Crock Pot Apple Butter Canning: A Delicious and Easy Guide
Apple butter is a classic, comforting treat that's perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or even enjoying on its own. Making apple butter in a crock pot is a surprisingly easy process that yields a rich, flavorful result. And the best part? You can easily preserve it for months using canning methods.
What You'll Need:
Ingredients:
- 8-10 pounds of apples (choose varieties that are high in pectin, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious)
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of lemon juice (fresh squeezed or bottled)
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar (optional, adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (or more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg (or more to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves (or more to taste)
Equipment:
- Large crock pot
- Immersion blender
- Canning jars with lids and rings (pint or half-pint size)
- Canning pot with rack
- Jar lifter
- Ladle
- Funnel
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Clean dish towels
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples:
- Wash and core the apples, removing any bruised or damaged areas.
- Chop the apples into roughly 1-inch pieces.
2. Cook in the Crock Pot:
- Place the chopped apples, water, lemon juice, brown sugar, and spices into the crock pot.
- Stir well and cook on low heat for 8-12 hours, or until the apples are completely softened and have broken down.
3. Blend and Adjust:
- Use an immersion blender to puree the cooked apple mixture until smooth.
- If desired, adjust the consistency by adding a little more water or cooking it longer.
- Taste and add more spices or sugar to your preference.
4. Prepare for Canning:
- Sterilize your canning jars and lids by boiling them in a pot of water for 10 minutes.
- Remove the jars and lids with a jar lifter and allow them to drain upside down on a clean kitchen towel.
5. Fill and Seal the Jars:
- Using a ladle and a funnel, carefully pour the hot apple butter into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills.
- Place the lids and rings on the jars, tightening them securely.
6. Process in a Water Bath:
- Fill the canning pot with enough water to cover the jars by 1-2 inches.
- Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Place the jars in the canning pot on the rack, ensuring they are completely submerged in the water.
- Process the jars for 25 minutes for pint jars or 20 minutes for half-pint jars.
7. Cool and Store:
- Carefully remove the jars from the canning pot using a jar lifter.
- Place the jars on a clean kitchen towel and allow them to cool completely.
- You should hear a popping sound as the lids seal.
- Once cool, check the lids for a good seal by pressing down on the center of the lid. A sealed lid should not move or flex.
- Label and store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Enjoy your homemade apple butter!
Tips and Tricks:
- Using different apple varieties: Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties for varying sweetness and tartness levels.
- Adjusting spices: Play around with the spices to create your perfect flavor profile. Try adding ginger, cardamom, or a touch of vanilla extract.
- Adding other ingredients: Enhance the flavor further by adding a splash of bourbon, brandy, or even a few chopped dates or pecans.
- Using a slow cooker: If you don't have a crock pot, a slow cooker will work just as well.
- Freezing: You can also freeze apple butter for up to a year. Simply fill freezer-safe containers and leave about 1 inch of headspace at the top.
Conclusion:
Making apple butter in a crock pot is an easy and satisfying way to enjoy the flavors of fall. By following these instructions and using proper canning techniques, you can create a delicious and long-lasting treat that's sure to become a family favorite.
