Description
This easy slow cooker apple butter recipe offers a hassle-free way to create a sweet, spiced, and perfectly smooth apple spread. Simply set it in the slow cooker and let it cook slowly for 10 hours, then blend and thicken for a delicious homemade treat perfect for toast, oatmeal, or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 6–8 medium apples (about 3–4 lbs), peeled, cored, and chopped
Sweeteners & Liquids
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup water (or apple cider for richer flavor)
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into rough chunks. Precision is not required as the apples will break down while cooking.
- Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker: Place the apples into the slow cooker and add brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and water or apple cider. Stir to combine evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 10 hours. Stirring is optional during this process as the apples will become soft and saucy.
- Blend for Smooth Texture: After cooking, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to puree the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches using a conventional blender.
- Continue Cooking for Thickness: Keep the slow cooker on warm or low and cook for an additional 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and to allow the apple butter to thicken.
- Taste & Adjust: Sample the apple butter and modify sweetness or spices as desired by adding more sugar or cinnamon if needed.
- Store & Enjoy: Transfer to jars or airtight containers, allow to cool to room temperature before sealing. Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or can in sterilized jars for long-term storage.
Notes
- Mixing sweet apples like Gala or Fuji with tart apples like Granny Smith provides balanced flavor.
- Use apple cider instead of water for a richer, deeper apple flavor.
- If the apple butter is too thin after cooking, increase to high heat for one hour to reduce and thicken.
- Add spices like allspice or cardamom for unique flavor variations.
- Perfect for spreading on toast, stirring into oatmeal or yogurt, or as a topping for pancakes and ice cream.
- Homemade apple butter makes a thoughtful gift; simply decorate jars with ribbons.
