove and let cool upright on a towel for 12–24 hours.
Check seals, label, and store in a cool, dark place.
Notes
Adjust sugar to preference. Apple butter will still thicken with less sugar.
Using a mix of apple varieties gives the best flavor depth.
Stove method: Cook slowly in a heavy pot with a lid, stirring often.
Apple butter thickens as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks slightly loose when hot.
Find it online: https://allrecipesmade.com/apple-butter-recipe-canning-optional/
