Description
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Slow-cooked Crock Pot Apple Butter is a rich, spiced spread perfect for canning. Made with apples, warm spices, and a touch of vanilla, this easy homemade apple butter is a delicious way to preserve fall flavors.
Ingredients
- Apples (such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground cloves
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples – Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks. This helps them break down evenly while cooking.
- Load the Crock Pot – Place the chopped apples into the slow cooker and add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
- Slow Cook – Set the crock pot to low and cook for 10-12 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Blend the Mixture – Once the apples have broken down and are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can use a potato masher instead.
- Add Final Ingredients – Stir in vanilla extract and lemon juice, mixing well to enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness.
- Continue Cooking – Leave the apple butter to cook for an additional 1-2 hours until it thickens to the desired consistency.
- Prepare for Canning – While the apple butter is finishing, sterilize canning jars and lids by boiling them for at least 10 minutes.
- Fill the Jars – Carefully ladle the hot apple butter into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4-inch headspace.
- Seal and Process – Wipe the rims, secure the lids, and process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes to ensure a proper seal.
- Cool and Store – Remove jars from the water bath and let them cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place.
Notes
- Spiced Apple Butter – Increase the amount of cinnamon and cloves for a stronger spiced profile.
- Maple Apple Butter – Swap some of the sugar for pure maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
- Sugar-Free Version – Use natural sweeteners like honey or apple juice concentrate instead of granulated sugar.
- Vanilla Bean Infused – Add a whole vanilla bean during the cooking process for a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Boozy Apple Butter – Stir in a splash of bourbon or spiced rum before canning for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 hours
- Category: apple butter, slow cooker
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple butter, slow cooker apple butter, homemade apple butter, crock pot apple butter, canning apple butter