Description
This easy and delicious slow cooker apple butter recipe lets you create a sweet, spiced, and perfectly smooth apple spread with minimal effort. Simply prepare the ingredients, let the slow cooker do its magic for 10 hours, and enjoy a warm, aromatic apple butter that’s perfect for spreading or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 6–8 medium apples (about 3–4 lbs), peeled, cored, and chopped
Sweeteners and 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 and 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 small, rough chunks. Precise chopping isn’t necessary since the apples will break down during cooking.
- Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped apples in the slow cooker, then add brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and water or apple cider. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 10 hours. Stirring is optional during cooking. The apples will soften and break down into a saucy mixture.
- Blend for Smooth Texture: After 10 hours, use an immersion blender to puree the apple mixture directly in the slow cooker until silky smooth. Alternatively, transfer in batches to a countertop blender and blend until smooth.
- Continue Cooking for Thickness: Set the slow cooker to keep warm or low, and cook the pureed apple butter for an additional 1–2 hours to thicken the spread. Stir occasionally to prevent burning around the edges.
- Taste & Adjust: Sample the apple butter and adjust sweetness or spices if needed, adding more sugar or cinnamon to suit your preference.
- Store & Enjoy: Once thick and spreadable, transfer the apple butter to jars or airtight containers. Allow it to cool to room temperature before sealing. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or process in sterilized jars for long-term preservation.
Notes
- Mix sweet apples like Gala or Fuji with tart varieties such as Granny Smith for balanced flavor.
- Use apple cider in place of water for a deeper, richer taste.
- If the apple butter is too thin after cooking, increase the slow cooker to high for an additional hour to thicken.
- Try adding allspice or cardamom for a unique twist on the traditional spice blend.
- Store homemade apple butter refrigerated for up to three weeks or can for longer shelf life.
- Use an immersion blender for convenience but a regular blender works fine too.
