Simple and Homemade Crockpot Apple Butter Recipe

Introduction

Apple butter is a deliciously rich and spiced spread perfect for the holiday season and beyond. Made easy in a crockpot, this homemade apple butter is a fantastic way to enjoy the natural sweetness and warmth of apples on biscuits, toast, or pancakes.

Ingredients

• 5 lbs tart apples (such as Granny Smith, Jonagold, or Jazz)
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup raw sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Core, peel, and slice the apples. Using an apple corer can save time and effort. Place the prepared apples into the crockpot.
2. Step 2: Add brown sugar, raw sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract to the apples. Stir well to coat all the apple slices evenly.
3. Step 3: Cook the mixture on low for about 10 hours. Stir occasionally to promote even cooking.
4. Step 4: For the last 3 hours, remove the crockpot lid to allow moisture to evaporate, thickening the apple mixture into a spreadable consistency.
5. Step 5: Once cooked down to a soft, mushy texture, use an immersion blender to puree the apples until smooth.
6. Step 6: Transfer the apple butter to jars or containers. It can be eaten immediately or stored as described below.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of apples on sale or available; reduce sugar accordingly if using sweeter varieties.
• Stir the apple butter occasionally during cooking to avoid hot spots and ensure even flavor.
• If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can puree the apples carefully in a regular blender in batches.
• For a deeper flavor, add a splash of apple cider or a small piece of fresh ginger while cooking.

Storage

Apple butter should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 7 days. It also freezes well for longer storage. For canning, use a water-bath method and process half-pint or pint jars for 10 minutes at sea level.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apples for apple butter?

Tart apples like Granny Smith, Jonagold, or Jazz are ideal because their natural tang balances the sweetness. However, you can use any apples you have—just adjust the sugar based on their sweetness.

Do I have to use a crockpot to make apple butter?

No, you can make apple butter on the stove or in an oven, but using a crockpot simplifies the process and allows for slow, even cooking without much supervision.

Simple and Homemade Crockpot Apple Butter Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 89 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 10 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: About 4 pints 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A simple and delicious homemade crockpot apple butter recipe that transforms tart apples into a smooth, flavorful spread perfect for toast, biscuits, and pancakes. Using tart apples and warm spices, this easy slow-cooked apple butter is perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a comforting, spiced fruit spread.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apples

• 5 lbs tart apples (e.g., Jonagold, Jazz, Granny Smith)

Spices and Sugars

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup raw sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare Apples: Core, peel, and slice approximately 5 pounds of tart apples. Using an apple corer can save time and effort during this step. Place the prepared apples into the crockpot.
2. Add Ingredients: Add brown sugar, raw sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract to the apples in the crockpot. Stir thoroughly to coat all apple slices evenly.
3. Slow Cook Apples: Cook the apple mixture on low heat for about 10 hours in the crockpot. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. For the last 3 hours, remove the crockpot lid to allow moisture to evaporate and the mixture to thicken.
4. Blend to Smoothness: After cooking, use an immersion blender to puree the apple mixture until smooth and creamy, achieving the desired apple butter consistency.
5. Store and Enjoy: Transfer the apple butter to jars or containers. It can be refrigerated and used within 7 days, frozen for longer storage, or canned using a water bath process for shelf stability.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Jonagold for the best flavor.
• An immersion blender simplifies achieving a smooth texture.
• Removing the lid near the end of cooking helps thicken the apple butter by evaporating excess moisture.
• You can reduce the sugar amounts if using sweeter apples without sacrificing taste.
• Apple butter can be canned safely with a 10-minute water bath at sea level, similar to apple sauce.
• 5 pounds of apples yields approximately 4 pints of apple butter.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 hours
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

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