Slow Cooker Apple Butter
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
12 hrs
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Total Time
12 hrs 30 mins
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Servings
32
Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Description
This Slow Cooker Apple Butter recipe uses a combination of apples peeled and sliced, combined with granulated and light brown sugars, cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt for depth. Cooked on low for about 10 hours with occasional stirring, the mixture reduces and darkens. After adding vanilla extract, it cooks uncovered for an additional 2 hours to thicken further.
An immersion blender purees the cooked mixture to a smooth, uniform texture. The finished apple butter is rich and concentrated in apple flavor with a balanced sweetness and warm spice notes.
It can be served spread on breads, muffins, or alongside pork chops for contrast. The apple types used influence sweetness, so sugar amounts can be adjusted accordingly.
Storing in sterile containers and refrigerating keeps it fresh for up to two weeks, while freezing extends storage up to three months. The recipe makes approximately four pints, suitable for family use or gifting.
Ingredients
- 6 ½ pounds apple peeled, cored and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar lightly packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated
- ¼ teaspoon cloves ground
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract pure
Instructions
- Place the apples in a slow cooker. In a medium bowl, combine sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg cloves and salt. Pour the mixture over the apples and mix well.
- Cook in slow cooker on low for about 10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thickened and dark brown.
- Uncover, stir in vanilla and continue cooking uncovered on low for about 2 hours.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the apple butter until smooth.
- Spoon the mixture into sterile containers, cover and refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze.
- Serve on breads, muffins, pork chops or just eat it with a spoon.
Notes
- Using a blend of Granny Smith, Fuji, and Honey Crisp apples balances tartness and sweetness in the apple butter.
- Adjust sugar amounts based on the apples' natural sweetness to suit your taste.
- Store apple butter refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
- The recipe yields about 4 pints, and can be canned for longer preservation if desired.
- Apple butter can be eaten on breads, muffins, or as a condiment with pork dishes.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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