Is apple butter just applesauce?

Apple butter is essentially concentrated applesauce.

The only difference is that apple butter is milled, pureed, or finely chopped and then cooked for a longer period of time, which gets out more water and allows it to caramelize.

What kind of apples are best for apple butter?

BEST APPLES FOR APPLE BUTTER

Generally speaking, softer varieties of apples such as Fuji, Golden Delicious, McIntosh, or Jonagold work better since they cook down faster. I used a mix of Granny Smith, Fuji and Honeycrisp in my apple butter, and even the crisper varieties broke down well for a smooth apple butter.

What is apple butter made from?

Apple butter is made by slowly cooking pureed apples for over an hour. The sugars in the apples caramelize as the puree cooks, giving the apple butter its rich, sweet flavor and dark color. In contrast to what the name implies, there is no “butter” in apple butter. The name comes from its smooth and buttery texture.

How healthy is apple butter?

While it does contain apples, apple butter is very high in sugar and calories, making it a less healthy option. However, it is still healthier than jelly since it is made with whole apples and thus contains a small amount of fiber.

How do I thicken apple butter?

Apple Butter is best when it has a nice thick consistency. To thicken it, after you blend it in the blender, cook it in the slow cooker on HIGH uncovered for about 1 hour, stirring it every so often. It will thicken more as it cools.

How long does homemade apple butter last?

It will keep in your refrigerator for up to 3 months, or in the freezer for up to one year.

Can you eat apple butter plain?

In honor of the ascendance of apple season, here are uncommonly delicious ways to eat apple butter. … Most apple butter is either plain (to really let the natural flavor shine), or seasoned with cinnamon and other warm spices, like cloves, nutmeg, and/or ginger (so basically, a pumpkin spice blend).

Can you eat apple butter by itself?

And if you are wondering if you can eat apple butter by itself? The answer is yes. A spoonful is quite delicious!

How do you can apple butter without a canner?

If you are NOT canning the apple butter, ladle the hot butter into clean mason jars, wipe lids clean, secure lids on jars, and refrigerate (and/or give away). Apple Butter that is not canned must be kept refrigerated, and has a limited storage time.

Does apple butter need to be refrigerated?

The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions – to maximize the shelf life of opened apple butter, keep it refrigerated and tightly covered. … The best way is to smell and look at the apple butter: if the butter develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.

Does apple butter go with peanut butter?

Apple butter and peanut butter were destined to be together, don’t you think? Add a healthy dose of cinnamon with a touch of vanilla and maple syrup and you have one of my favourite butters of all time. It’s a little sweet and ultra creamy, with a hint of tart apple to round it all out.

How thick should apple butter be?

The apple butter should be thick and dark brown. If desired, use a blender to puree the apple butter until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze in small containers.

How do you know if apple butter has gone bad?

How can you tell if apple butter is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the apple butter: if the butter develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.

Will apple butter thicken as it cools?

Apple butter will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it still looks a little runny in the slow cooker! If you still need to thicken your apple butter, you can continue to cook it uncovered in your crock pot or simmer it on the stove.

Can apple butter be frozen?

Shelf life, storage, and freezing

Refrigerator Storage – You can store the apple butter in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Freezer Storage – You can store the apple butter in the freezer for up to 1 year. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using it.

How long to pressure can apple butter?

Apple Butter
Table 1. Recommended process time for Apple Butter in a boiling-water canner.
Process Time at Altitudes of
Style of Pack Jar Size 0 – 1,000 ft
Hot Half-pints or Pints 5 min
Quarts 10

Can you freeze apple butter in freezer bags?

Yes, you can freeze apple butter in freezer bags. Freezing your apple butter in freezer bags does not only save you time in preparing apple butter recipes, but you can also save freezer space. Even though freezer bags can withstand expansion, always leave enough space.

Can you freeze apple butter without canning?

Benefits. In addition to the time savings, freezing apple butter eliminates the need to purchase specialty canning equipment such as jars, lids and rings. Instead, any freezer-safe container can be used, even freezer-safe zip-top storage bags.

Can you freeze mason jars?

Mason jars are a workhorse in the kitchen, and are the perfect simplified storage solution because they can be used in so many different ways. They’re durable, are plastic-free, inexpensive, and work perfectly in the pantry, fridge and in the freezer.

Can you freeze apple butter in plastic containers?

Freezing your apple butter in plastic containers is another great option. Make sure you buy containers that have tight-seal lids and are freezer safe. … Just as with the other two storing methods above, make sure you leave some space at the top for your apple butter to expand during the freezing process.

How long does apple butter last not canned?

Unopened apple butter can keep forever. Well not — FOREVER, but 12-18 months on the pantry, nice and cool and dry, it should be no problem. If kept refrigerated, your apple butter can last a little longer and if you’re freezing it, it should still be good even after two years.