Slow Cooker Apple Butter Recipe Easy Homemade Fall Spread
This easy slow cooker apple butter recipe delivers a rich, spiced fall spread with minimal effort. Sweet apples, cozy spices, and a hint of vanilla simmer to perfection for a comforting treat that’s perfect for breakfast, gifting, or snacking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 9-12 hours
- Total Time: 9 hours 20 minutes to 12 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: About 6-7 cups (approximately 48-56 servings, 2 tablespoons each) 1x
- Category: Spread
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 pounds fresh apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (mix of Gala and Granny Smith recommended)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice apples into uniform chunks. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and salt over apples. Pour in apple cider. Toss until apples are well coated.
- Transfer apple mixture to a slow cooker (6-quart or larger). Spread evenly and cover with lid.
- Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, stirring halfway through.
- Once apples are deep brown and soft, remove lid. Puree mixture with an immersion blender in the slow cooker, or transfer in batches to a blender. For chunky texture, mash with a potato masher.
- Switch slow cooker to HIGH and cook uncovered for 1-2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, until apple butter thickens and holds its shape.
- Stir in vanilla extract and lemon juice. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as needed.
- Spoon apple butter into clean jars. Cool to room temperature before sealing. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks or freeze for several months.
Notes
Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for best flavor. Stir halfway through cooking and during the last hour uncovered to prevent scorching. For extra smooth texture, strain after blending. Adjust spices to taste. Apple butter thickens as it cools and flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: apple butter, slow cooker, fall recipes, homemade spread, easy apple butter, crockpot apple butter, autumn, vegan, gluten-free, breakfast, fruit spread