Slow Cooker Apple Butter Recipe

There is nothing quite like the rich, cozy flavor of Slow Cooker Apple Butter to bring a comforting sweetness to your kitchen. This luscious spread, made with a simple blend of fresh apples and warm spices, simmers slowly to develop a deep, caramelized taste that’s perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or even desserts. The magic of using a slow cooker is how effortless it is to achieve that velvety smooth texture and intense apple flavor without constant attention. Once you try this recipe, Slow Cooker Apple Butter will quickly become your go-to favorite to enjoy all year round.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Apple Butter lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the natural sweetness of the apples to the fragrant warmth of the spices, all coming together to create a perfect balance of flavors and a silky, spreadable texture.

• 24 Apples (medium size, a variety): Choosing a mix of sweet and tart apples enhances the complexity of flavor and ensures the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
• 1½ tablespoons Cinnamon (ground): Cinnamon adds a cozy warmth that is essential for that classic autumnal apple butter profile.
• 1 teaspoon Nutmeg (ground): A little nutmeg brings a subtle earthiness, rounding out the spices beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon Cloves (ground): Cloves offer a pungent, slightly sweet undertone that deepens the aroma and taste.
• ½ cup Honey: Honey not only sweetens naturally but also gives a gentle floral flavor and smooth texture.

How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by washing your apples thoroughly since we’re leaving the skins on to add natural pectin and depth to our spread. Core and cut the apples into half-inch pieces, which helps them cook evenly and break down faster in the slow cooker. Pile them into your 6-quart slow cooker to get ready for the flavorful blend.

Step 2: Add Spices and Honey

Sprinkle the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves over the apples, then drizzle the honey to bring in that sweet, luscious touch. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so each apple piece is coated with the spices and honey, setting the stage for those rich, layered flavors.

Step 3: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Put the lid on and set your slow cooker to low for 8 to 10 hours. This slow, steady heat allows the apples to soften completely, become bubbly, and release their natural sugars that caramelize beautifully alongside the spices. You’ll know it’s ready when the apples are incredibly tender and mashable.

Step 4: Blend to Perfection

Using an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker, blend the apple mixture until it’s completely smooth without any chunks. This step transforms the cooked apples and spices into the silky, spreadable delight that defines amazing Slow Cooker Apple Butter.

Step 5: Store or Can

Transfer your luscious apple butter into airtight containers such as jars or glass storage containers. If you want to preserve it for longer, follow the canning process by sterilizing pint jars, filling them with warm apple butter, wiping the rims clean, and processing in a hot water bath for 20 minutes. Proper canning ensures your Slow Cooker Apple Butter stays fresh and delicious for months.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Garnishes

Enhance your Slow Cooker Apple Butter with a small sprinkle of cinnamon or a fresh apple slice on top for a charming, rustic presentation. A touch of flaky sea salt can also be a surprising and delightful garnish to offset sweetness.

Side Dishes

This versatile apple butter pairs wonderfully with warm toast, crusty biscuits, or even dolloped onto creamy oatmeal. It’s equally fantastic alongside sharp cheddar cheese for a sweet-and-savory combo or melts beautifully over pancakes and waffles.

Creative Ways to Present

Try swirling Slow Cooker Apple Butter into plain yogurt or mixing it into muffin batter for an autumnal twist. It’s also a fabulous addition to charcuterie boards or served alongside roasted pork for a glistening, flavorful accompaniment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Slow Cooker Apple Butter fresh by storing it in airtight glass jars or containers in the refrigerator. It typically stays delightful and spreadable for up to two weeks, making it perfect for snacking all week long.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this apple butter beyond the fridge, freezing is a great option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to six months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for ready-to-use deliciousness.

Reheating

To enjoy your Slow Cooker Apple Butter warm, simply heat it gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts. Stir well, and it’s ready to spread, drizzle, or mix into your favorite dishes with that fresh-from-the-pot warmth.

FAQs

Can I use a single type of apple instead of a variety?

Absolutely! While using a mix adds complexity, a single apple variety like Granny Smith or Fuji can still produce excellent flavor. Just choose one with a good balance of sweetness and tartness for the best results.

Do I have to peel the apples?

No need to peel them! Leaving the skins on not only saves time but also adds extra pectin, which helps thicken the apple butter naturally and contributes to its wonderful texture.

How long does Slow Cooker Apple Butter last once opened?

Once opened, it’s best to keep your apple butter refrigerated and consume within two weeks for optimal freshness and flavor.

Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?

You can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar, but keep in mind this will slightly alter the flavor profile. Honey’s unique floral notes complement the spices perfectly and help create that signature smooth texture.

Is it necessary to use ground spices or can I use whole spices?

Ground spices are preferred here because they blend smoothly into the apple butter without leaving gritty bits. If you only have whole spices, you can infuse them in a cheesecloth bag and remove before blending.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Apple Butter is truly one of those cozy kitchen treasures that fills your home with warmth and invites you to indulge in simple, delicious comfort. Once you’ve tried making it yourself, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to transform humble apples into this rich, spiced spread that pairs with so many of your favorite foods. I can’t wait for you to make a batch and discover all the wonderful ways to enjoy it!

Slow Cooker Apple Butter Recipe

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★★★★★

5.2 from 25 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes to 10 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: About 6 to 7 cups of apple butter 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Slow Cooker Apple Butter recipe transforms 24 medium apples into a rich, spiced, and creamy spread perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or baking. Simmered gently with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and sweetened naturally with honey, this homemade apple butter is easy to make and stores beautifully through canning.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit

• 24 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties), washed and cored, cut into ½ inch pieces

Spices & Sweetener

• 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ cup honey

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Instructions

1. Prepare Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly, especially since the skins will remain on for natural pectin and texture. Core them and slice into approximately half-inch pieces. Place all pieces into a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Add Flavorings: Pour honey over the apples, then add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir gently but thoroughly until all apple pieces are evenly coated with the spices and honey.
3. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Cook for 8 to 10 hours until the apples are very soft, bubbly, and easily mashed, allowing flavors to fully develop.
4. Puree the Mixture: Using an immersion blender, process the cooked apples in the slow cooker until completely smooth, ensuring no chunks remain for a creamy apple butter texture.
5. Jar the Apple Butter: Transfer the warm apple butter into airtight containers like sterilized glass jars or storage containers for refrigeration or canning.
6. Prepare for Canning: Thoroughly wash pint-sized jars and start heating water for a hot water bath to sterilize and seal the jars safely.
7. Fill Jars: Spoon the warm apple butter into the sterilized jars, leaving appropriate headspace as per canning guidelines.
8. Seal Jars: Wipe rims clean to ensure proper sealing, then place lids and screw on rings firmly but not overly tight.
9. Process Jars: Submerge the jars in the hot water bath ensuring at least half an inch of water covers the top. Process for 20 minutes to preserve the apple butter safely.
10. Cool and Store: Remove jars carefully and let them rest undisturbed at room temperature for 24 hours. Check seals before storing in a cool, dark place.

Notes

• Using a mix of apple varieties (sweet and tart) creates a more complex and balanced flavor.
• Honey is used as a natural sweetener; adjust quantity based on apple sweetness and personal preference.
• Leaving the skins on adds pectin which helps thicken the apple butter naturally.
• Do not skip the hot water bath canning step if planning to store at room temperature for extended periods.
• Store opened apple butter in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 weeks for best quality.
• If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend less or mash apples manually instead of pureeing completely smooth.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 to 10 hours
• Category: Condiment, Spread
• Method: Slow Cooking, Blending, Canning
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (about 30g)
• Calories: 50
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 2mg
• Fat: 0.1g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Protein: 0.2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: slow cooker apple butter, homemade apple butter, easy apple spread, slow cooker recipes, canned apple butter, fall recipes, spiced apple butter