This Classic Slow Cooker Apple Butter transforms sweet apples into a rich, spiced spread with a velvety texture. Perfect for breakfast or desserts, it’s an easy, hands-off recipe that fills your home with warm, autumnal aromas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This classic slow cooker apple butter is a deliciously versatile spread that captures the essence of fall with minimal effort. The slow cooker turns fresh apples into a rich, spiced, velvety concoction that’s perfect for slathering on toast, mixing into yogurt, or using as a dessert topping. Its natural sweetness, enhanced by cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg, makes it a healthy, low-sugar option that’s ideal for meal prep or gifting. The hands-off cooking process fills your home with cozy aromas, offering a satisfying, homemade treat that’s both budget-friendly and endlessly adaptable.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Choose Sweet Apples: Use varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for natural sweetness.
- 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 add sugar or skip based on apple ripeness.
- Low Heat Only: Cook on low to develop deep flavors without burning.
- Blend for Consistency: Use a blender or immersion blender for your preferred texture.
- Cook Lid Off: Remove the lid in the last few hours to thicken the butter.
- Sterilize Jars: Use clean jars if storing long-term for safety.
- Spice to Taste: Adjust cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your flavor preference.
- Cool Before Storing: Let it cool completely to set the texture.
Classic Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Rich slow cooker apple butter, sweet and spiced, perfect for a cozy spread.
Ingredients
- ¼ tsp cloves (optional)
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp butter (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 5 lbs apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prep the Apples: Peel, core, and chop apples into small chunks for easy cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: Place apples in the slow cooker and add water, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and lemon juice.
- Mix Well: Stir gently to coat apples evenly with the spices and sugar.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Check Softness: After 8 hours, check if apples are soft; mash slightly with a spoon.
- Uncover to Thicken: Remove the lid for the last 1-2 hours to let the mixture reduce.
- Add Flavor: Stir in vanilla extract and butter (if using) for a rich finish.
- Blend the Mixture: Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree to your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Add more sugar or spices if needed, stirring well.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let cool for 30 minutes, then spoon into jars or bowls and spread on your favorite toast!
Notes
- Use a variety of apples for complex flavor; adjust sweetness accordingly.
- Stir regularly to prevent sticking, especially in the later stages.
- Cool completely before storing to avoid condensation.
- Store leftovers promptly to maintain freshness.
- This recipe can be adapted for vegan or low-sugar diets with appropriate swaps.
Nutrition Information
Yield
5Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 402Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 6mgSodium 62mgCarbohydrates 100gFiber 12gSugar 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 (5 lbs): Peeled, cored, and chopped; Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work well.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds warm sweetness; adjust based on taste.
- Cinnamon (2 tsp): Ground cinnamon infuses a cozy, spicy note.
- Nutmeg (½ tsp): Ground nutmeg adds a subtle, nutty warmth.
- Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): Freshly squeezed, brightens flavor and aids preservation.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Pure vanilla enhances the rich apple flavor.
- Salt (pinch): Balances sweetness; use sparingly.
- Water (½ cup): Helps start the cooking process; adjust if needed.
- Butter (1 tbsp, optional): Adds richness; use unsalted for control.
- Cloves (¼ tsp, optional): Ground cloves for a hint of spice.
Variations and Substitutions
- Apple Swap: Use pears or a mix of apples and pears for variety.
- Sweetener Options: Replace brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or skip.
- Spice Variations: Add allspice or ginger for a different flavor profile.
- Citrus Swap: Use orange juice instead of lemon for a twist.
- Dairy-Free: Omit butter or use a plant-based alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne for a unique heat.
- Low-Sugar: Reduce sugar and rely on apple sweetness.
- Vegan Version: 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 for up to 1 year if sealed properly.
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Until you can read, Classic Crockpot Beef Stew with Root Vegetables