Apple butter that has been refrigerated after opening will generally stay safe to eat for about 1 month. The exact shelf life depends on several factors, including how it was stored and the quality and freshness of the apple butter when you first opened it.
What is Apple Butter?
Apple butter is a sweet spread made by cooking down apples into a thick, sweet mixture. It has a texture similar to apple sauce but contains less water and has a more concentrated, spreadable consistency.
Traditional apple butter recipes call for cooking sliced apples with apple cider, spices like cinnamon and clove, and sometimes a bit of lemon juice. The apples are cooked slowly over low heat for several hours until much of the water content has evaporated, leaving behind a thick, creamy apple paste.
Does Apple Butter Require Refrigeration?
Because apple butter has a low acidity level and is susceptible to mold growth, it does require refrigeration after opening. Leaving it out at room temperature for too long can increase the risk of contamination.
Unopened apple butter that has been properly processed in sterile jars can be stored in the pantry. But once opened, it should always be transferred to the refrigerator.
How Long Does Opened Apple Butter Last in the Fridge?
Here are some general guidelines for apple butter shelf life after opening:
Apple Butter Packaged in Glass Jars
- Unopened – 12-18 months in the pantry
- After opening – About 1 month in the refrigerator
Apple Butter Packaged in Plastic Containers
- Unopened – 6-8 months in the pantry
- After opening – About 1 month in the refrigerator
Always store apple butter in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator after opening. Keeping it cold at 40°F or below will slow the growth of mold and bacteria.
Factors that Affect Apple Butter Shelf Life
Several factors can influence how long apple butter actually lasts after opening:
- Production method: Apple butter made with proper canning methods in sterilized jars will last longer than homemade versions.
- Ingredients: Added preservatives like lemon juice can extend shelf life.
- Storage: Storing apple butter in the refrigerator or freezer extends shelf life.
- Exposure to air: Repeatedly opening the jar to scoop out portions introduces airborne bacteria and mold.
- Container: Glass jars provide an airtight seal and protect better from light degradation.
For best quality and safety, use opened apple butter within 1 month and don’t let it sit out at room temperature more than briefly during use.
How to Tell if Opened Apple Butter Has Gone Bad
Here are some signs that indicate your opened apple butter has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Mold growth – you see fuzzy mold anywhere in the apple butter
- Separation – the butter separates with watery liquid at the top
- Fermentation – you notice air bubbles, fizzing, or an alcoholic smell
- Off odors – it smells sour, rotten, or unpleasant
- Off flavors – it tastes unpleasantly sour or bitter
- Change in texture – the butter has become runny or extra thick
- Discoloration – you notice unnatural colors like blue, green, or black
When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t taste apple butter that shows any odd signs. Botulism poisoning is rare but can result from eating contaminated preserved foods.
How to Store Apple Butter to Maximize Freshness
Here are some tips for getting the longest shelf life out of your opened apple butter:
- Transfer to a clean airtight glass or plastic container after opening.
- Push out air bubbles before sealing and store with minimal air inside.
- Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below.
- Avoid introducing bacteria – use clean utensils each time you scoop out portions.
- Seal tightly after each use.
- If apple butter develops mold, discard the entire jar – mold can spread quickly.
- For long term storage, keep apple butter in the freezer. It will last about 1 year frozen.
Commercially Packaged vs Homemade Apple Butter
Commercially produced apple butter sold in jars generally has a longer shelf life than homemade versions. Here’s why:
Commercially Packaged
- Processed using industrial equipment for an airtight seal.
- Sterilized jars and heat processed filling kills bacteria.
- Typically contains added acidity regulators and preservatives.
- Produced under strict health and safety standards.
Homemade
- Not processed or sealed to the same standard.
- More susceptible to seal failures, introducing bacteria.
- Typically lacks preservatives to prevent mold growth.
- More prone to bacteria contamination from equipment, jars.
For best safety and longevity, look for a high quality brand of commercially produced apple butter. Follow guidelines above for storage after opening.
Ways to Use Apple Butter Before It Goes Bad
To use up apple butter while it’s still fresh, try some of these ideas:
- Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast
- Use as a sandwich spread or burger topping
- Stir into pancake or waffle batter
- Fill crepes or pastries
- Mix into baked goods like muffins, breads, tarts
- Use in marinades and sauces for meat
- Blend into vinaigrettes or salad dressings
- Stir into plain Greek yogurt for a dip
- Spread between layers of a cake
With so many ways to enjoy it, you can easily use up apple butter while it’s still within its 1 month window after opening. Just be sure to refrigerate any leftovers promptly.
Conclusion
An unopened jar of apple butter stored properly can keep for over a year past its best by date. But once opened, apple butter will only last about 1 month in the fridge before going bad.
For best safety and quality, keep apple butter refrigerated at all times after opening. Discard if you see any mold, off smells, or other signs of spoilage. With proper storage and handling, opened apple butter can continue providing its signature sweet flavor for 4 weeks past opening.