Homemade Apple Butter

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Homemade Apple Butter.

1. Step 1

   Begin by gathering your ingredients and preparing the apples. Peel, core, and chop 20 small apples, ensuring they are ready to transform into a luscious apple butter. In a slow cooker, combine the chopped apples with 3 cups of white sugar, 1 cup of apple cider, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves. Stir everything together until well mixed, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

2. Step 2

   Set your slow cooker to High and let the mixture cook for 1 hour. This initial high heat will help kickstart the cooking process. After an hour, reduce the heat to Low and continue cooking for 9 to 11 hours. Stir occasionally, watching as the mixture thickens and darkens into a rich, velvety apple butter. The longer you cook it, the deeper the flavor will become!

3. Step 3

   Once the apple butter has reached your desired thickness, remove the lid and continue cooking on Low for about 1 hour. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect smoothness, so don’t forget to whisk occasionally to break up any larger apple pieces.

4. Step 4

   While the apple butter is finishing up, it’s time to prepare your jars. Sterilize them by placing them in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. This ensures that your apple butter stays fresh and safe for storage. Once sterilized, pack the hot apple butter into the jars, filling them to within 1/4 inch of the top. To remove any air bubbles, run a knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars. Wipe the rims with a moist paper towel to remove any residue before topping with lids and screwing on the rings.

5. Step 5

   Next, prepare a large stockpot by placing a rack at the bottom and filling it halfway with water. Bring the water to a boil, then carefully lower the filled jars into the pot using a jar holder. Make sure to leave a 2-inch space between the jars. If needed, add more boiling water to ensure the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Cover the pot and process for 10 minutes to seal the jars properly.

6. Step 6

   After processing, remove the jars from the stockpot and place them on a cloth-covered or wooden surface, leaving several inches between each jar to cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger to ensure a tight seal. If the lid doesn’t move up or down, you’ve done it right! Store your homemade apple butter in a cool, dark area, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!