Description
This Slow Cooker Apple Butter recipe delivers a rich, spiced apple spread that’s perfect for toast, baking, or as a flavorful addition to your favorite dishes. Made with peeled and chopped apples simmered slowly with warm spices and sweetened with brown sugar, this apple butter is wonderfully smooth and packed with natural apple flavor. Cooking ingredients low and slow in a slow cooker makes this recipe easy and hands-off, resulting in a deeply caramelized, flavorful spread that can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for long-lasting enjoyment.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquids
- 3/4 cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)
Produce
- 8 apples (stems removed, peeled, seeds removed and chopped)
Sweeteners & Spices
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves
- dash of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray the insides of the slow cooker with cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking. Set it aside while preparing the ingredients.
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into smaller pieces to ensure even blending and cooking.
- Blend Apples and Cider – First Batch: Place half of the chopped apples and half of the apple cider (1/4 cup) into a high-powered blender. Secure the lid tightly.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend for 10-15 seconds initially. Use a tamper to press the ingredients down towards the blades if needed. Then blend on increased speed for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture turns completely smooth. Transfer this apple puree into the slow cooker.
- Blend Apples and Cider – Second Batch: Repeat the blending process with the remaining apples and apple cider. Add this second batch of apple puree into the slow cooker as well.
- Add Sugar and Spices: Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, cloves, vanilla extract (if using), and a dash of salt thoroughly into the apple mixture inside the slow cooker.
- Cook the Apple Butter: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on high for 4 hours or on low for 8-10 hours. The apple butter should darken to a rich brown color and develop a thick, spreadable consistency.
- Adjust Sweetness and Store: Taste the apple butter and adjust sweetness by adding more brown sugar if desired. Once cooled, transfer the apple butter into mason jars and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Use a high-powered blender for a smooth consistency, or use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker after cooking for a chunkier texture.
- Choose firm, sweet-tart apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for best flavor and texture.
- Apple butter can be used as a spread on toast, an ingredient in baked goods, or a flavorful accompaniment to savory dishes.
- Ensure slow cooker lid fits tightly to avoid moisture loss during long cooking.
- Store leftover apple butter in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze in airtight containers for up to 6 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 8-10 hours (low)
- Category: Condiment, Spread
- Method: Slow Cooking, Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: apple butter, slow cooker recipes, apple spread, homemade apple butter, fall recipes, easy apple butter, slow cooker apple butter
