Imagine your entire house filled with the warm, cozy aroma of cinnamon and apples! Slow Cooker Apple Butter is exactly what you need this autumn!

 

 

This homemade apple butter is the perfect way to celebrate apple season! Turn fresh apples into a delicious spread that everyone will love! 

Spread it on toast. Swirl it into oatmeal. Or use it as a topping for ice cream! 

This slow cooker apple butter recipe is a treat that’s sure to become a fall favorite!

With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of a slow cooker, this recipe is super easy!

The combo of apples, brown sugar, and warm spices means your whole house will smell delicious!

And apple butter can be used in so many ways! A spread on biscuits or a glaze for pork chops! Yum!

Plus it lasts a long time! Like it can last for weeks! I mean… if you can resist eating it for that long!

Homemade apple butter in the slow cooker is a delicious gift for friends and family during the holiday season too!

 

 

What Is Apple Butter?

Apple butter is a thick, rich spread that is Ahhhmazing! 

It’s made from apples that are slowly cooked until they become soft and caramelized. 

Despite its name, apple butter contains no actual butter. 

The term “butter” refers to its smooth, spreadable consistency. Like butter!

It’s essentially a more concentrated and spiced version of applesauce.

And it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

 

 

What Ingredients Are in Slow Cooker Apple Butter?

This sweet apple butter is a great gift and can also use up pounds of apples from your garden!

Here’s what you need:

• Apples: Peeled, cored, and roughly chopped. A mix of sweet and tart apples works best.
• Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to deepen the flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon: Provides that classic warm spice.
• Ground nutmeg: Another classic fall spice.
• Ground cloves: A little bit goes a long way.
• Coarse salt: Just a bit.
• Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract whenever possible.
• Almond extract: A secret weapon! Trust me, you’ll love it!

Pro Tip: Using a combination of apple varieties, like Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith will give you the best flavor.

 

 

How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Butter?

The best apple butter recipe is going to be one of your new favorite things!

Here’s how to get a smooth apple butter every time:

1. Put prepped apples in the slow cooker.
2. Mix the spices in a medium bowl. Pour this mixture over the apples and stir well.
3. Cook the spiced apples on low until dark golden brown.
4. Puree until smooth.
5. Finish cooking and eat!

Pro Tip: 

• If you prefer a thicker apple butter, leave the slow cooker uncovered for the last hour to let more moisture evaporate.
• Use an immersion blender so you don’t have to transfer the apple butter back and forth.

 

 

What to Do With Apple Butter?

Apple butter can be used in so many ways! 

Spread it on homemade biscuits, toast, or English muffins for a delicious breakfast. 

Stir it into oatmeal or yogurt for added flavor and sweetness. 

Use it as a filling for baked goods like apple galette.

Or as a glaze for savory dishes like pork chops or roasted chicken. 

It also goes great on cheese boards! Pair with cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar.

 

 

Can You Freeze Apple Butter?

Yes, you can freeze apple butter! That’s part of what makes it such a wonderful recipe!

And it’s a great way to extend its shelf life! 

Once your apple butter has cooled, spoon it into airtight containers or freezer-safe mason jars.

Leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion. 

It can be stored in the freezer for up to one year. 

Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before use. 

 

 

Is Apple Butter Healthy?

This great recipe can definitely be a healthy addition to your diet!

It is rich in vitamins! Especially vitamin C and fiber from the apples! 

If you are monitoring your sugar intake then maybe watch the sugar content?

You could reduce the amount of sugar.

Or use natural sweeteners like maple syrup. 

Though I should warn you I haven’t done that so you might have to play with the flavors a bit if you do.

 

 

How Long Is Apple Butter Good For?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this easy apple butter recipe will last for up to three weeks! 

If you use the water bath canning method, you can extend its shelf life to 18 months. 

Always check for any signs of spoilage, such as mold or off smells, before you eat it. 

For long-term storage, freezing apple butter is an excellent option too! 

Frozen apple butter can stay fresh for up to a year.

 

 

How to Store Apple Butter?

To store apple butter, spoon it into sterilized jars and seal tightly. 

For refrigeration, keep the jars of apple butter in the fridge where they will stay fresh for about three weeks. 

Though it’s SO yummy! I really have a hard time not binge eating it all in one night!

For longer storage, use the water bath canning method to seal the jars.

Then store them in a cool, dark place for up to 18 months. 

Make sure to leave about an inch of space at the top of the jars.

You don’t want them cracking when the apple butter expands. 

 

 

What to Serve With Apple Butter?

Crockpot apple butter goes so well with so many things! 

It’s a perfect spread for toasted Oatmeal Molasses Bread, Old Fashioned Biscuits, Homemade Cinnamon Rolls or Butter Swim Biscuits. Such a rich, sweet apple flavor!

It’s also delicious on Swedish Pancakes, Fluffy Belgian Waffle Recipe, Buttermilk Pancakes and Cinnamon French Toast. 

For a savory twist, try it as a glaze for meats like Baked Pork Chops, Ham and Apples, Marinated Flank Steak, and Slow Cooker Boneless Ham. 

Or serve it with Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips, on Banana Cornbread or on a Christmas Wreath Charcuterie Board!

The possibilities are endless!

 

 

What Apples to Use for Apple Butter?

I think for the best flavor you should use a mix of sweet and tart apples. 

I used a combination of Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith apples.

Fuji apples are sweet and juicy.

Gala apples are aromatic and flavorful.

And Granny Smith apples add a tartness.

But what are your favorite apples? 

You can really choose what you have, what you love, or what’s in season.

There’s no wrong choice here!

Visit a local apple orchard during apple season to pick fresh apples for the best flavor and quality. 

Fresh, local apples will make your apple butter taste even better!

 

 

Making slow cooker apple butter is a great way to embrace the flavors of the fall season! Use it as a spread, a glaze, or a mix-in for your favorite dishes! 

This apple butter is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

 

 

 

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