Name: Autumn-Inspired Apple Butter Slow Cooker Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 h
Total time: 12 h 50 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ tsp ground cloves; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; ¾ cup brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 4 lbs apples (mix of sweet and tart, e.g., Honeycrisp and Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped

This Autumn-Inspired Apple Butter Slow Cooker Recipe transforms fresh apples into a rich, spiced spread perfect for fall. With warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it’s an easy, hands-off recipe that fills your home with cozy aromas, ideal for toast, biscuits, or gifting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple butter recipe is a fall favorite because it’s effortlessly delicious and versatile. The slow cooker does all the work, blending sweet apples with warm spices into a velvety spread. It’s perfect for cozy mornings on toast, as a dessert topping, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. The deep, caramelized flavors develop over hours, creating a comforting taste of autumn that’s naturally sweetened with a touch of brown sugar and enhanced by vanilla. Plus, it’s a low-effort recipe that yields a big batch, making it ideal for sharing or savoring all season long.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for balanced flavor.

Peel for Smoothness: Peeling apples ensures a silky texture, but leave skins on for a rustic vibe if desired.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste halfway through cooking and adjust sugar to your preference, as apple sweetness varies.
Stir Occasionally: Stirring prevents sticking and ensures even cooking, especially in older slow cookers.

Blend for Perfection: Use an immersion blender for a smooth consistency, or mash for a chunkier texture.
Low and Slow: Cook on low for the best flavor development; high heat can scorch the edges.
Check Consistency: Near the end, cook with the lid off to thicken the butter to your liking.

Sterilize Jars: If canning, sterilize jars to ensure safe storage and longer shelf life.

Yield: 5 cups

Autumn-Inspired Apple Butter Slow Cooker Recipe

Cozy up with this slow cooker apple butter, bursting with fall spices and perfect for spreading or gifting.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 12 hours

Additional Time 30 minutes

Total Time 12 hours 50 minutes

Ingredients

¼ tsp ground cloves

¼ tsp salt
½ cup granulated sugar
½ tsp ground nutmeg

¾ cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp lemon juice

2 tsp ground cinnamon
4 lbs apples (mix of sweet and tart, e.g., Honeycrisp and Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and chop your apples into small, even pieces to ensure they cook down uniformly. A mix of sweet and tart apples gives the best flavor, so grab some Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for that perfect balance.

Load the Slow Cooker: Toss the chopped apples into your slow cooker. Sprinkle the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt over the apples. Give everything a good stir to coat the apples evenly with the spices and sugars.
Add Liquid: Drizzle the lemon juice over the apple mixture. The lemon brightens the flavors and helps preserve the vibrant color of the apples. Stir once more to combine everything.
Set and Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally (every 2-3 hours) to prevent sticking. The apples will break down into a soft, fragrant mush.

Check Consistency: After 8 hours, check the texture. If it’s still too watery, remove the lid and cook on low for an additional 1-2 hours to thicken. The apple butter should be thick and spreadable.
Add Vanilla: Once the apples are fully cooked and soft, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a warm, creamy note that makes the apple butter irresistible.
Blend Smooth: Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture directly in the slow cooker until smooth. For a chunkier texture, mash with a potato masher instead. Taste and adjust sweetness or spices if needed.

Cool Slightly: Let the apple butter cool for about 20 minutes in the slow cooker. This makes it easier to handle when transferring to jars or containers.
Store Your Apple Butter: Transfer the apple butter to clean, sterilized jars or airtight containers. If canning, process in a water bath for 10 minutes. Otherwise, store in the fridge or freezer.
Enjoy and Share: Spread your apple butter on warm toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or gift a jar to a friend. This cozy, spiced spread is the taste of autumn in every bite!

Notes

Always use fresh, firm apples for the best flavor and texture.
If canning, ensure proper sterilization and sealing to avoid spoilage.
Adjust spices to taste, but be cautious with cloves, as they can overpower.

For a smoother result, blend thoroughly, but don’t over-process to avoid a gummy texture.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan (if using vegan sugar).

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 378Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 130mgCarbohydrates 98gFiber 9gSugar 84gProtein 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 sweet (Fuji, Gala) and tart (Granny Smith) apples creates a balanced flavor profile. Fresh, firm apples yield the best texture and taste.
Brown Sugar (¾ cup): Adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness that complements the apples without overpowering them.

Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Enhances sweetness and helps with thickening during the slow cooking process.
Cinnamon (2 tsp): Provides the signature warm, autumnal flavor that defines apple butter.
Nutmeg (½ tsp): Adds a subtle, nutty depth to the spice blend.

Cloves (¼ tsp): A pinch of ground cloves brings a rich, aromatic note; use sparingly to avoid overpowering.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds a smooth, creamy undertone that elevates the overall flavor.
Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): Brightens the flavors and balances sweetness while aiding preservation.

Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all flavors and cuts through the sweetness for a well-rounded taste.

Variations and Substitutions

Apple Varieties: Swap in local or seasonal apples like McIntosh or Braeburn for unique flavors, or use all one type for simplicity.
Sweeteners: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different depth of sweetness. Adjust to taste.

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of allspice or ginger for extra warmth, or use a chai spice blend for a twist.
Sugar-Free Option: Use a natural sweetener like stevia or skip sugar entirely for a tart, apple-forward butter.
Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan, but ensure your sugar is vegan-certified if needed.

Citrus Swap: Substitute lemon juice with orange juice for a milder, sweeter acidity.
Boozy Twist: Stir in a tablespoon of bourbon or apple brandy at the end for an adult-friendly version.
Chunky Style: Skip blending for a rustic, spreadable texture with small apple chunks.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container or jar for up to 3 weeks.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months; thaw in the fridge before use.
Canning: Process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude) to store at room temperature for up to 1 year. Ensure jars are sterilized and sealed properly.