A delicious taste of fall with minimal effort! This Apple Butter is fabulous on toast, biscuits, scones, cheese and charcuterie boards, etc.
Remove the vanilla bean then transfer the apple butter to the bowl of a food processor or blender. (be sure to vent the opening to prevent pressure build-up and explosion - I use a small funnel in the opening of the blender or food processor.) Process or blend for 3-4 minutes until super smooth and creamy then transfer to clean jars (if canning with a hot water bath, the jars should be sterilized).
Prepare jars, canner, and jar lids while making the apple butter, according to canner manufacturer and USDA canning guidelines.
Ladle the hot apple butter into hot, sterilized canning jars. Leave ¼-inch head space. Tap the jars gently on a work surface to remove any air bubbles. You can also do this by stirring the apple butter with a small plastic knife. Wipe the rims of the jars clean, top with the flat lid followed by screw ring lid tightened to fingertip tight.
Process apple butter on a rack in the prepared canner, and process for 10 minutes for altitudes 0-1,000 ft, 15 minutes for altitudes 1,000-6,000 ft. and 20 minutes for altitudes above 6,000 ft. (Per Penn State Extension EDU)
Ladle apple butter into clean jars, leaving ½ inch of head space. Wipe the rims of the jars clean then top with flat lids followed by screw-on rings. Tighten rings, allow apple butter to cool then refrigerate or freeze for longer storage. Apple butter can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks and in the freezer for up to a year.
See Café Tips above in the post for more detailed instructions and tips to ensure success.
If you prefer to use Metric measurements there is a button in each of our recipes, right above the word “Instructions”. Just click that button to toggle to grams, milliliters, etc. If you ever come across one of our recipes that doesn’t have the Metric conversion (some of the older recipes may not), feel free to leave a comment and I will add it.
Makes 7-8 6-ounce jars, depending on how long you let the apple butter cook.