Ingredients
Scale
- 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
