Homemade apple butter is a delicious way to enjoy apples year-round. However, since it is made without preservatives, it’s important to store apple butter properly to maximize its shelf life. Here are some tips on how long you can keep apple butter and how to store it for best quality and food safety.
Shelf Life of Homemade Apple Butter
The shelf life of homemade apple butter depends on several factors:
- Ingredients used – Apple butter made with just apples, sugar, spices, and lemon juice will keep longer than versions with added ingredients like maple syrup or honey.
- Acid content – More acidic apple varieties and added lemon juice help preserve apple butter.
- Processing method – Longer cooking kills more bacteria and enzymes, extending shelf life.
- Storage temperature – Colder storage temperatures slow spoilage.
- Container hygiene and sealing – A super clean jar and airtight lid prevent contamination.
Taking all these factors into account, a properly prepared apple butter stored in optimal conditions can last:
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 2-3 months |
| Frozen | 12 months |
| Canned (shelf stable) | 12-18 months |
For best quality and retention of flavor and texture, aim to use refrigerated homemade apple butter within 2-3 months and frozen within 12 months.
How to Store Apple Butter
Here are some tips for proper storage of homemade apple butter:
Refrigeration
- Allow apple butter to cool completely before refrigerating.
- Store in very clean, airtight glass jars or containers.
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
- Use clean utensils each time when removing portions to avoid introducing bacteria.
- Refrigerate after opening, and use within 4 weeks.
Freezing
- Freeze in airtight containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace for expansion.
- Freeze apple butter in recipe-sized portions for easy use.
- Label containers with contents and date.
- Freeze for up to 12 months for best quality.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Canning
- Use a tested recipe formulated for canning.
- Follow proper canning methods carefully.
- Use clean Mason jars and new lids for sealing.
- Process jars in a water bath canner according to recipe instructions.
- Test the seals and refrigerate any unsealed jars.
- Label jars with contents and date.
- Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place up to 18 months.
How to Tell If Apple Butter Has Spoiled
Check apple butter periodically for signs of spoilage:
- Mold – Discard apple butter at first signs of mold.
- Yeast growth – Look for foamy bubbles or yeasty smell.
- Sliminess – Texture changes to overly soft or slimy.
- Off odors – Smell for fermented or rotten smells.
- Off flavors – Taste apple butter if it smells or looks suspicious.
- Weeping liquid – Look for watery liquid leaking from jar.
Apple butter can also darken and thicken over time. While not dangerous, overly thick or darkened apple butter may not taste as good. For best quality and food safety, discard apple butter past the recommended storage times.
Conclusion
With proper preparation, storage, and handling, homemade apple butter can keep for 2-3 months refrigerated, 12 months frozen, and up to 18 months canned. For best results, use clean utensils and containers, keep apple butter refrigerated or frozen, and check periodically for signs of spoilage. Properly stored apple butter can be enjoyed for over a year, allowing you to savor fall apple flavor all year long.