Homemade Apple Butter from Slow Cooker Recipe

Introduction

Apple butter is a rich, spiced spread made by slow-cooking apples until they become thick and caramelized. This recipe transforms simple apples into a flavorful butter perfect for toast, muffins, or even as a glaze for meats.

Ingredients

• 5-1/2 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
• 4 cups sugar
• 2 to 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the peeled, cored, and chopped apples in a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Pour this mixture over the apples and stir well to coat evenly.
3. Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1 hour.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the mixture thickens and turns dark brown. This will take 9 to 11 hours. Stir occasionally, increasing the frequency as it thickens to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Uncover and cook on low for 1 more hour to thicken further.
6. Step 6: If you prefer a smoother texture, whisk the apple butter with a wire whisk until smooth.
7. Step 7: Spoon the apple butter into freezer-safe containers, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Cover and refrigerate or freeze as desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
• To speed up cooking, use smaller apple pieces and stir more frequently.
• Adjust the cinnamon and cloves to suit your taste preference.

Storage

Store apple butter in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months. To thaw, move frozen apple butter to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apple juice instead of water for cooking?

This recipe does not require added liquid because the apples release enough juice during the slow cooking process. Adding juice can make the mixture too thin and lengthen the cooking time.

How do I know when the apple butter is done?

The apple butter is ready when it has thickened significantly, is dark brown in color, and holds its shape when stirred. Cooking times may vary, so frequent stirring toward the end helps prevent burning and indicates thickness.

Homemade Apple Butter from Slow Cooker Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 101 reviews

This slow-cooked apple butter recipe transforms fresh apples into a rich, spiced, and velvety spread that is perfect for toast, baking, or as a flavorful addition to various dishes. Slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen and develop a luscious dark brown color with aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 to 13 hours
• Total Time: 11 hours 20 minutes to 13 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: About 6 to 7 cups of apple butter 1x
• Category: Spread
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Apples

• 5–1/2 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped

Spice and Sugar Mix

• 4 cups sugar
• 2 to 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and finely chop 5-1/2 pounds of apples to ensure even cooking and a smooth final texture.
2. Combine Ingredients: Place the chopped apples in a 6-quart slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix together 4 cups of sugar, 2 to 3 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Pour this mixture over the apples and stir well to evenly coat them.
3. Initial Cooking: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 1 hour. This helps the apples start breaking down and spices to infuse.
4. Slow Cook on Low: Reduce the heat to low, cover again, and cook the mixture until it thickens and turns a dark brown color, approximately 9 to 11 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent the apple butter from sticking to the sides and bottom of the slow cooker, increasing stirring frequency as the mixture thickens.
5. Final Thickening: Uncover the slow cooker and continue cooking on low heat for an additional hour to help evaporate excess moisture and achieve the perfect consistency.
6. Optional Smoothing: If you prefer a smooth apple butter, use a wire whisk to stir the mixture until smooth and creamy after cooking.
7. Storage: Spoon the apple butter into freezer-safe containers, leaving a 1/2-inch headspace to allow for expansion. Cover and store in the refrigerator for immediate use or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

• Stirring more frequently towards the end is important to avoid burning since the mixture thickens significantly.
• Adjust the cinnamon between 2 and 3 teaspoons depending on how spicy you like your apple butter.
• Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Fuji for better flavor and texture.
• Freezing the apple butter extends its shelf life for several months.
• The slow cooker method allows for hands-off cooking with deep flavor development.

Keywords: apple butter, slow cooker apple butter, homemade apple spread, spiced apple butter, apple preserves