Name: Slow Cooker Apple Butter with a Touch of Vanilla
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; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 4 lbs apples (mix of sweet and tart, e.g., Fuji and Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped

This Slow Cooker Apple Butter with a Touch of Vanilla transforms fresh apples into a velvety, spiced spread with warm vanilla notes. Perfect for fall, it’s an easy, hands-off recipe that fills your home with cozy aromas, ideal for toast, desserts, or gifting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker apple butter is a fall must-have, blending the sweet-tart goodness of apples with warm spices and a luxurious hint of vanilla. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort as the slow cooker works its magic over hours, creating a rich, spreadable treat. Perfect for slathering on warm biscuits, stirring into yogurt, or gifting to loved ones, this recipe delivers deep, caramelized flavors that capture the essence of autumn. It’s naturally sweetened, customizable, and yields a big batch, making it a budget-friendly way to savor the season all month long.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Apple Selection: Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji and Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.

Peel for Smoothness: Peeling apples ensures a silky texture; leave skins on for a chunkier, rustic result.
Sweetness Control: Adjust sugar based on apple sweetness; taste midway and add more if needed.
Stir Occasionally: Stir every few hours to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Blend Carefully: Use an immersion blender for a smooth finish, or mash for a textured spread.
Thicken It Up: Cook with the lid off for the last hour to achieve a thick, spreadable consistency.
Sterilize Jars: For canning, sterilize jars to ensure safe, long-term storage.

Low Heat Preferred: Cooking on low preserves flavors better than high heat, which may scorch.

Yield: 5 cups

Slow Cooker Apple Butter with a Touch of Vanilla

This slow cooker apple butter with vanilla is a sweet, spiced spread perfect for fall treats 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
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tsp vanilla extract
4 lbs apples (mix of sweet and tart, e.g., Fuji and Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped

Instructions

Prep the Apples: Peel, core, and chop apples into small, even pieces for consistent cooking. A mix of sweet and tart apples ensures a perfect flavor balance.

Fill the Slow Cooker: Place chopped apples in the slow cooker. Sprinkle brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt over them.
Add Lemon Juice: Drizzle lemon juice over the mixture to brighten flavors and preserve color. Stir well to coat apples evenly.
Cook on Low: Cover and set the slow cooker to low. Cook for 8-10 hours, stirring every 2-3 hours to prevent sticking.

Check Texture: After 8 hours, check if the apples are soft and mushy. If too watery, cook uncovered for 1-2 hours to thicken.
Add Vanilla: Stir in vanilla extract for a warm, creamy note that makes this apple butter extra special.
Blend Smooth: Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. For a chunkier texture, mash with a potato masher.

Taste and Adjust: Taste the apple butter and adjust sweetness or spices if needed. Add a touch more sugar or cinnamon if desired.
Cool Slightly: Let the apple butter cool for 20-30 minutes in the slow cooker for easier handling when jarring.
Store and Enjoy: Transfer to sterilized jars or containers. Spread on toast, swirl into desserts, or gift to friends for a taste of fall!

Notes

Use fresh, firm apples for the best flavor and texture.
Be cautious with cloves, as they can overpower; measure carefully.
If canning, ensure proper sterilization and sealing for safety.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan (with vegan sugar).
Store promptly to maintain freshness and flavor.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 380Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 130mgCarbohydrates 99gFiber 9gSugar 85gProtein 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 blend of sweet (Fuji, Honeycrisp) and tart (Granny Smith) apples creates a complex, balanced flavor.
Brown Sugar (¾ cup): Adds a warm, molasses-like sweetness that enhances the apples’ natural sugars.

Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Boosts sweetness and aids in thickening during the slow cooking process.
Cinnamon (2 tsp): Provides a classic, warm spice that defines apple butter’s cozy flavor.
Nutmeg (½ tsp): Adds a subtle, nutty warmth to complement the cinnamon.

Cloves (¼ tsp): A small amount brings a rich, aromatic depth; use sparingly to avoid overpowering.
Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Pure vanilla extract adds a creamy, luxurious note that elevates the spread.
Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): Brightens flavors, balances sweetness, and helps preserve the apple butter.

Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all flavors and prevents the spread from tasting overly sweet.

Variations and Substitutions

Apple Types: Use local or seasonal varieties like Gala or McIntosh for unique flavor profiles.
Sweetener Swap: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness; adjust to taste.

Spice Variations: Add ginger or allspice for extra warmth, or use a pumpkin pie spice blend.
Sugar-Free: Skip sugar or use a natural sweetener like stevia for a low-sugar version.
Citrus Twist: Swap lemon juice for orange juice for a milder, sweeter acidity.

Boozy Option: Stir in a tablespoon of bourbon or rum at the end for a grown-up twist.
Chunky Texture: Skip blending for a rustic, spoonable apple butter with small chunks.
Vegan-Friendly: Ensure sugar and vanilla extract are vegan-certified for a fully vegan spread.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in airtight jars or containers for up to 3 weeks; refrigerate promptly after cooling.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months; thaw in the fridge before using.
Canning: Process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude) for shelf-stable storage up to 1 year.