Last Updated on April 11, 2022
Apple butter is a delicious treat that pairs well with bread, crackers, and yogurt. So, just how long does apple butter last? This tasty spread is perishable, so it is important to properly store it to ensure freshness.
Though you can buy store-bought apple butter, you just can’t beat the taste of homemade. Not only does it taste delicious, but your whole house will smell amazing as you make it. In addition to spreading it on your favorite foods, you can also add it to sauces and marinades.
What Is Apple Butter?
Apple butter is a type of spread that comes from cooking apples, pureeing them, and then cooking them again. It is generally made with ingredients such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, brown sugar, and vanilla. It has a much thicker, more concentrated consistency than apple sauce.
The process to make apple butter is generally long, as most recipes take several hours as it is often slow-cooked. The best apple varieties to use for apple butter include Fuji, Golden Delicious, Braeburn, McIntosh, Cortland, and Liberty. These varieties will give it a delicious, sweet flavor and a lovely consistency.
Uses for apple butter
Apple butter works great as a spread. You can put it on bread, toast, cracker, muffins, scones, biscuits, and much more. In addition, you can also use it in marinades and glazes to make delicious meals.
How Long Does Apple Butter Last?
Apple butter has a relatively long shelf life. However, it is perishable so it is important that it is properly stored. If not properly stored it can go bad and potentially lead to food-borne illnesses.
Homemade
Homemade apple butter can generally last for one month but it can last for up to three months in some cases. You will want to store your homemade apple butter in the fridge.
Store-bought
Store-bought apple butter that has been canned can last for up to 12-24 months. Unopened canned apple butter can be stored in your pantry in a cool, dry area.
Once opened, place your store-bought apple butter in the fridge. It will last for around one month to three months in the fridge.
How To Store Apple Butter
Canned apple butter will do just fine at room temperature in a cool, dry area as long as it is unopened. Once opened, you will want to store it in the fridge to keep it fresh.
When making homemade apple butter, you can keep it in a jar or airtight container, or you can also can it. Canning requires special steps in order to ensure the process is done safely.
Cans must be heated and sterilized in order for them to be safe to use. If the process is not done correctly, you run the risk of contamination and the development of dangerous bacteria which can cause food-borne illnesses. As long as you follow all the proper steps in canning, you can store your apple butter at room temperature as long as it is unopened.
If you are not familiar with canning or would simply prefer an easier method of storage, you can also store your apple butter in an airtight container. If you choose this method, you should store it in the fridge for around one month.
Can you freeze apple butter?
In order to increase its shelf life, you can freeze apple butter. To freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe airtight container. Be sure to leave at least half an inch of space in the container to give the apple butter room to expand.
Apple butter can last in the freezer for about one year if properly stored. When ready to eat, allow the apple butter to thaw in the fridge overnight. Store the reaming leftovers in the fridge for around one month.
How To Tell If Apple Butter Is Not Good Anymore
Apple butter can go bad, especially if it is not properly stored. Fortunately, there are some signs that allow you to tell if your apple butter is no longer good.
If your apple butter develops mold, you will want to throw it out right away. In addition, if it develops an off odor, taste, or appearance, it is best to just throw it out. If your apple butter has been opened for a long period of time in the fridge, it may not be good anymore, even if there aren’t any obvious signs of spoilage.
Musselman’s Apple Butter (2 Pack, Total of 34oz)
Storing Your Delicious Apple Butter
Apple butter makes a delicious spread and it can also be great for glazes and marinades. Though it tastes great when store-bought, you just can’t beat the taste of homemade. Since it can go bad, it is important to properly store your apple butter to keep it fresh and safe to eat.
Do you have any questions regarding how long does apple butter last? If so, please ask your questions on making and storing apple butter in the comment section below.
FAQs
How Long Does Homemade Apple Butter Last?
Homemade apple butter will last for one to three months in the fridge. In addition, you can also keep it in the freezer for up to one year. If the apple butter is properly canned, it can last for about one to two years at room temperature unopened.
How Long Does Apple Butter Last in the Fridge?
Apple butter lasts for around one to three months in the fridge when opened. Be sure to store it in an airtight container or mason jar to keep it fresh.
How Long Does Apple Butter Last Once Opened?
Once opened, apple butter will last for about one to three months. It must be kept in the fridge in order to stay fresh once opened. You can also store your apple butter in the freezer for up to a year, as long as it is properly stored.
How Long Does Canned Apple Butter Last?
Canned apple butter will last for one to two years unopened when stored at room temperature in a cool, dry area away from the sun. Once opened, it will last in the fridge for one to three months.
Ever since she was a young girl, Anna has been a lover of desserts. As an adult, she enjoys
baking a variety of desserts from cakes, cookies, brownies, bread, and more from scratch. She
enjoys sharing her passion for baking with others who also have a sweet tooth. From properly
measuring ingredients to making sure they are the correct temperature, Anna knows the
importance small details can make in baking. She wants to share her experience with others in
hopes they can make the most delicious baked goods. When she’s not busy blogging, Anna
enjoys trying new recipes in the kitchen.
