There’s nothing quite like the warm, spiced aroma of apple butter simmering away in your kitchen.
This slow cooker apple butter recipe is incredibly easy to make and results in a rich, flavorful spread that’s perfect for toast, biscuits, or even as a topping for pancakes.
Here’s how you can make your own delicious apple butter at home.
Why Use a Crock-Pot to Make Apple Butter?
Using a Crock-Pot to make apple butter is incredibly convenient because it allows for slow, even cooking without constant supervision.
The low, steady heat helps to concentrate the flavors and achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency—all while filling your home with the delightful aroma of spiced apples.
Additionally, the Crock-Pot’s large capacity means you can make a big batch at once.
Since slow cookers tend to have an extra wide opening, it’s even easier to blend it all up with an immersion blender right there in the pot!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 pounds of apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties works best)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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How to Make Apple Butter
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Place them in the slow cooker.
- Add the sugars and spices: Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt to the slow cooker. Stir to combine with the apples.
- Cook the apples: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very tender and dark brown.
- Blend the mixture: Use an immersion blender to puree the apple mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches.
- Add vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Continue cooking: Cook the apple butter on low, uncovered, for an additional 1-2 hours, or until it reaches your desired thickness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Store the apple butter: Let the apple butter cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Ways to Use Apple Butter Beyond the Biscuit
Apple butter is a versatile spread that goes far beyond just slathering on biscuits.
One delicious way to use it is as a glaze for meats. Brush apple butter over pork chops, chicken, or even a holiday ham before roasting.
The sweet and spiced flavors of the apple butter will caramelize beautifully, adding a rich, tangy glaze that enhances the savory meat.
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Another creative use for apple butter is in baking.
Swirl it into muffin or cake batter for an autumnal twist, or use it as a filling for homemade pastries and turnovers.
You can also spread it between layers of a spice cake or mix it into cream cheese frosting for a unique and flavorful icing.
Apple butter can even be used as a substitute for some of the fat in baking recipes, adding moisture and flavor while cutting down on calories.
For a quick and easy snack, try mixing apple butter into yogurt or oatmeal.
It adds a burst of flavor and a touch of sweetness without the need for additional sugar. You can also use it as a dip for fruit or spread it on a sandwich with peanut butter for a tasty twist on the classic PB&J.
The possibilities really are endless!
READ NEXT: How to Make Peach Butter
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Slow Cooker Apple Butter
This slow cooker apple butter is a rich, spiced spread made from apples, sugar, and warm spices, cooked to perfection in a Crock-Pot. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, using as a glaze for meats, or adding a burst of flavor to your favorite baked goods.
- Total Time: 10 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 cups 1x
Ingredients
- 6 pounds of apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties works best)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Place them in the slow cooker.
- Add the sugars and spices: Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt to the slow cooker. Stir to combine with the apples.
- Cook the apples: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very tender and dark brown.
- Blend the mixture: Use an immersion blender to puree the apple mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches.
- Add vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Continue cooking: Cook the apple butter on low, uncovered, for an additional 1-2 hours, or until it reaches your desired thickness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Store the apple butter: Let the apple butter cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours
