This All-Natural Slow Cooker Apple Butter with Maple Syrup transforms fresh apples into a rich, spiced spread with a hint of maple sweetness. Perfect for a wholesome topping, it’s an easy, hands-off recipe that fills your home with warm aromas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This all-natural slow cooker apple butter with maple syrup is a wholesome, delicious treat that captures the essence of fall with minimal effort. The slow cooker turns fresh apples into a silky, spiced spread, enhanced by the natural sweetness of maple syrup, free from artificial additives. Ideal for spreading on toast, mixing into oatmeal, or gifting, it’s versatile, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. The hands-off cooking and rich, comforting taste make it perfect for meal prep or cozy mornings, with a batch that keeps you enjoying its warmth for weeks.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Use Ripe Apples: Choose a mix of sweet and tart varieties for balanced flavor.
- Peel for Smoothness: Remove skins for a silkier texture, though leaving them adds fiber.
- Stir Occasionally: Mix every few hours to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste and tweak maple syrup based on apple sweetness.
- Low Heat Only: Cook on low to develop deep flavors without burning.
- Blend for Consistency: Use a blender for a smoother spread if desired.
- Cool Before Jarring: Let it cool slightly to thicken before storing.
- Spices to Taste: Adjust cinnamon or nutmeg to your preference.
- Check Thickness: Cook longer if needed for a thicker consistency.
- Store Properly: Use sterilized jars for longer shelf life.
All-Natural Slow Cooker Apple Butter with Maple Syrup
Rich all-natural slow cooker apple butter with maple, perfect for wholesome spreads.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup brown sugar (optional)
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 lbs apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- pinch of cloves (optional)
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prep the Apples: Peel, core, and chop apples into small pieces for easier cooking.
- Load the Slow Cooker: Place chopped apples in the slow cooker, spreading them evenly.
- Add Liquids: Pour in water and lemon juice, stirring gently to coat the apples.
- Season the Mix: Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt over the apples.
- Sweeten Naturally: Drizzle maple syrup and add vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and dark.
- Mash or Blend: Use a potato masher for a chunky texture or blend with an immersion blender for smoothness.
- Adjust Sweetness: Stir in brown sugar (if using) and taste, adding more maple syrup if needed.
- Cool and Thicken: Turn off the slow cooker and let the apple butter cool for 30 minutes to thicken.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon into jars or bowls, and spread on toast or use as a topping for pancakes!
Notes
- Ripe apples enhance flavor; mix sweet and tart varieties for balance.
- Blend to desired consistency; leave chunky or smooth based on preference.
- Adjust spices and sweetness to taste during cooking.
- Store leftovers promptly to maintain freshness.
- This recipe can be adapted for sugar-free or vegan diets with appropriate swaps.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 391Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 49mgCarbohydrates 102gFiber 11gSugar 83gProtein 1g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Apples (4 lbs): A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and chopped.
- Maple Syrup (½ cup): Pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness; grade A or B works.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Ground cinnamon infuses warm, spicy notes.
- Nutmeg (¼ tsp): Adds a subtle, nutty spice; freshly grated is best.
- Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): Freshly squeezed brightens flavors and aids preservation.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Pure vanilla enhances the sweet, aromatic profile.
- Salt (pinch): Balances sweetness; use sparingly.
- Water (½ cup): Helps apples break down; adjust if needed.
- Cloves (pinch, optional): Adds a hint of warm spice; use cautiously.
- Brown Sugar (¼ cup, optional): Enhances depth; skip for all-natural.
Variations and Substitutions
- Apple Types: Use Fuji, Gala, or a single variety for different flavors.
- Sweetener Swap: Replace maple syrup with honey or skip for less sugar.
- Spice Options: Substitute nutmeg with allspice or add ginger for a twist.
- Citrus Swap: Use orange juice instead of lemon for a different note.
- Vanilla Alternatives: Use vanilla bean or omit for a simpler taste.
- Sugar-Free: Omit brown sugar and rely on fruit and maple syrup.
- Spiced Version: Add cardamom or star anise for a unique profile.
- Vegan: Naturally vegan; ensure all ingredients are plant-based.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 6 months; thaw in fridge.
- Canning: Process in sterilized jars using a water bath canner for 10 minutes (pints) for shelf stability up to 1 year.
Dish Gallery
Please share this All-Natural Slow Cooker Apple Butter with Maple Syrup with your friends and do a comment below about your feedback.
We will meet you on next article.
Until you can read, Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese