Transform your apples into a delicious, homemade spread with this Slow Cooker Apple Butter recipe. Perfect for fall, this easy-to-make apple butter combines sweet and tart apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a rich, spiced flavor. Simply let it simmer in your slow cooker, blend until smooth, and enjoy on toast, in yogurt, or as a baking ingredient. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze for later.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Apple Butter
- 6 pounds mixed apples
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Apples
Start by coring and dicing the apples. You don’t need to peel them; the peels will break down during cooking and add to the rich texture. Place the diced apples into a 6-quart slow cooker pot.
2. Add the Spices and Sugars
Next, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt to the pot. Mix everything well to ensure the apples are evenly coated with the spices and sugars. This blend of spices gives the apple butter its characteristic depth of flavor.
3. Slow Cook the Apples
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours. Stir the mixture occasionally to help the apples break down and combine with the spices and sugars. Your home will start to smell amazing as the apples cook down.
4. Blend the Apple Mixture
Once the apples are soft and thoroughly cooked, remove the lid and add the vanilla extract. Use an immersion blender to blitz the mixture until it’s smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender. Just be careful with the hot mixture.
5. Thicken the Apple Butter
After blending, continue cooking the apple butter on low without the lid for an additional 2 hours. This step allows the apple butter to thicken and darken, reaching the perfect consistency.
6. Cool and Store
Once the apple butter has thickened, let it cool for about an hour. Then, transfer it to airtight containers. You can refrigerate the apple butter for 1-2 weeks, or freeze it for longer storage. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, stirring into oatmeal, or using as a filling for pastries.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute the granulated and brown sugars with alternatives like coconut sugar or honey. Keep in mind that this might slightly alter the flavor and texture.
2. How long can I store apple butter?
Apple butter can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to 6 months.
3. Do I need to peel the apples?
No, you don’t need to peel the apples. The peels will break down during cooking and add to the smooth texture of the apple butter.
4. Can I make apple butter without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make apple butter on the stovetop. Use a large pot and cook the apples on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until they reach the desired consistency.
5. What can I do if my apple butter is too thick?
If your apple butter is too thick, you can thin it out by stirring in a bit of apple juice or water until it reaches the desired consistency.
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