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Easy Slow Cooker Apple Butter Recipe – Cozy Fall Treat Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker Apple Butter Recipe – Cozy Fall Treat Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 18 reviews

A cozy and easy slow cooker apple butter recipe that transforms a mix of apples and warm spices into a deeply flavorful, velvety smooth spread perfect for fall. Minimal prep and hands-off cooking yield a sweet, spiced apple butter ideal for toast, biscuits, pork chops, or gifts.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

  • 5 lbs apples (a mix of varieties like Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith)

Spices & Sweeteners

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 2 dashes salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice or chop the apples. Uniform size is not essential as they will cook down.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Place the apple pieces in the slow cooker. Add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir well to evenly coat the apples with the spices and sugar.
  3. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW. Cook for 8-10 hours until the apples are very soft and falling apart.
  4. Blend until Smooth: Carefully remove the lid (watch for steam). Use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker or transfer the mixture in batches to a blender or food processor, blending until silky smooth. Return the puree to the slow cooker if using an external blender.
  5. Thicken the Apple Butter: Cook uncovered or with the lid slightly ajar on LOW for another 1-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Continue until the apple butter reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
  6. Cool and Store: Turn off the slow cooker and let the apple butter cool slightly. Transfer to clean jars or airtight containers for storage or gifting.

Notes

  • Store apple butter refrigerated for 2-3 weeks or freeze for up to 1 year (leave headspace for expansion).
  • For shelf-stable storage, process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes following altitude-adjusted guidelines.
  • Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor complexity.
  • Peeling the apples is crucial for a smooth texture.
  • The thickening time varies; monitor and stir during final cooking to avoid scorching.
  • When blending hot liquids, do not overfill and secure the blender lid tightly to prevent accidents.
  • Optional additions include a teaspoon of vanilla extract after blending, a splash of bourbon/apple brandy in the last hour of cooking, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple butter, slow cooker apple butter, fall recipes, homemade apple butter, easy apple butter, cozy fall spread, slow cooker recipes

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/easy-slow-cooker-apple-butter-recipe-cozy-fall-treat-recipe/