Apple preserves are a broad category of apples that have been preserved—that includes apple butter, apple jam, apple jelly, or apple chutney. Apple butter is a particular type of smooth, puréed whole fruit preserves that has been cooked over a long period, essentially caramelizing the apples. This recipe for apple preserves could be considered apple jam—it’s made with whole fruit and is kinda chunky. Finally, apple jelly is clear and spreadable, but made with apple juice instead of whole fruit.