Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Dec 21, 2020, Updated Jul 25, 2023
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We truly love giving (and receiving) homemade gifts…especially from the produce department. DIY gifts are the best kind, especially when they’re edible. They’re so much more personal, and no one can resist a sweet treat from family and friends.
We have a perfect Slow Cooker Apple Butter recipe that is simple to make and even easier to give (the perfect DIY)!
What is Apple Butter?
Despite the name, there is no butter in Apple Butter! It is not a combination of apples and butter, and the only thing that it has in common with regular butter is its spreadability. Then what is apple butter? In essence, it is concentrated applesauce. Apple butter is a combination of apples and “warming” spices. With our slow cooker recipe, it cooks for 10-12 hours which gets out more water. This allows the apple butter to caramelize and intensify the apple flavor.
Serving and Using Apple Butter
The obvious and most common use for apple butter is to spread it on toast, bagels or biscuits. But we challenge you to think outside the box. Apple butter is also the perfect spread for any of your charcuterie boards. It pairs well with many fruits, cheeses and crackers. You can also stir it in your oatmeal or top your pancakes and waffles with a spoonful of added flavor. You can also swirl it in muffins or cupcakes for a little added sweetness. You can even use it when baking chicken or pork!
Apple Butter Makes the Perfect Gift
Apple butter is so versatile and makes a perfect gift for all of those who love a little DIY! This slow cooker recipe will make enough for 4-6 jars. You can easily give some to those you love and keep a jar or two for your own family. If you want to do even more, you can make a fruit gift basket and include a jar of homemade apple butter. You can also make a quick bread and give them as a pair. However you decide to gift the apple butter, we know it will be a holiday hit!
Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Ingredients
- 2 3lb bags of apples peeled, cored & sliced
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp allspice
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and toss to combine. Cover and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours.
- Using an immersion blender or regular blender, blend apples until smooth. If using a regular blender, pause to remove the lid every so often to let steam escape.
- Pour apple butter into jars and let cool to room temperature.
- Cover and store in the refrigerator.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
