This recipe was requested, so here it is! Apple butter begins with applesauce, so first you will need to make that. We wanted an apple butter that had chunks of apple in it just for something different. So I started out with making applesauce.
Chunky Applesauce
Peel and core 5-6 pounds of apples. Cut into eighths. Put into a heavy pot and add 1 cup water. Stir in 1 cup of sugar (I used a stevia/organic sugar blend which is sweeter so less is needed.) Cover tightly and cook 5 minutes over medium heat (I cooked mine about 10-15 minutes). Stir and taste; add a bit more sugar and water if needed. Cook 5 more minutes. After letting it cool, I mashed mine with a potato masher to break up some of the larger chunks. Keeps in refrigerator 10 days or may be frozen in plastic freezer containers.
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After making the applesauce, I was ready to make the apple butter. This is a great recipe for busy moms, because it is made in the oven. You can be taking care of other things while the apple butter cooks.
Oven Apple Butter
2 quarts chunky applesauce (see recipe above)
2 1/2 cups sugar (I used less because I was using the stevia/organic sugar blend)
1/2 cup brown sugar (I used Rapadura)
1/2 Tbsp. cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Put all ingredients in an oven-proof deep pan or bowl (I used my Pampered Chef glass batter bowl–see above photo of applesauce). Mix well. Bake for 3-4 hours until thick, stirring occasionally. Test to see if it is ready by putting a small spoonful on a saucer, and it will have almost no liquid around the edges. Now it is ready to put in your jars and preserve it by canning. Put into clean half-pint canning jars. Wipe jar rims clean and adjust lids and bands. Process in a large pot for 5 minutes by having the jars completely covered with boiling water. Boil for 5 minutes after water returns to a boil, and then remove jars from boiling water and set to cool on a towel on the counter. After completely cool, rinse outside of jars clean from any residue and store in your pantry.
This recipe for applesauce and apple butter originally came from Martha’s Family Cookery Book. I changed a few details in the recipe, and the photos are my own. {And this cookbook has lots of other great recipes! I’ve had mine about 7 years, and I’ve used it many times for various things.}
This recipe will make an apple butter that has apple chunks in it, which we really like. Kind of like apple jam. If you’re looking for a smoother apple butter, you may be interested in my friend Sarah’s recipe. I hope to try it someday after we get a food mill. We currently don’t have one, so I needed a recipe that didn’t require the use of it.
I actually didn’t can my apple butter this time, as I was in a hurry and didn’t have time to get out my canning things. Also, my family was wanting to eat it now, so I just put it in the jars and into the fridge.
When I find a canning recipe from a cookbook or website, I always go back to my Ball canning book for information about canning. Please refer to a reputable canning book if you have questions about canning methods or food safety.
Enjoy!
Joy Kincaid says
October 11, 2011 at 8:04 pmWow, 53 quarts! That's a lot of canning! I know what you mean about it not lasting long, though.
Lilyofthevalley - Tanya says
October 8, 2011 at 2:23 pmThe smell of apples cooking is so delicious! We canned applesauce this year, 53 qts. Not sure how long it will last, it is so yummy!
I should try applebutter sometime, not this year, maybe next year. 🙂 I'm done with canning for this season, time to focus on the new coming baby. 🙂
Joy Kincaid says
October 7, 2011 at 9:25 pmJosette~
I'll have to try it in the crock-pot next time–it sounds wonderful and delicious!
Mary~
Thank you so much for taking the time to post such helpful information, including the link! Have a great weekend!
Canadagirl says
October 7, 2011 at 2:36 pmOhh I forgot to give the link.
http://www.pickyourown.org/applebutter.htm
I made my first batch last night and loved it! Thanks for the inspiration.
blessings and ((HUGS))
-Mary
Canadagirl says
October 6, 2011 at 11:01 pmJoy,
Here is one link about making apple butter and I thought you might want to know about elevation time of water bathing the jars after you fill them. I am at 2200 feet so I have to give a water bath of 10 min. for pint size jars. I thought you might want to know for your tutorial and sharing this with others.
Blessings!
-Mary
Josette says
October 6, 2011 at 7:06 amYes, I have made mine in the crockpot too. I basically core the apples, chop into chunks, cook it for a while. I then mash it while it still is in the crockpot and add honey and cinnamon. It comes out fantastic!!
Joy Kincaid says
October 6, 2011 at 3:26 amGood Old Household~
Thanks!
Kayla~
This is a very easy recipe!
Kayla says
October 5, 2011 at 10:33 pmI have never made applesauce, but I love it. I may have to try after reading how easy you make it sound!
Good Old Household says
October 5, 2011 at 8:19 pmMmmm.. sounds even more delicious! ;o)
Joy Kincaid says
October 5, 2011 at 6:37 pmKelly~
You're welcome! Someone else had also requested this recipe, and I thought perhaps people had apples they needed to use *right now*! 🙂 Let me know if you like it!
Maria~
It is a delicious scent!
Lori~
Thank you so much for your kind words! I bet you could probably use any applesauce for this recipe. If you try it I hope it works out for you!
Mary~
I've seen lots of crock-pot recipes for this, and that looks like it would be easy too. 🙂
Leigh~
You're welcome!
Kay~
I thought this recipe was very easy, and it didn't require any special equipment (that I don't have). Thanks for your comment! 🙂
Kay says
October 5, 2011 at 4:44 pmI love apple butter and yours sounds easier than the other ones I've seen. Yum. Such a comfort food classic. 🙂
Mrs. Arrow says
October 4, 2011 at 9:07 pmOh my goodness Joy! You sweet thing! Thank you for sharing the recipe. We live in apple country in NY and are always on the lookout for recipes. Thank you again!
Leigh
Canadagirl says
October 4, 2011 at 7:47 pmI got apples and I got a oven and I'm gonna makes some. [o= I made it in a crock pot I think last time but I am looking forward to trying this out.
Blessings and ((HUGS))
-Mary
Illinois Lori says
October 4, 2011 at 3:46 pmWonderful recipe, Joy, thank you so much for sharing it! I wonder if I could just use my store-bought organic applesauce to make this? I didn't have time to go apple picking this year (we're from Chicagoland), but my Meijers had their organic sauce on sale for $2.19 a jar, so I stocked up on it. I do not put any sugar in my own sauces, so my butter would likely take more sugar. I love it that you've got an oven-based recipe…when I think of making apple butter, I always see the big copper kettle on a tripod over an outdoor wood fire, LOL! It's a romantic and alluring picture, but not so practical 🙂
Many blessings to you…I so enjoy reading your blog! You are a lovely young wife and mom 🙂
Lori
Maria says
October 4, 2011 at 3:29 pmOh the scent of apples cooking – delicious 🙂
KellyinPA says
October 4, 2011 at 1:38 pmWow, that was quick! Thanks so much for the recipe. I intend to try it and I'll let you know how it goes:) BTW, I made the pumpkin waffles last night for dinner. Doubled the recipe and we'll have at least three breakfasts worth in the freezer. Love it! 😉