We’ve got so many apples on our tree right now, it’s ridiculous! While making apple cider with our homemade press is rewarding (and in turn gives us yummy hard cider), I wanted to do something different this time around. So, I started flipping through my Ball Canning Book, and came across apple butter. Of course! While Strawberry Rhubarb Butter and Strawberry Honey Butter are amazing, my Mom used to make apple and pear butter when we were kids, and that stuff was like gold. I made the basic recipe from the book, and it was good, but I thought it needed a little more oomph. So I made a second batch, this time with some added ginger and spices, and it turned out perfect! Here is my recipe for homemade spiced apple butter.
I used two different kinds of apples, as our tree is grafted with what we believe to be golden delicious and gala varieties. I think most types would make a good butter, although I probably wouldn’t use all tart apples. A mix of apples is always a good choice.
Tips for Making Homemade Apple Butter
I left the skins on the apples, because, well… I didn’t feel like peeling them. The apples get cooked way down, and once everything is blended you don’t even know that they are there. But, go ahead and peel them if you like.
This recipe is actually surprisingly easy to make, but the real secret is to use an immersion blender. I don’t use mine very often, but when I do I’m so glad that I have it!
Funneling apple butter into canning jars
Another thing I should probably mention is that this follows the lower sugar variation in the book. The original recipe calls for 3 cups of sugar, and that was too much in my opinion. I think that it turns out sweet enough, but not overly so, and the flavor of the apples really comes through. Feel free to add the whole 3 cups of sugar if you’d like.
I am so happy with how this spiced apple butter turned out! To me, it’s the perfect fall treat. I had to open a jar the very next morning and give it a taste.
It is so incredibly good! I love it on sourdough toast with lots of butter. We still have quite a bit of apples on our tree, so I will definitely be making more of this. It will be the perfect holiday gift!
Trust me, you have to try this recipe, you won’t be disappointed. I promise!
What is your favorite way to preserve apples?
Spiced Apple Butter Recipe
Spiced Apple Butter Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 pounds apples cored and quartered (peeling is optional)
- 2 cups apple cider not hard cider
- 1 Tbsp fresh ginger peeled and minced
- 1 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- pinch salt
Instructions
- In a large stainless steel saucepan, combine apples, apple cider, and fresh ginger. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and boil gently, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft, about 30 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender, regular blender, or food processor and puree until smooth. You may have to work in batches (not if you use an immersion blender!) Do not liquefy.
- Return the apple puree to the saucepan if necessary, and stir in the honey or sugar, spices, and salt. Bring back to a boil over medium heat, stirring often. Reduce heat to low, and cook until mixture thickens, about 30 more minutes.
- Fill hot jars with hot apple butter, leaving 1/4 inch headspace, and process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat, remove the canner lid, and wait 5 minutes before removing the jars. Please refer to the Ball Water Bath Canning page for more details on this, especially if you are new to canning.
Notes
- Adapted from the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving.
I have preserved apples for years and have never used apple cider, always water. I am 77 and have been canning since I was seven years old. You may get an added flavor from the cider. I cut up my apples and put them in an electric roaster until cooked down. I put a small amount of water in bottom of pan so apples do not burn. We do not like the peals in our butter/sauce, so I run them through a ricer/ colander. I then reheat the sauce, add my spices and cook until bubbling. I continue to cook for 10 minutes. I then put into clean hot jars, wipe rim clean, put covers on and I waterbath for 20 minutes. Get yourself a ball canning book. Good info in there. Leave jars in waterbath uncovered for 5 more minutes, then remove to counter. I use a very large wooden cutting board as it absorbs the heat from the jars. If you put jars on a cool surface they could crack. Good luck.
I love canning! The blue Ball canning guide is practically my bible for preserving food. But I’m like you, I prefer a lot of the jams, jellies and preserves with less sugar than the book calls for. Your recipe is great, just the right amount of sweetness! Seems I have a new favorite.
BTW this recipe worked out deliciously for a batch of pear butter as well!! I am definitely stocked now for the winter. Thank you~
I don’t have any cider, only water :( can I use water in place of the cider?
I wouldn’t for two reasons – first, you need the cider to keep the acidity up for water bath canning, and second, it would water down the end product and wouldn’t be as tasty.
Thanks for all the great apple ideas in the 12 Ways to Preserve Apple Post! I’m loving your recipes, and I’ll definitely be making this in the next few days, as I am overflowing with apples! :-)
I love apple butter Im going to have to try this!