Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Butter – Easy & Irresistible!
There’s something magical about the rich, spiced aroma of homemade apple butter simmering in the kitchen. This Easy Apple Butter Recipe captures the essence of fall with every spoonful—sweet, warmly spiced, and velvety smooth. Whether slathered on biscuits, swirled into oatmeal, or used as a glaze for meats, this slow cooker apple butter is a must-have for your pantry.
The best part? You don’t need to hover over the stove! With minimal effort, your Crockpot Apple Butter will transform fresh apples into a thick, spreadable delight. Let’s dive into this simple yet flavor-packed recipe that will have your home smelling like an autumn dream!
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Ingredients & Their Roles
Apples – 6 ½ pounds (peeled, cored, and sliced)
The star of the show! Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith to create a well-balanced flavor.
Granulated Sugar – ½ cup
Enhances the apples’ natural sweetness and helps with caramelization during slow cooking.
Brown Sugar – ½ cup (packed)
Adds a rich, molasses-like depth to the apple butter, making it irresistibly smooth and flavorful.
Ground Cinnamon – 1 ½ tablespoons
The warm spice that gives apple butter its signature cozy taste.
Ground Nutmeg – ½ teaspoon
Adds a slightly nutty, sweet depth to complement the cinnamon.
Ground Cloves – ¼ teaspoon
A little goes a long way—cloves add a bold, spicy warmth that enhances the overall flavor.
Salt – ¼ teaspoon
Balances the sweetness and enhances the richness of the spices.
Vanilla Extract – 1 tablespoon
Infuses a subtle, aromatic sweetness, making the apple butter even more irresistible.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice your apples into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and a smooth final texture.
Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker
Place the sliced apples into your slow cooker.
Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir everything together to coat the apples evenly.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook for 10 hours, stirring occasionally.
As the apples soften, they will release their juices and darken into a rich, caramel-like mixture.
Step 4: Blend for a Silky Texture
Once the apples are fully broken down, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth.
If using a regular blender, work in batches, ensuring the mixture is cool enough to handle safely.
Step 5: Add Vanilla & Final Simmer
Stir in the vanilla extract for a warm, aromatic finish.
Continue cooking on LOW for another 1-2 hours until thickened to your desired consistency.
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Why You’ll Love This Apple Butter Recipe
✔ No peeling required – Want to save time? Leave the peels on! The blender will smooth everything out, and the skins add extra fiber and flavor.
✔ Naturally thick & rich – No need for thickeners; slow cooking naturally caramelizes the apples into a perfect spread.
✔ Versatile uses – Spread it on toast, mix it into yogurt, or even use it as a glaze for pork chops.
✔ Long shelf life – Store it in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or freeze it for up to a year!
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Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Butter
✅ Use a variety of apples for the best balance of sweet and tart flavors.
✅ For a deeper flavor, cook an extra 2-3 hours for a thicker, darker butter.
✅ Want it spicier? Increase the cinnamon and add a pinch of ginger.
✅ For a richer texture, add a tablespoon of butter at the end for extra silkiness.
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Serving Suggestions
On Biscuits & Toast – The ultimate breakfast treat!
Swirled into Oatmeal or Yogurt – Adds a natural sweetness.
As a Glaze for Meats – Pairs beautifully with pork or chicken.
Over Pancakes & Waffles – A delicious alternative to syrup!
Baked into Desserts – Try it in cakes, muffins, or cookies.
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Final Thoughts – A Must-Try Apple Butter Recipe!
This Easy Slow Cooker Apple Butter is pure comfort in a jar! With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty Crockpot, you’ll create a rich, flavorful spread that’s perfect for fall and beyond. Make a batch today, and enjoy the taste of homemade goodness
year-round!
Want more delicious homemade recipes? Bookmark this page and share it with fellow apple lovers! Happy cooking!