Old-Fashioned Crabapple Butter
This cozy crabapple butter recipe transforms tart little apples into a thick, spiced spread that tastes like fall in a jar. Made with fresh crabapples, oranges, and warm spices, it’s perfect for canning, freezing, or eating straight from the spoon.
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Equipment
- 1 Large Pot
- 1 Food Mill or fine mesh strainer/immersion blender
- 1 Water Bath Canner optional, for preserving
Ingredients
- 6.5 lbs. Crabapples
- 5 c. Sugar
- 2 med. Oranges zest and juice
- 1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
- ⅜ tsp. Ground Nutmeg
- ⅜ tsp. Ground Allspice
Instructions
- Wash crabapples well and remove stems or bad spots. No need to peel. Cut into halves or quarters and place in a large pot with 1 cup of water.6.5 lbs. Crabapples
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 30 minutes, or until soft and falling apart.
- Let cool slightly, then run through a food mill or use an immersion blender to create a smooth pulp.
- Combine the crabapple pulp, sugar, orange zest and juice, and spices in a slow cooker or heavy-bottomed pot.5 c. Sugar, 2 med. Oranges, 1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon, 3/8 tsp. Ground Nutmeg, 3/8 tsp. Ground Allspice
- Cook uncovered on low for 8–10 hours, stirring now and then, until the mixture is thick, dark, and spreadable. You’ll know it’s ready when a spoonful sits up on the plate instead of running.
- Ladle into clean jars or containers while hot. If canning, see Notes below for detailed processing steps. Otherwise, let cool and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.
Notes
Canning Instructions:
- Sterilize jars, lids, and bands by simmering in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Fill hot jars with butter, leaving ¼ inch headspace.
- Wipe rims, add lids, and secure bands.
- Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if needed).
- Cool 12–24 hours, then check seals. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Nutrition
Calories: 48kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.002g | Sodium: 0.3mg | Potassium: 26mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 13IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.04mg
Servings: 8 half-pints
Calories: 48kcal
Cost: $5.50