Homemade Apple Butter from Slow Cooker Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and finely chop 5-1/2 pounds of apples to ensure even cooking and a smooth final texture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Optional Smoothing: If you prefer a smooth apple butter, use a wire whisk to stir the mixture until smooth and creamy after cooking.
- 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
