Looking for the perfect homemade apple butter recipe? You're in luck! This old-fashioned apple butter recipe, straight out of a 1931 edition of Joy of Cooking, is packed with warm spices, deep apple flavor, and a touch of nostalgia. Whether you're an experienced canner or just getting started in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will help you make delicious apple butter that tastes like fall in a jar.
A Hidden Gem in North Georgia
Jamie from Useful Knowledge discovered this incredible recipe during a getaway in North Georgia. While staying in a cozy cabin over the July 4th weekend, he stumbled upon a copy of Joy of Cooking that included a simple yet flavorful apple butter recipe. Finally, after years of viewer requests, he had found the perfect recipe to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this old-fashioned apple butter, you’ll need:
5 lbs of apples (Golden Delicious are ideal – slightly tart and great for apple butter)
2 cups of water
½ cup of brown sugar per cup of cooked-down apples
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves (or 1½ tsp if you prefer a stronger spice)
1 teaspoon allspice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Apples
Start by peeling and slicing your apples. It should only take about 1.5 to 2 minutes per apple. Cut around the core in chunks—nothing fancy needed!
2. Cook Down the Apples
Add your sliced apples to a 7-quart Dutch oven and pour in 2 cups of water. Cover and cook on medium heat. Stir occasionally and keep covered to let the apples steam and soften.
In about 40 minutes, your apples should be soft enough to mash. Stir regularly and lower the heat once boiling starts. After 35–40 minutes, you'll have a soft, stewed consistency.
3. Mash the Apples
Use a whisk or immersion blender to break the apples down into a smooth applesauce texture. Jamie prefers using a whisk—simple and effective.
4. Measure the Applesauce
Scoop the applesauce into a measuring cup. Jamie ended up with about 10 cups, so he added 5 cups of brown sugar (½ cup per cup of applesauce). Adjust according to your yield.
5. Add Spices
Return the applesauce to the pot, add the sugar, and stir in the cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Keep it on low heat and mix well to blend all the flavors.
6. Sterilize Your Jars
While the mixture simmers, place your canning jars in a 250°F oven to sterilize. Heat your lids in a small pot of water on low.
7. Open Kettle Canning Method
Once your apple butter is thick and boiling, carefully ladle it into hot jars. Use a funnel for easy filling and the perfect headspace. Wipe the rims with a damp paper towel, apply the lids, and screw on the rings.
Flip the jars upside down for 5 minutes, then turn them upright. As they cool, you'll hear the satisfying "ping" of a good seal.!
? Note: You can use a water bath canner if you prefer, but the open kettle method works wonderfully when done right.
How Long Will It Last?
Properly sealed, these jars of apple butter can last 12 to 18 months in your pantry—though they’ll probably disappear faster once your friends and family get a taste.
Final Thoughts
This 1931 homemade apple butter recipe is simple, timeless, and packed with flavor. It’s a great way to use up fresh apples and bring a little old-school charm to your kitchen. Spread it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or give it as a gift—just don’t expect it to stick around for long
0 servings