Crock-Pot Apple Butter

 

Crock-Pot Apple Butter

Slow Cooker Apple Butter will fill your home with the delightful scent of Autumn. It also serves as a wonderful gift during the holidays or as a hostess present for Thanksgiving.

Autumn is my preferred season of the year. I cherish everything about fall – the colorful leaves and pumpkins, cozy sweaters and Ugg boots, a crackling fire accompanied by a good book and a plate of my No Bake Cookies; I love it all – particularly the apple season.

A nearby city organizes an Apple Butter Festival every October. It features holiday crafts, historical reenactments, and, of course, delectable food.

While I enjoy wandering through the vendor aisles, I primarily attend for two significant reasons: caramel-coated apples and homemade apple butter.

Regrettably, I have missed this festival for two consecutive years – last year due to my trip to San Francisco and this year simply because I forgot about it. I felt a bit down for a moment, but then I resolved to satisfy my annual craving for apple butter by preparing my own in the slow cooker.

What is apple butter?

If you have never tasted apple butter before, you may find the name puzzling.

No, it is not butter flavored with apple. That would be quite odd. In fact, there is no butter in apple butter whatsoever.

Apple butter is essentially a highly concentrated, exceptionally smooth applesauce. It is cooked for an extended period, which imparts that caramelized hue and deep apple flavor, yet the ingredients are almost the same.

Apple butter is not only ideal for spreading on your morning toast (I particularly enjoy it on English muffin bread!) or served on Potato Rolls during Thanksgiving, but it can also be used in baking.

Consider using Slow Cooker Apple Butter instead of jam or other fruit fillings in crumb bars, such as in my recipes for Peach Crumb Bars or Raspberry Bars. Alternatively, you might want to incorporate it into an apple butter cake!

How to prepare apple butter in a crockpot

Initially, I felt somewhat daunted by the concept of making homemade fruit butter, but it truly could not have been simpler!

Ingredients required

Despite the rich flavors of apple butter, you will be pleasantly surprised to discover that the ingredients are remarkably straightforward.

You will need:

6 1/2 pounds of apples – peeled, cored, and sliced

1 cup of granulated sugar

1 cup of light brown sugar, lightly packed

1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract

I understand that 6 1/2 pounds of apples may seem excessive, but I have a tip that makes peeling them a breeze.

Useful tools

Preparing all those apples and transforming them into homemade apple butter was effortless, thanks to my apple peeler and slow cooker.

The peeler enabled me to peel, core, and slice 6 1/2 pounds of apples in just a few minutes. I placed everything into the slow cooker, set the timer for 10 hours, and continued with my day.

The delightful aromas of apples, cinnamon, and vanilla filled the air for an entire day, significantly uplifting my spirits. I must say – if you find yourself having a challenging day, simply prepare some slow cooker apple butter.

It is impossible not to feel a sense of tranquility with the world and the people around you when you are surrounded by these comforting scents each time you enter or exit your kitchen.

Preparing this recipe

To prepare this recipe, I placed the apples in my slow cooker. Next, I mixed the sugars, cinnamon, and spices, and combined this mixture with the apples.

I allowed the apples to simmer for the designated 10 hours until the mixture became thick and dark brown, while also making chili, cornbread, and preparing my jars for gifting.

After the 10 hours, I lifted the lid and continued to let the apples simmer for an additional 2 hours. This further thickens the apple butter.

Following the second cooking phase, it was time to puree the apple butter and jar it! It truly is an ideal way to spend a fall Saturday, I assure you.

The outcome was a delectable, velvety smooth apple butter that certainly competes with any jars I have bought at the Apple Butter Festival, and the best part is – I made it myself!

If you find yourself without 10 hours to let the apple butter simmer, do not fret – I also have a recipe for Instant Pot Apple Butter!

Best apples for apple butter

In truth, you can utilize any apples you have available for making apple butter.

In general, softer apple varieties such as Fuji, Golden Delicious, McIntosh, or Jonagold are more effective since they cook down more quickly.

I used a combination of Granny Smith, Fuji, and Honeycrisp in my apple butter, and even the firmer varieties broke down nicely for a smooth consistency.

The essential factor is to use a variety of apples to achieve the best flavor. You can even personalize your Slow Cooker Apple Butter by incorporating apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice instead of the blend I have provided, and you might consider using Mexican vanilla in place of Madagascar.

It is quite simple to personalize this recipe, and I am confident that your family will enjoy spreading it on toast throughout the year.

I have heard that this recipe can be preserved through canning, although I have not attempted it myself. I would be interested to learn if you have given it a try!

I hope you find this slow cooker apple butter as delightful as we do.

What are your preferred fruit butter recipes? What should I experiment with next?

FAQs

Do you use 6.5 pounds of apples before peeling and coring?

Indeed! The ingredients specify "6.5 pounds of apples, peeled and cored," which indicates that you should peel and core them after weighing.

This principle applies to any recipe you encounter. For instance, if a recipe states "1 cup pecans, chopped," you measure the pecans first and then chop them. Conversely, if it states "1 cup chopped pecans," you chop them before measuring.

Can you can this apple butter recipe?

Yes! I have recently discovered how to can apple butter – it is much simpler than you may assume. There is no need to modify the recipe prior to canning, as apples are inherently acidic.

How long does this recipe last in the refrigerator? Can you freeze it?

You can keep this slow cooker apple butter in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Additionally, it can be frozen for as long as 3 months.

If you decide to freeze it, ensure that you leave ample space in the jar to prevent cracking after freezing.

How many pints does this recipe yield?

This recipe produces 4 pints (8 cups) of apple butter.

How much apple pie spice should I use in place of the spices listed?

If you wish to replace the spices in the recipe with apple pie spice, I recommend using between 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons, depending on your preference for spice intensity in the apple butter.

Can I utilize a 3-quart or 3.5-quart slow cooker for this recipe?

After peeling, coring, and slicing the 6.5 pounds of apples, they occupy a considerable amount of space, so I recommend using a 6-quart slow cooker for this recipe. If you only possess a smaller slow cooker, I advise halving the recipe.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

In a technical sense, no. If you prefer not to take the time to peel the apples, you might consider passing the final apple butter through a fine mesh strainer after pureeing to ensure a silky texture.

Personally, I choose to peel the apples at the outset to avoid extra work later, but the decision is yours based on your preferences.

I mistakenly added the vanilla along with the other ingredients before cooking. Will the apple butter still be acceptable?

Absolutely! The primary reason I suggest incorporating the vanilla towards the end of the cooking process is that it does not withstand heat well, and its flavor diminishes the longer it is cooked.

If you inadvertently add the vanilla at the start, simply include an additional teaspoon or so at the end to compensate for the flavor that may have been lost during cooking.

Notes

For this recipe, I utilized a mix of Granny Smith, Fuji, and Honey Crisp apples.

The sweetness level of your apples will influence the amount of sugar you need to add. Adjust according to the type of apples you use and your personal taste.

Store in the refrigerator for a maximum of 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months, or learn the canning process for apple butter if you wish to preserve it for an extended period.

Yields 4 pints.

Ingredients 

▢6 lbs apples peeled and roughly chopped, I've used Gala, Fuji and Honeycrisp apples in the past

▢3 cups white sugar

▢2 teaspoons cinnamon

▢1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Place the apples into the crockpot and sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cover with the lid and set the temperature to HIGH. After several hours, remove the lid, stir the mixture, and continue cooking without the lid.

Continue to simmer until the mixture thickens and turns a dark brown color. Stir occasionally as necessary to avoid sticking. Once the liquid has been absorbed, after approximately 8-10 hours, blend the mixture until smooth. (I prefer using an immersion blender directly in the crockpot.) Alternatively, you may transfer the apple mixture to a blender and puree it that way.

After the apple butter has been pureed, you can modify its thickness by leaving it in the crockpot on LOW with the lid off. This will allow it to thicken gradually. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the sides of the crockpot. (I usually let mine simmer in this manner for anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours.) Once the apple butter is complete, promptly transfer it into sterile canning jars. Allow to cool. Enjoy the Crock-Pot Apple Butter recipes !!!

 Crock-Pot Apple Butter Video :

Apple Butter Recipe

Apple Butter Recipe

This straightforward apple butter recipe is rich, delectable, and perfectly seasoned! Apples, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves are cooked down into an ideal autumn spread for biscuits, pancakes, toast, and more!

We have provided instructions for stovetop, slow cooker, and canning methods!

When it comes to apple butter, nothing can rival homemade versions. This recipe is undoubtedly the finest apple butter you will ever create!

Enjoy it on toasted sourdough English muffins, sourdough waffles, or even ice cream. Alternatively, mix a spoonful or two into your morning yogurt and granola bowls for a delightful fall treat.

What is apple butter?

Apple butter is essentially a blend of pureed apples combined with sugar, ground cinnamon, and cloves, then simmered until it reaches a thick consistency.

Despite its name, apple butter does not contain any actual butter. It is referred to as “butter” due to its smooth, spreadable nature.

Ingredients required

apples: The ideal apples to use are Granny Smith, as they are highly flavorful. Their tartness perfectly balances the sweetness of the sugar. You may come across numerous blogs advising against using Granny Smith apples, but I assure you, they produce the most flavorful apple butter with an unmatched taste!

sugar: This recipe requires both granulated sugar and light brown sugar. The inclusion of light brown sugar adds depth of flavor and a darker hue to the butter. However, it is also possible to prepare it using solely white granulated sugar.

spices: Ground cinnamon and ground cloves.

Equipment required

• immersion blender or stand blender
• half-pint ball jars
• canning kit, which includes a funnel, ladle, jar lifter, de-bubbler, and headspace tool.
• water bath canner (optional)

How to prepare apple butter on the stovetop

The fastest method to create apple butter is by using the stovetop. You can complete the apple butter and transfer it into jars in just under 2 hours.

Step 1: Prepare the apples

Begin by peeling and coring the apples. Cut the apples into 1-inch pieces and place them in a large stockpot with 2 cups of water. Simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes or until they become soft, stirring occasionally.

Apple puree in a measuring cup.

Step 2: Puree the apples

Utilize an immersion blender to puree the apples until they are entirely smooth.

Measure out 8 cups of apple puree and return it to the stockpot. (If you have more than 8 cups, measure the excess puree and add ½ cup of sugar for every 1 cup of puree.)

Do not possess an immersion blender?

If you do not have an immersion blender, you can opt for a regular blender.

Carefully ladle the hot, softened apples into the blender, puree them, and then measure the fruit.

Step 3: Cook

Incorporate the sugar and spices into the apple puree and simmer on low to medium-low heat until it achieves the desired consistency, which should take 45-60 minutes.

Stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning.

Thick apple butter on a spoon.

Step 4: Check for doneness

To determine if the apple butter is done, dip a spoon into it and hold it away from the pot for 2 minutes.

The apple butter is ready if it maintains its shape on the spoon.

How to ascertain if apple butter is finished

Another method to check for doneness is to place a small amount of the apple butter on a plate that has been chilled in the freezer.

Run your finger through the apple butter.

If the liquid does not separate around the edge of the apple butter and the mixture retains its shape, it is prepared to be ladled into jars.

Step 5: Store

Ladle the hot apple butter into clean, sterilized jars, ensuring a ¼ inch headspace at the top. Eliminate air bubbles and clean the rim of the jar to remove any residue.

Position the canning lid on the jar and adjust the band to a finger-tight fit. Allow the jars to cool, then tighten the bands, and store them in the refrigerator for up to a month or in the freezer for as long as a year.

How to make crockpot apple butter

The slow cooker serves as an alternative method for cooking the apples if you prefer a "set it and forget it" approach. It will take approximately 10-12 hours to cook in a crock-pot.

There is no requirement to peel the apples using this method due to the extended cooking time. The peels will soften significantly and blend into a smooth apple butter.

Combine chopped apples, water, sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves in a slow cooker and stir to mix. Cook on LOW heat for 10 hours.

Remove the lid and utilize an immersion blender to puree the mixture. Keep the lid off.

Switch the slow cooker to the HIGH setting and continue cooking until the desired thickness is achieved. Stir every 20 minutes to avoid scorching at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Let the mixture cool, then spoon it into jars and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month, or freeze for up to 1 year. Process in a water bath canner for shelf-stable apple butter.

How to can apple butter

Canning apple butter is an excellent method for preserving apples. After ladling the apple butter into jars, they should be submerged in boiling water for 10 minutes. This processing duration may vary based on your altitude.

Once the jars have been processed and the lids have sealed correctly, the apple butter can be stored in your pantry for a duration of 12 to 18 months without the need for refrigeration. (You can find the shelf life information for the lids you are using on the exterior of the box they were packaged in.)

Prepare the water-bath canner by filling it with water and bringing it to a boil while you prepare the apple butter. Ladle the hot apple butter into clean, sterilized jars, ensuring to leave a ¼ inch headspace at the top. Eliminate air bubbles and wipe the rim of the jar to remove any residue. Position the canning lid on the jar and adjust the band to be finger-tight.

Once all jars are filled, place them on the canning rack and lower them into the boiling water. Ensure that there is 1 inch of water covering the tops of the jars. Process for 10 minutes for pint-size jars or smaller. (If your elevation exceeds 1000 feet above sea level, please refer to the Altitude Adjustment Chart.)

Turn off the heat and allow the jars to rest in the canner for 5 minutes. Remove the jars from the canner using a jar lifter and place them on a kitchen cloth on the counter to cool for 12 hours. Check the seals and refrigerate any jars that did not seal properly. For more details, refer to our water bath canning tutorial.

FAQs

The most effective method is to smell and observe the apple butter: if it develops an off odor, flavor, or appearance, or if mold is present, it should be discarded. 

While the ingredients are generally similar, apple sauce is cooked for a shorter duration, resulting in a thinner consistency akin to a sauce. In contrast, apple butter is cooked longer until the puree is reduced and thick enough to adhere to the back of a spoon. 

Apple butter can last for up to one month in the refrigerator, one year in the freezer, or up to 18 months if processed in a water bath canner.

INGREDIENTS
- 4 pounds apples -mix several varieties, if possible
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup apple cider or water
- pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1 lemon (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

* If you are planning to can the apple butter, prepare appropriate jars, lids, and rings. In a large pot or water bath canner, submerge the jars in water and boil for 10 minutes. Afterward, turn off the heat and place the lids in the pot.

* Peel, core, and chop the apples. Mix them with cider or water and cook until the apples become tender.

* Incorporate sugar, salt, spices, and, if desired, the juice and zest of a lemon. Continue cooking over low heat, stirring often to avoid sticking, until the mixture reaches a very thick consistency. (You can test this by scooping a generous spoonful; the mixture should maintain its rounded shape and not flatten.)

* For processing: using tongs, take a jar from the hot water, fill it to 1/2 inch from the top with apple butter, clean the rim, and take a lid from the hot water. Place the lid on, tighten a ring, and return the filled jar to the hot water bath. Repeat this process until all jars are filled and/or the apple butter is finished.

* Place the pot of filled jars back on the stove. If needed, add more hot water to ensure the jars are fully submerged, then cover the pot and bring it to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes. Allow the jars to cool slightly (or completely); then carefully transfer them to a dry surface. Let them cool entirely before removing the sealing rings.

Check the seals according to the lid manufacturer's guidelines. Freeze any jars that do not seal properly or refrigerate and use them soon. The apple butter recipe is complete!

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All-Day Apple Butter

 All-Day Apple Butter

Ingredients

• 5-1/2 pounds apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped
• 4 cups sugar
• 2 to 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Place apples in a 3-qt. slow cooker. Combine sugar, cinnamon, cloves and salt; pour over apples and mix well. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour.

Reduce heat to low; cover and cook for 9-11 hours or until thickened and dark brown, stirring occasionally (stir more frequently as it thickens to prevent sticking).

Uncover and cook on low 1 hour longer. If desired, stir with a wire whisk until smooth. Spoon into freezer containers, leaving 1/2-in. headspace. Cover and refrigerate or freeze. Cool. Enjoy the  All-Day Apple Butter recipes !!!

 All-Day Apple Butter Video :

Peanut Butter Apple Dip

 Peanut Butter Apple Dip

Ingredients

• 1 package cream cheese (8 ounce size)
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 4 apples

directions

Combine the cream cheese, peanut butter, brown sugar, and milk in a mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixture until it is smooth.

Serve the dip immediately with apple wedges or store in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to serve. Let come to room temperature before serving. Cool. Enjoy the Peanut Butter Apple Dip recipes !!!

Peanut Butter Apple Dip Video :

Oven-Roasted Apple Butter

 Oven-Roasted Apple Butter

Apple Butter Ingredients

• 1 cup cider vinegar
• 4 lb. apples, stems removed and quartered
• 2 cups light or dark brown sugar
• 11/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp. ground cloves

Apple Butter Preparation

1. Place apples and vinegar in large stainless steel pot with 2 cups water. Cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and cook 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until apples have applesauce-like consistency. Run mixture through food mill or press through sieve to separate pulp from skin and seeds; discard skin and seeds. Transfer pulp (you should have about 5 cups) to large ovenproof dish or Dutch oven.

2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Stir remaining ingredients into apple pulp. Bake 2 to 2½ hours, or until apple butter thickens to a spreadable consistency, stirring every 15 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, sterilize jars and lids: Submerge jars in large pot filled halfway with simmering water, and lids in small pot of simmering water. Keep jars and lids in hot water until ready to use.

4. Remove jars one at a time from hot water, and fill with jam, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Seal with lids. Place canning rack or cake rack in bottom of large pot, and return sealed jars to pot, adding extra water to cover jars by 1 inch, if necessary. Bring to a boil, and boil 10 minutes. Remove jars from water, and cool. Enjoy the Apple Butter recipes !!!

Oven-Roasted Apple Butter Video :

Roasted Apple Butter

 Roasted Apple Butter

 Apple Butter Ingredients

• 1 cup cider, divided into 1/4- and 3/4-cup amounts
• 7 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 3 pounds apples
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• 1 pinch cloves

Apple Butter Directions

Preheat oven to 400°. Cut apples into large chunks (quarters for small apples, eighths for larger). Arrange on a large metal roasting pan, add the 1/4 cup of cider and lemon juice, then sprinkle with brown sugar and salt and dot with butter.

Roast for 30–35 minutes, or until apples are very soft and fall apart at the touch of a fork. Remove from oven and let rest for one minute, then pour the remaining 3/4 cup of cider over the pan. 

Transfer apples and liquid to a large flat-bottomed bowl or pot. Mash with a spoon, fork, or potato masher until the pieces have been broken up into sauce.

Run the mixture through a food mill to remove the cores, seeds, and peels (see note above if you do not have a food mill). Stir in the spices, then give it a taste. Add more sweetener and/or spices until you have the flavor where you want it.

At this point, assess the consistency of your butter. If you’d like it to be a bit smoother, you can blend it up with a food processor or an immersion blender. If it isn’t quite as thick as you’d like it to be, transfer it a heavy bottom saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until you’ve achieved the right consistency. 

Once cooled, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it to keep it for longer. Cool. Enjoy the Roasted Apple Butter recipe !!

Roasted Apple Butter Video :

CROCKPOT APPLE BUTTER

 

CROCKPOT APPLE BUTTER

APPLE BUTTER INGREDIENTS

• 6 large apples, peeled, cored, finely chopped (honeycrisp, gala, ambrosia)
• 1/3 cup raw sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, not packed
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp allspice
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg

APPLE BUTTER INSTRUCTIONS

Place the apples in a slow cooker. Top with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg and mix well.

Cover and cook high 5 hours, or low 10 hours, stirring once halfway, until the apples are tender and dark brown.

Uncover and puree with an immersion blender.

Cook on high uncovered 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Spoon into jars or containers, cover and refrigerate. Cool. Enjoy the CROCKPOT APPLE BUTTER recipes !!

CROCKPOT APPLE BUTTER VIDEO :