Smooth, creamy, and filled with fall flavor, this easy apple butter recipe is perfect for canning. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can preserve the taste of autumn in every jar. Ideal for gifting or stocking your pantry, this recipe is beginner-friendly and delicious.

We’ve been busy in the kitchen making all kinds of apple canning recipes this season! From applesauce and apple pie filling to delicious apple jelly and apple rings, we’ve worked through over a bushel of local apples.

But my favorite by far is this apple butter recipe. The smell of it simmering fills the kitchen with cozy fall aromas, capturing that warm, spiced flavor we all love.

This apple butter is incredibly easy to make and perfect for canning, even if you’re new to preserving. With its creamy, smooth texture and just the right amount of sweetness and spice, this recipe is ideal for stocking your pantry or gifting to friends. If you’ve never canned apple butter before, you’ll wonder why you waited so long!

Tips for Canning Apple Butter

Making apple butter is a rewarding way to use up a surplus of apples (you’ll need about 6 pounds for this recipe). The only “catch” is that it takes time to cook down into the smooth, creamy consistency we all love. Set aside a few hours to do it right—it’s worth the effort!

This apple butter recipe offers three cooking methods: stovetop, slow cooker, and Instant Pot, so you can choose what works best for you. No matter which method you choose, the canning process remains the same.

Best Apples for Canning Apple Butter

The type of apple you choose is up to personal preference, but keep in mind that some varieties take longer to cook down than others.

For the best flavor, try a blend of sweet and tart apples. Softer apples, like Fuji and Golden Delicious, cook down faster and add natural sweetness. Firmer varieties, such as Granny Smith and Gala, bring a touch of tartness and balance the flavors beautifully.

In this batch, I used a mix of Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith apples, and the result was incredible! Use whatever you have on hand, or, if possible, pick up a fresh selection from a local orchard. You’ll love the rich, layered taste this apple combination creates.

Ingredients for Apple Butter

Before you begin, gather all of your ingredients. Since apple butter takes time to cook down, you won’t need to prep your canning supplies right away. Just have 4-5 pint jars and lids on hand for later.

Apples: You’ll need about 6 pounds. Peel, core, and quarter them to get started.

Sugar: A mix of white and brown sugar creates a rich flavor. You can adjust the amount to your preference or even skip it entirely; this won’t impact the recipe’s safety.

Feel free to substitute one type of sugar for the other or add a touch of honey or maple syrup for a unique flavor.

Apple Cider: Traditional recipes often use water, but I prefer the added depth that apple cider brings. Local apple cider adds a wonderful richness to the final product.

Spices: Use cozy, seasonal spices that complement apples, like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg.

How to Make and Can Apple Butter

There are three simple methods to make your apple butter, each resulting in a delicious, smooth spread that’s perfect for canning. Choose the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot method based on your preference.

Stovetop Apple Butter

Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and quarter the apples.

Cook Apples
In a large stockpot, combine apples and apple cider. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender (about 30 minutes).

Blend and Sweeten
Puree apples until smooth, then return to the pot with sugars and spices. Stir until sugars dissolve.

Thicken
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring frequently, until apple butter thickens and holds its shape on a spoon. To test, place a spoonful on a chilled plate—if it holds without liquid seeping, it’s ready.

Crockpot Apple Butter

Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and quarter the apples.

Combine Ingredients
In a 6-quart slow cooker, add apples, cider, sugars, and spices. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.

Blend and Thicken
Remove the lid, blend with an immersion blender until smooth, and cook an additional 2-3 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high with the lid off, stirring often until thickened.

Instant Pot Apple Butter

Prep and Load
Peel, core, and slice apples. Add apples, cider, sugars, and spices to a 6-quart Instant Pot (do not fill past 2/3 full).

Cook and Release
Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

Blend and Thicken
Remove the lid, blend until smooth, and use the slow cook setting on low for 2-3 hours (or high for 1-2 hours) with the lid off, stirring until thickened.

Water Bath Canning Apple Butter

If you don’t wish to can, you can refrigerate the apple butter for up to 10 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. For long-term storage, follow these steps:

Prepare Jars
Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Preheat jars in a 180°F water bath.

Fill Jars
Ladle hot apple butter into jars, leaving 1/4″ headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace if needed.

Seal and Process
Wipe rims, apply lids, and finger-tighten bands. Place jars in the canner, ensuring at least 1″ of water covers them. Process pints and half-pints for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude as needed.

Cool and Store
Remove jars to a towel-lined counter and let sit for 12-24 hours. Check seals, remove bands, and store in a cool, dark place for up to 18 months.

Other Apple Recipes You’ll Love:

• Canning Applesauce: How to Can Homemade Applesauce
• Canning Apple Pie Filling | How to Can Homemade Apple Pie
• No Churn Apple Pie Ice Cream

If you try this delicious, homemade, apple butter recipe for canning, I’d love to hear about it in the comment section below! Also, I’d love if you would leave me a recipe review on the recipe card below and tag me on Instagram with your recipe creations @therusticelk!