Easy Slow Cooker Apple Butter: A Spiced Fall Favorite You’ll Love
There’s something special about the way this Slow Cooker Apple Butter fills the house with the cozy, inviting scent of apples and warm spices.
It’s a recipe I turn to every fall when I’m craving something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, I can create a rich, smooth apple butter that my family devours.
Whether it’s spread on warm toast or swirled into oatmeal, this apple butter has become a beloved tradition in our home, and I think it will be in yours too!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: What are the best apples to use for apple butter?
You can use a variety of apples, but I recommend mixing sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the perfect balance of flavors.
Q: Can I make apple butter without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can also simmer it on the stovetop or bake it in the oven, but the slow cooker gives you the convenience of hands-off cooking with a deep, rich flavor.
Q: How long does apple butter last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, apple butter can last up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months.
Q: Can I make this recipe sugar-free?
Yes! If you prefer a sugar-free version, you can leave out the sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Q: How do I know when the apple butter is ready?
It’s ready when it’s thick and dark brown. You should be able to run a spoon through it and have it hold its shape.
What You Need to Make Slow Cooker Apple Butter
6 pounds of apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 cup granulated sugar (optional, adjust based on apple sweetness)
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Slow cooker
How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and slicing them. The more uniform the slices, the more evenly they’ll cook.
Add apples, sugars, spices, and salt into the slow cooker. Stir everything together to ensure even coating.
Cook on low for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally. The apples will break down and soften completely.
Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the apples to a smooth consistency. Alternatively, transfer in batches to a blender.
After blending, leave the apple butter in the slow cooker with the lid slightly ajar for 1-2 more hours to thicken.
Stir in the vanilla extract before transferring the apple butter into jars.
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Spice it up! If you love warm spices, feel free to add extra cinnamon or nutmeg to taste.
If you prefer a thicker apple butter, cook it uncovered for the last few hours to evaporate more moisture.
Apple butter makes a great gift! Consider canning it in sterilized jars for long-term storage.
Get creative with how you use it! It’s delicious on toast, mixed into yogurt, or as a topping for pancakes.
Reader Reviews
“This recipe was amazing! My whole family loved it, and the house smelled heavenly all day. I’ll be making it again for the holidays!” – 5 stars
“I wasn’t sure if the recipe needed sugar, but I added just a bit, and it was perfect. My kids couldn’t get enough!” – 4 stars
“I tried this with honey instead of sugar, and it turned out wonderfully! So smooth and flavorful.” – 5 stars
“It took a bit longer than I expected, but the results were worth it. Perfect consistency and flavor.” – 4 stars
“I made a double batch and canned some for gifts. Everyone loved it, and it was such an easy process!” – 5 stars
Printable Recipe:
Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Rich, smooth, and perfectly spiced, this Slow Cooker Apple Butter is an easy homemade treat that’s ideal for fall. Use it as a spread, topping, or gift!
Ingredients
- 6 pounds apples (peeled, cored, sliced)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (optional)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except vanilla to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once apples are soft, blend until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Continue cooking uncovered for 1-2 hours until thickened.
- Stir in vanilla, then transfer to jars.
Notes
Check out some of our other recipes / crafts.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you enjoyed this Slow Cooker Apple Butter recipe, I’d love for you to share it with your friends and family! Whether it’s through social media or just telling a friend, it helps others discover simple, homemade recipes that can bring a little warmth into their lives.
Feel free to tag me if you share it on Instagram or Pinterest, and don’t hesitate to share any tips or tweaks you made along the way. Your support makes it possible to continue creating easy, family-friendly recipes for busy moms like you!
