Slow Cooker Apple Butter is a delicious, spreadable treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. Made with fresh apples, sugar, and warm spices, this apple butter is cooked slowly to develop a rich, concentrated flavor.
The slow cooker does all the work, making it an easy and hands-off recipe perfect for busy days. Whether you spread it on toast, mix it into oatmeal, or use it as a glaze for meats, this homemade apple butter is a versatile and delightful addition to your kitchen.
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Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works wonderfully because the slow cooker allows the apples to cook down gently over several hours, intensifying their natural sweetness and creating a smooth, rich texture. The combination of apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of apple cider vinegar results in a perfectly balanced flavor that's both sweet and slightly tangy. The low and slow cooking method also means you don't have to worry about constantly stirring or watching a pot on the stove, making this recipe incredibly convenient.
Additionally, making apple butter at home allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the sweetness and spices to your liking. You can use a mix of apple varieties to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and tweak the amount of sugar based on how sweet your apples are. This flexibility ensures that your apple butter is tailored to your taste preferences. Plus, the aroma that fills your home as the apple butter cooks is simply irresistible, making the process even more enjoyable. This easy, homemade apple butter is a true crowd-pleaser that will enhance many dishes.
Ingredients
Apples: The main ingredient, providing the base for the apple butter. Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
Sugar: Adds sweetness. You can use white sugar, brown sugar, or a combination of both for a deeper flavor.
Cinnamon: Gives a warm, spicy note. Nutmeg or allspice can be used for additional spice variations.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a slight tang and helps preserve the apple butter. Lemon juice can be a substitute.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle sweetness. Almond extract can be used as an alternative.
Tips
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Stir the apple butter occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Use a blender or immersion blender for a smoother texture.
- Store apple butter in sterilized jars to extend shelf life.
- Adjust the sugar to your taste preference and the sweetness of the apples.
How to Serve
Slow Cooker Apple Butter is a versatile spread that can be enjoyed in many ways. Its rich, concentrated apple flavor and smooth texture make it a perfect complement to both sweet and savory dishes.
- Spread the apple butter on toast or biscuits for a delicious breakfast or snack.
- It also makes a great topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal, adding a burst of flavor to your morning meal.
- For a savory twist, use it as a glaze for roasted meats or as a condiment on a cheese board.
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Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Ingredients
- 6 pounds apples peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 cups sugar adjust to taste
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extrac
Instructions
- Place the chopped apples in the slow cooker.
- Add the sugar, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar to the apples and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 10 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once the apples are very soft, use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Cook on low for an additional 1-2 hours, uncovered, to thicken if necessary.
- Allow the apple butter to cool before transferring to sterilized jars for storage.
Nutrition
Notes
• Stir the apple butter occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Use a blender or immersion blender for a smoother texture.
• Store apple butter in sterilized jars to extend shelf life.
• Adjust the sugar to your taste preference and the sweetness of the apples.