A delicious, homemade apple butter made easily in your crockpot. This recipe combines sweet and tart apples with warm spices for a rich, flavorful spread. Perfect for toast, biscuits, desserts, or as a delightful gift!
Ingredients:
- 5 lbs apples (use a mix of sweet and tart varieties, such as Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Apples:
Peel, core, and chop the apples into approximately 1-inch chunks. Aim for about 10 cups of chopped apples. The size doesn’t have to be perfect, as they’ll be cooked down.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Crockpot:
Place the chopped apples into the crockpot (slow cooker).
Step 3: Add Seasonings:
Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar (packed), ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, salt, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the crockpot.
Step 4: Mix:
Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure the apples are well coated with the sugars and spices.
Step 5: Cook on Low Heat:
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours. Stir the mixture occasionally, about every 2-3 hours, to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The apples will release their juices and become very tender, transforming into a thick sauce.
Step 6: Blend or Mash:
Once the apples are extremely tender and cooked down, you have two options for achieving the desired texture:
- For a Smooth Texture: Use an immersion blender directly in the crockpot to blend the mixture until completely smooth. Be careful to avoid splattering.
- For a Chunkier Texture: Use a potato masher to mash the apples to your desired consistency. Some people prefer a bit of texture, so this method works well.
Step 7: Thicken the Apple Butter:
Remove the lid from the crockpot. Continue cooking the apple butter, uncovered, on low heat for an additional 1-2 hours (or longer, depending on your crockpot and desired thickness). Stir occasionally, about every 30 minutes, to prevent sticking and to help the moisture evaporate. The apple butter will gradually thicken to a spreadable consistency.
Step 8: Cool and Store:
Let the apple butter cool completely. As it cools, it will thicken further.
Step 9: Transfer to Jars:
Transfer the cooled apple butter to clean, sterilized jars or airtight containers. Leave about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
Step 10: Store or Can:
- Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the apple butter in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
- Can: For canning, follow proper canning procedures to preserve the apple butter for several months. Consult a reliable canning guide for detailed instructions on hot water bath canning.
Step 11: Enjoy:
Spread the Crockpot Apple Butter on toast, biscuits, scones, muffins, or crackers. Use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or yogurt. It also makes a fantastic filling for pastries or a glaze for meats. The possibilities are endless!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: The crockpot does most of the work, making this recipe incredibly simple.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet and tart apples with warm spices creates a rich, comforting flavor.
- Versatile: Apple butter can be used in countless ways, from a simple spread to a gourmet ingredient.
- Homemade Goodness: Nothing beats the taste of homemade apple butter made with love.
- Great for Gifting: Package it in pretty jars and give it as a thoughtful, homemade gift.
Serving Suggestions:
- Spread on warm toast, biscuits, or scones.
- Top pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.
- Stir into yogurt or cottage cheese.
- Use as a filling for pastries or pies.
- Serve as a glaze for roasted meats or poultry.
- Pair with cheese and crackers for a delightful appetizer.
Tips:
- For a smoother apple butter, peel the apples before cooking. If you prefer a more rustic texture, leave the peels on.
- Adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, add more.
- If you don’t have lemon juice, you can substitute apple cider vinegar.
- Be sure to stir the apple butter occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and burning.
- The cooking time may vary depending on your crockpot. Check the consistency of the apple butter after 8 hours and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- For canning, be sure to follow proper canning procedures to ensure food safety.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8-12 hours (depending on desired thickness)
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes – 12 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (approximate, per tablespoon):
- Calories: 30
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
Conclusion:
Crockpot Apple Butter is a simple, satisfying recipe that brings the flavors of fall into your kitchen. With minimal effort, you can create a delicious, homemade spread that will be enjoyed by all. Whether you spread it on toast, bake it into pastries, or give it as a gift, this apple butter is sure to impress.
Questions & Answers:
- Can I use only one type of apple for this recipe? While using a mix of sweet and tart apples is recommended for the best flavor balance, you can certainly use just one type. If you prefer a sweeter apple butter, use all sweet apples like Gala or Fuji. If you prefer a tarter apple butter, use all tart apples like Granny Smith. Adjust the amount of sugar accordingly.
- Do I have to peel the apples? No, you don’t have to peel the apples. Peeling the apples will result in a smoother final product. If you leave the peels on, the apple butter will have a more rustic texture. Just be sure to wash the apples thoroughly before chopping them.
- Can I use a different sweetener? Yes, you can substitute the granulated sugar and brown sugar with other sweeteners, such as maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar. Keep in mind that the flavor and consistency of the apple butter may vary depending on the sweetener you use. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
- How do I know when the apple butter is thick enough? The apple butter will thicken as it cools, so it’s best to judge the consistency while it’s still warm. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thin, continue cooking it uncovered in the crockpot for a longer period, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Can I add other spices to the apple butter? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices, such as ginger, allspice, or cardamom. Add them to the crockpot along with the other spices and adjust the amount to your liking. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a subtle kick.
