Slow Cooker Apple Butter Recipe

Slow Cooker Apple Butter is a rich, spiced spread made from slow-cooked apples, sugar, and warm spices. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, muffins, or pancakes, and makes a wonderful homemade gift. Using a slow cooker makes the process easy and hands-off, allowing the apples to cook down to a thick, flavorful butter without constant attention.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cooking Tips & Notes
• Variations
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Ingredients

• 5 lbs apples (use a mix of sweet and tart varieties), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Peel, core, and slice the apples. Place the apple slices in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Sugar and Spices

1. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and coat the apples evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Apples

1. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until the apples are very soft and dark brown in color. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Once the apples are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.

Step 4: Reduce to Thicken

1. Continue to cook the apple puree uncovered on low for an additional 1-2 hours, or until the mixture reaches your desired thickness. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Store the Apple Butter

1. Once the apple butter has cooled, transfer it to airtight containers or jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.

Cooking Tips & Notes

• Apple Choice: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a well-balanced flavor. Good options include Fuji, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Gala.
• Consistency: If you prefer a thicker apple butter, cook it for an additional hour or two with the lid slightly ajar to allow more moisture to evaporate.
• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar to taste, depending on the sweetness of your apples.

Variations

• Spiced Apple Butter: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger or allspice for an extra layer of spice.
• Maple Apple Butter: Replace half of the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, maple flavor.
• Bourbon Apple Butter: Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon during the last hour of cooking for a unique, adult twist.
• Vanilla Bean Apple Butter: Use a scraped vanilla bean pod instead of vanilla extract for a more intense vanilla flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use a Different Type of Sugar?

Yes, you can use all granulated sugar or all brown sugar, depending on your taste preference. You can also use coconut sugar for a natural alternative.

2. How Do I Store Apple Butter?

Store apple butter in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months.

3. Can I Can Apple Butter?

Yes, apple butter can be preserved using a water bath canning method. Be sure to follow proper canning guidelines to ensure safety.

4. What Can I Use Apple Butter For?

Apple butter is perfect for spreading on toast, muffins, biscuits, or pancakes. It can also be used as a filling for pastries or as an ingredient in baking.

Slow Cooker Apple Butter is a delightful and versatile spread that’s easy to make and full of rich, spiced apple flavor. Whether you enjoy it on toast, mix it into yogurt, or give it as a gift, this homemade apple butter is sure to be a hit. The slow cooker makes it effortless, giving you a delicious, thick apple butter without the need for constant stirring. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting taste of fall in every bite!