If you love apple butter, you need to try this Crockpot Apple Butter. The slow-cooked apples become extra tender and sweet. I mix them with granulated and brown sugar for plenty of caramelization and hints of molasses. Slather it on a piece of toast and enjoy it with a cup of coffee for a simple breakfast, or add it to a cold cut or even a pork sandwich for lunch.
I typically buy apple butter locally when it's in season. However, with this recipe, you don't have to wait for fall! Apples are in season all year, and you can switch up the variety that you use for a slightly different yet still yummy homemade apple butter. I enjoy keeping it in my fridge as often as possible because it not only tastes good, but is also versatile.
If you are looking for more homemade butter recipes, try almond butter and pecan honey butter.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's big-batch friendly: This is a simple recipe that can be easily doubled or even tripled, depending on the size of your slow cooker.
- It has deep, rich flavors: Since it cooks low and slow, the ingredients have plenty of time to cook down and take on a wonderful depth of flavor.
- It's inexpensive: This apple butter is cheap to make, especially if you pick your apples in the fall. I find that many orchards give you great deals if you want a lot of apples!
Ingredients
I listed what you need to make the best apple butter recipe. The apples, sugar, and spices that you use are key to making it sweet and flavorful.
- Apples: I went with a combination of Golden Delicious, Gala, and Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweet and tart. If you like, you can use another variety like Granny Smith or Macintosh, too! I leave them peeled as the skin breaks down and blends beautifully.
- Sugar: This crockpot apple butter recipe calls for both granulated and brown sugar. The white sugar caramelizes while the light brown sugar adds depth and notes of molasses.
- Spices: I like to use cinnamon and ground cloves. I like cloves because they are both woody and a little bitter, and they help balance the sweetness.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Bourbon: Add a splash of bourbon for warmth and depth.
- Honey: Replace some of the white granulated sugar with honey to add floral notes.
- Sage: Create a slightly savory version by adding ¼ teaspoon of ground sage. It complements the apples!
How to Make Apple Butter in a Crock Pot
These are the steps needed to prepare this slow cooker apple butter recipe. Spray the bottom of your crockpot to keep the ingredients from sticking.
Step 1: Chop the apples. Dice all of your apples with the peel on, and add them to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 2: Make the sugar mixture. Next, combine the sugar and spices in a separate bowl and whisk until well-mixed.
Step 3: Add to the pot. Sprinkle the mixture on top of the diced apples.
Step 4: Cook. Pop the lid on and cook the apples for about 10 hours.
Step 5: Blend. Then, grab your immersion blender and puree the apples until they are nice and smooth.
Step 6: Thicken and serve. Finally, allow the apple butter to cook for another 2 hours on low heat without the lid so it can thicken. Cool and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Don't cook it on high heat: Low and slow is better to ensure better depth of flavor and to keep the ingredients from scorching on the bottom.
- Use a blender if needed: If you don't have an immersion blender, transfer the apple butter to a high-speed blender instead.
- Cook longer if it's thin: The apple butter should be thick and creamy. If it seems watery, allow it to cook uncovered in the slow cooker for another 30-60 minutes on low heat.
- Storing: Transfer the apple butter to sterilized jars or airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks and may be frozen for up to 6 months.
Pumpkin syrup is another seasonal item that pairs perfectly with fall desserts!
Serving Suggestions
- This makes the perfect spread for bread or toast! I especially enjoy it slathered on a slice of cinnamon raisin bread.
- These coconut biscuits are extra delicious with some crockpot apple butter.
- Add this to your snack board! Whether it's a game day food board or a brunch charcuterie board, it works beautifully.
Recipe FAQs
Pressure cook the ingredients on high for 10 minutes, and then naturally release the pressure before you blend it.
Cook the ingredients in a heavy pot over medium heat for about 10 minutes and then reduce it to low for an additional 60 minutes so it doesn't burn.
Apple butter is cooked longer and has a jam-like consistency, while applesauce is cooked more quickly and contains more liquid.
More Delicious Apple Recipes
Do you like apple recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Ingredients
- 6 pounds apples chopped (unpeeled)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by coating it lightly with cooking spray.
- Wash and chop the apples into chunks, leaving the peels on.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cloves.
- Place the chopped apples into the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture evenly over the apples and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on Low for 10 hours, stirring occasionally.
- After 10 hours, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to puree the mixture until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Continue cooking uncovered on Low for an additional 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thickened to desired consistency.
- Cool slightly, then transfer to sterilized jars or airtight containers for storage.
Notes
- Prepare this crockpot apple butter recipe in the Instant Pot or on the stove top instead.
- Use any combination of apples that you enjoy most. I typically go for a variety of sweet and tart flavors for a balanced result.
- If you don't have an immersion blender, transfer the apple butter to a high-speed blender and pulse until smooth
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