Few things capture the heart of autumn quite like the scent of apples, cinnamon, and cloves simmering slowly in the kitchen. Crockpot Apple Butter is one of those recipes that not only fills your home with the fragrance of fall but also delivers a spread so velvety and rich, it feels like a hug in a jar.
This recipe celebrates everything we love about Slow Cooker Apple Recipes—the kind that practically make themselves while you go about your day. And once it’s ready, you’ve got a jar of comfort that works for breakfast, dessert, or even holiday gifting. Whether you’re new to making Homemade Spreads and Preserves or just looking for a way to savor orchard-fresh apples, this apple butter will become a fall tradition in your kitchen.
Crockpot Apple Butter
Ingredients
- 6 ½ pounds apples peeled, cored, and sliced; mix of Granny Smith, Fuji, and Honeycrisp recommended
- 1 cup granulated sugar adjust based on apple sweetness
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed; dark brown sugar can be used for richer flavor
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves reduce for lighter spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice your apples. Add them to the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Pour the sugar and spice mixture over the apples and stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are dark brown and soft.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Cook uncovered for an additional 2 hours on low to thicken the mixture.
- Use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to puree until silky smooth.
- Optional: For extra smoothness, pass the apple butter through a fine mesh strainer.
- Spoon the apple butter into sterilized jars and let cool. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Nutrition
Why Crockpot Apple Butter Belongs in Your Fall Kitchen
Slow Cooker Magic
Apple butter is already comforting, but when made in a crockpot, it transforms into the ultimate Make-Ahead Holiday Recipe. Simply toss your apples and spices in before bed, and by morning, your home will smell like an apple orchard bakery.
Fall Breakfast Essential
Warm apple butter spread over toast, swirled into oatmeal, or spooned over yogurt brings Fall Breakfast Recipes to life. It’s like autumn’s answer to peanut butter—a topping that makes any simple breakfast instantly special.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor
This is one of those Minimal Ingredient Recipes that reminds us just how magical cooking can be. Apples, sugar, spices, and time—that’s it. The crockpot does the heavy lifting, and you get all the credit.
Nostalgic & Giftable
Apple butter has that “grandma’s kitchen” energy. It feels nostalgic, rustic, and downright cozy. Pack it into small jars, tie them with ribbon, and you’ve got the perfect Holiday Giftable Food for Thanksgiving hostess gifts or Christmas baskets.
Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutions
- Apples (6 ½ lbs): A mix of Granny Smith, Fuji, and Honeycrisp creates balance—tartness, sweetness, and depth. Only have Gala? They’ll work fine. Just adjust sugar levels to taste.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Balances the tart apples. For a Healthy Apple Butter Alternative, reduce or swap with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
- Light Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds a warm, molasses note that complements the spices. Dark brown sugar works too, just a little richer.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves make up that signature fall flavor. If you want a lighter spice, reduce cloves; for a chai twist, add cardamom or ginger.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tbsp): Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor. Pure vanilla paste is a decadent swap.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances sweetness and balances the overall flavor.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice your apples. A peeler/corer/slicer makes this step a breeze. Place them into your slow cooker. - Mix the Spices & Sugar
In a bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Pour the mixture over the apples and stir to coat. - Cook Low & Slow
Cover and cook on low heat for 10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are dark brown and reduced. - Stir in Vanilla
Once the apples are fully softened, stir in the vanilla extract. - Cook Uncovered
Cook uncovered for an additional 2 hours on low. This allows the mixture to thicken further. - Blend Until Smooth
Use an immersion blender right in the crockpot until the mixture is silky. For extra smoothness, pass it through a fine mesh strainer. - Store & Enjoy
Spoon into sterilized jars. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks or freeze for 3 months.
Variations, Storage & Serving Ideas
- Healthy Apple Butter Alternatives: Use no sugar at all if your apples are sweet enough. Dates or maple syrup also make excellent natural sweeteners.
- Spicy Kick: Add fresh ginger or extra cinnamon for more warmth.
- Serving Ideas:
- Spread on biscuits, cornbread, or toast.
- Stir into pancake or waffle batter.
- Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt for a Cozy Comfort Food Dessert vibe.
- Use as a dip for pretzels or apple slices for fun Spread and Dip Recipes.
- Holiday Uses: Pair with pork tenderloin or roast chicken as a glaze. Jars also make thoughtful Thanksgiving or Christmas gifts.
FAQs
1. Can I make crockpot apple butter without sugar?
Yes! The natural sweetness of apples often shines through on its own. For a healthier version, simply omit sugar or add honey or maple syrup toward the end of cooking.
2. How long does homemade apple butter last?
In the fridge, apple butter lasts up to 2 weeks in sealed jars. Freeze for up to 3 months or process in a water bath for shelf stability.
3. What apples are best for apple butter?
A mix of tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith + Fuji) creates the best depth of flavor. You can experiment with whatever you have on hand during Apple Harvest Recipes season.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a large 6-quart slow cooker. Be aware that cooking times may extend slightly if it’s packed full.
More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love
- Crockpot Candy
- Pecan Pie Brownies
- Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Brownie Caramel Cheesecake
- Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes
- Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars
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