Apple Butter In A Crock Pot Recipe

Transform ordinary apples into extraordinary apple butter with this effortless crock-pot recipe! The slow cooking process creates a rich, deeply flavorful spread perfect for bagels, muffins, or as a decadent filling for spice cakes. Your kitchen will be filled with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and apples for days! This recipe uses a combination of sweet and tart apples for the ultimate flavor balance. Easy enough for beginners, impressive enough for company.

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 2910 mins
Calories 233.8 kcal
Protein 0g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Apple Butter In A Crock Pot 28

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Apple Butter In A Crock Pot

  • Apple
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Cinnamon
  • Ground Cloves
  • Salt
  • 2 ½ to 3 cups granulated sugar

How to Make Apple Butter In A Crock Pot

  1. Peel, core, and slice approximately 6-8 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties recommended). The amount will depend on the size of your crock-pot; aim to fill it about ¾ full.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the crock-pot to prevent sticking.
  3. Cook on low for 24-36 hours, stirring occasionally throughout the day. For faster cooking, cook on high for 8-10 hours during the day, then switch to low overnight.
  4. After the first 12 hours of cooking, add 2 ½ to 3 cups of granulated sugar (or to taste, depending on apple sweetness).
  5. Continue cooking on low until the apple butter is thick and glossy, about 12-18 more hours (total cook time will be approximately 24-36 hours).
  6. Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (or your preferred spice blend). Cook for an additional hour to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Ladle the hot apple butter into sterilized canning jars, leaving ½ inch headspace.
  8. Seal the jars tightly.
  9. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure safe preservation.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

9 g

Sugar

239g

Fat

0g

Carbs

20g