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Homemade apple butter made in a slow cooker with fresh apples and spices.

Apple Butter

A comforting and easy slow cooker apple butter recipe that transforms wrinkly apples into a delicious, velvety spread perfect for toast, oatmeal, and more.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Total Time 10 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Breakfast, Condiment, Snack
Cuisine: American, Fall
Calories: 45
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 to 5 pounds Apples, peeled, cored, and chopped Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for best flavor
  • 1/2 to 1 cup Brown sugar Adjust to taste based on the sweetness of apples
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon Adjust based on preference
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg Optional
  • a pinch Ground cloves Optional, use sparingly
  • a small pinch Salt To enhance flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Optional, add at the end
  • 1/4 cup Apple cider or water Add if needed to help start cooking

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Peel, core, and chop the apples into chunks.
  2. Add the chopped apples to the slow cooker.
  3. Toss the apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and any other spices you prefer.
Cooking
  1. Cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or HIGH for 4 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally.
  2. Once apples are very soft and darkened, blend until smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender.
  3. Leave the lid slightly cracked and cook on LOW for another 1 to 2 hours to thicken, stirring occasionally.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more cinnamon, sugar, or vanilla as needed.
Storage
  1. Let the apple butter cool before transferring it to clean jars.
  2. Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or freeze in small containers for later use.

Notes

Peeled apples yield a smoother result. If desired, blend to achieve the perfect consistency. This apple butter makes a great topping for toast, yogurt, or pancakes.