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Amazingly Easy Slow Cooker Apple Butter Recipe

A close-up of thick, dark, glistening homemade apple butter served in a small white ramekin.
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Make perfect homemade apple butter with amazing flavor and smooth texture using your slow cooker. This simple method delivers rich, spiced apple butter ideal for spreading or baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds apples (about 10 medium), any variety, cored and quartered (peeling is optional)
  • 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (or less for a less sweet spread)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Place the apple quarters into the basin of a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Do not peel the apples; the skins will break down during cooking.
  2. Pour the apple cider or juice over the apples.
  3. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine the spices and sugar with the apples.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours. The apples should be very soft and easily mashed.
  5. Carefully transfer the cooked apple mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker. Blend until completely smooth. If using a standard blender, work in batches and do not overfill.
  6. Return the smooth mixture to the slow cooker (if necessary). Remove the lid and set the slow cooker to HIGH. Cook uncovered for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apple butter has thickened to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.
  7. If you plan to can this apple butter, follow standard water bath canning procedures for safe preservation. For refrigerator storage, let it cool completely before transferring to airtight jars.

Notes

  • For a less sweet, healthier option, reduce the brown sugar to 1/4 cup or substitute with 1/4 cup of maple syrup. This is a great no sugar added apple butter base.
  • If you prefer a very smooth texture without using a blender, you can push the cooked apples through a food mill before the final thickening step.
  • This recipe is freezer friendly. Cool the apple butter completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months.
  • This recipe works well for old fashioned apple butter techniques, but the slow cooker saves significant stovetop time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mdlatdmm.com/apple-butter-easy-slow-cooker-recipe/