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Slow Cooker Apple Butter

A close-up of thick, rich apple butter in a rustic bowl, perfect for spreading.
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Make comforting apple butter in your slow cooker, perfect for fall breakfasts or as a homemade gift. This recipe focuses on simple ingredients and a hands-off approach.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 pounds apples (a mix of sweet and tart like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith)
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 2 cups granulated sugar (optional, adjust to taste or omit for no-sugar-added)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Wash, core, and quarter the apples. You do not need to peel them.
  2. Place the apple pieces into your slow cooker.
  3. Pour the apple cider over the apples.
  4. Add the sugar (if using), cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and salt. Stir to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the apples are very soft.
  6. Carefully mash the apples with a potato masher or use an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.
  7. Remove the lid, turn the slow cooker to high if it isn’t already, and cook for another 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apple butter has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be spreadable but not runny.
  8. Allow the apple butter to cool before storing.

Notes

  • For a very smooth texture, you can peel the apples before cooking, or strain the cooked apples through a food mill.
  • Apple butter is thicker than applesauce due to the longer cooking time, which caramelizes the natural sugars in the apples.
  • This apple butter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
  • For longer storage, you can can the apple butter using a water bath canning method. Process in sterilized jars for 10 minutes at sea level.
  • This recipe is a great base for meal planning, offering a versatile spread for toast, pancakes, or yogurt.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipestokeep.com/apple-butter-slow-cooker-recipe/