Crockpot apple butter is a rich, spiced spread that’s slow-cooked to perfection. Made with fresh apples, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness, this homemade apple butter is perfect for spreading on toast, stirring into oatmeal, or gifting to friends and family. The slow cooker does all the work, filling your home with an irresistible aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it simmer.
- Rich & Flavorful: A deep, caramelized apple flavor with warm spices.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast spreads, baking, or even as a topping.
- Great for Gifting: A homemade treat that friends and family will love.
- No Preservatives: Unlike store-bought versions, this one is free of additives.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Apples (such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
Directions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
- Mix the Ingredients: Place the apples in the crockpot and add both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
- Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft.
- Blend to Perfection: Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If using a regular blender, allow the mixture to cool slightly before blending.
- Add Vanilla & Adjust: Stir in vanilla extract and taste. Adjust sweetness or spice levels if needed.
- Continue Cooking (Optional): If the apple butter is too thin, leave the lid slightly open and cook for another hour or until thickened.
- Cool & Store: Allow the apple butter to cool completely before transferring it to jars for storage.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 3-4 cups
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
- Total Time: 8-10 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Sweeter Option: Add more brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Increase the cinnamon and cloves for a bolder spice profile.
- Apple Blend: Mix different apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Add orange zest for a subtle citrusy touch.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Substitute some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in airtight jars in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze in small containers for up to 6 months.
- Canning: Process in sterilized jars using a water bath canning method for longer shelf life.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop before using if desired.
FAQs
How do I know when the apple butter is done?
When it thickens and darkens in color, leaving a thick trail when stirred with a spoon, it’s ready.
Can I make this without sugar?
Yes! You can use natural sweeteners like honey or omit it altogether for a more tart version.
What apples are best for apple butter?
A mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith works best.
How long does homemade apple butter last?
Refrigerated, it lasts up to 3 weeks; frozen, up to 6 months; and canned, up to a year.
Can I use a slow cooker liner?
Yes, it makes cleanup easier but is not necessary.
Why is my apple butter too runny?
Continue cooking with the lid slightly open to evaporate excess moisture.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes, but you’ll need to stir frequently and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours.
Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! Try adding ginger, allspice, or even a pinch of cayenne for a twist.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, apple butter is naturally gluten-free.
What can I use apple butter for?
Spread it on toast, mix into yogurt, use as a topping for pancakes, or even in baking recipes.
Conclusion
Crockpot apple butter is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy the taste of fall all year round. With minimal effort and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a delicious homemade spread that’s perfect for breakfast, baking, or gifting. Try making a batch today and savor the warm, spiced goodness!
Print
Crockpot Apple Butter
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 hours
- Total Time: 10-12 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
- Category: Spread
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade crockpot apple butter is rich, thick, and packed with warm fall flavors. Made with fresh apples, brown sugar, and cozy spices, it slow-cooks to perfection, creating a smooth and spreadable treat. Perfect for toast, biscuits, pancakes, or even as a topping for yogurt!
Ingredients
- 6 lbs apples (Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Add the chopped apples to a large crockpot (slow cooker).
- Sprinkle the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt over the apples. Stir to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally. The apples should become very soft.
- Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a regular blender in batches) to puree the mixture until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and cook uncovered for an additional 1-2 hours to thicken.
- Once thickened to your liking, let it cool, then store in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- The longer you cook it uncovered, the thicker the apple butter will be.
- For a deeper flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
- Works great with a mix of sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor.
- This apple butter is naturally gluten-free and vegan.
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