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Canning apple butter #945916

Asked September 26, 2026, 2:51 PM EDT

Does Apple butter require sugar for safe water bath canning? Most recipes I see have a sweetener, but I’m unclear if it is for taste or stability.

Franklin County Ohio

Expert Response

Thank you for your question. 
Overall, sugar is added to improve flavor and help stabilize color of the fruit. It is not added as a preservative.  It is safe to reduce.  

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