Description
Experience the warm, comforting flavors of homemade traditional apple butter with this easy slow cooker recipe. Made from tender, slow-cooked apples blended with aromatic spices and sweet sugars, this apple butter is perfect for spreading on toast, swirling into yogurt, or gifting to loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit
- 6 lbs apples (Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
Sweeteners
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
Spices & Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Liquids
- ½ cup apple cider (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. This will be the base for the apple butter.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large 6-quart slow cooker, place the sliced apples along with granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and optional apple cider. Stir well to coat all the apples thoroughly with the sugars and spices.
- Slow Cook the Mixture: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Cook the mixture for 10 to 12 hours, stirring occasionally. The apples will soften, darken, and develop deep flavors. If the mixture looks too watery near the end, remove the lid for the last hour to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
- Puree the Apple Butter: Using an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker, blend the cooked apple mixture until completely smooth. For a thicker texture, continue cooking the apple butter uncovered for an additional 1 to 2 hours.
- Add Vanilla and Cool: Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse a rich, aromatic finish. Allow the apple butter to cool before transferring it.
- Store Properly: Spoon the cooled apple butter into sterilized jars or airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage, ready to enjoy whenever desired.
Notes
- Use tart and sweet apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for balanced flavor.
- Slow cooking on low heat is essential to develop the rich, caramelized flavor of traditional apple butter.
- Regular stirring prevents scorching and ensures even cooking.
- If you prefer less sweetness, adjust the sugars to taste.
- Store apple butter in sterilized containers to maximize shelf life.
- This recipe can be doubled to make larger batches easily.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 hours
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
