Description

This apple butter recipe transforms ordinary apples into something extraordinary, requiring minimal hands-on time while your slow cooker does most of the work. The rich, concentrated apple flavor develops slowly, creating a spread that's miles beyond anything store-bought.

Ingredients

Scale

5 pounds Apples (mixed varieties), peeled and chopped
2 cups Granulated sugar
1 cup Light brown sugar
2 tablespoons Ground cinnamo
1/2 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon Ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup Apple cider or apple juice
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

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Instructions

Step 1: Place chopped apples in your slow cooker. Add both sugars directly on top. No need to stir yet
Step 2: Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt over the apples. Pour apple cider around the edges. Cover and cook on low for 10 hours
Step 3: After 10 hours, the apples will be incredibly soft. Use an immersion blender to puree until completely smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a regular blender in batches
Step 4: Remove the lid and continue cooking on low for 2-3 more hours. This step is crucial for this apple butter recipe. The mixture needs to thicken and darken to a deep brown color
Step 5: Stir occasionally during this uncovered phase. The apple butter is ready when it mounds on a spoon and doesn't run off immediately
Step 6: Stir in vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness or spices as desired
Step 7: Let cool completely before transferring to jars

Notes

Don't skip peeling the apples for this apple butter recipe. Skins create an unpleasant texture in the final product.

Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.

The cooking time varies based on apple moisture content. Therefore, watch for visual cues rather than relying solely on time.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 12 hours
Category: Condiment
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 60 kcal
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 15mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg