Slow Cooker Apple Butter
The ultimate comfort food, Slow Cooker Apple Butter brings the taste of fall into your home! Made with fresh apples and warm spices, this easy recipe is perfect for spreading on toast or adding to your favorite desserts. Don't miss out on this deliciously sweet treat—make it tonight!
Equipment
- Blender
- Wooden Spoon
- Large Pot
- Saucepan
- Chef's Knife
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 4 pounds cored and sliced apples
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup raw organic cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Take 4 pounds of cored and sliced apples and place them into your slow cooker. I like to use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
- Next, it’s time to sweeten things up! Add 1/2 cup of coconut sugar and 1/2 cup of raw organic cane sugar to the apples. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
- Now, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon and 2 teaspoons of ground ginger. The aroma will be intoxicating! Don't forget to add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for about 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. The magic happens as the apples break down, releasing their natural sweetness and juices.
- After the first cooking time, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. This step adds a rich layer of flavor that truly elevates your apple butter.
- Continue cooking for another 4 hours on LOW or 2 hours on HIGH. Keep an eye on it; the mixture should become thick and spreadable.
- Once cooked to perfection, transfer everything (including the liquid) to a blender. Blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can use an immersion blender instead. Personally, I love it silky smooth!
- If you want your apple butter to be thicker, here’s an optional step: pour the mixture into a large pot and bring it to a boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer until it starts to reduce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once it reaches your desired consistency, let it cool slightly before transferring it to jars. It’s such a rewarding moment!
- Enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Apple Butter on toast, in oatmeal, or as a delightful topping for desserts. You’ll want to keep it handy!
Notes
If you're looking to make the most of your Slow Cooker Apple Butter, here are some handy tips:
- Storage: Make sure to store leftover apple butter in airtight jars. It can last in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Freezing: You can freeze your apple butter in small containers for up to six months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before use.
- Pairing: apple butter goes perfectly with biscuits, pancakes, and oatmeal. It also makes a great addition to cheese boards!
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice for a different twist. You can also add a splash of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Thicker Consistency: If you prefer a thicker apple butter, let it simmer longer after blending to reduce the liquid.