Homemade Crockpot Apple Butter: The Easiest & Most Delicious Fall Recipe
If you adore the sweet, spiced flavor of apples, prepare to fall in love with this incredibly simple and absolutely delicious homemade crockpot apple butter recipe. It’s an effortless way to create a warm, comforting spread that tastes divine on virtually anything – from your favorite breakfast bread to a dollop on yogurt. Get ready to fill your home with the intoxicating aroma of fall!
As the leaves begin to change and a crisp coolness fills the air, fall emerges as the perfect season to indulge in cozy, sweet treats any time of day. This magical time often brings to mind hearty breakfasts and comforting baked goods. Imagine waking up to a warm, inviting scent that promises a sweet addition to your morning. Whether it’s spread generously on a fluffy buttermilk biscuit, a flaky croissant, or a slice of perfectly toasted artisanal bread, a touch of apple butter elevates any breakfast into a truly special occasion.
When we talk about fall, it’s impossible not to mention apples. They truly reign supreme during this season, inspiring a delightful array of culinary creations. From classic apple pies and vibrant candy apples to warm and inviting apple cider, the possibilities are endless. Among these beloved apple-infused delights, apple butter stands out as a unique and exceptionally flavorful spread. While you might typically find this seasonal delicacy at local farmer’s markets or specialty food shops, there’s an immense satisfaction in crafting your own homemade version. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make right in your slow cooker.
The Simplicity and Magic of Slow Cooker Apple Butter
The idea of making your own apple butter might initially seem like a daunting task, something reserved for experienced home canners or chefs. However, the beauty of this recipe lies in its sheer simplicity, especially when utilizing the power of a slow cooker. These kitchen workhorses make preparing a myriad of delicious dishes practically effortless, and homemade apple butter is no exception. In fact, the most “challenging” step in this entire process is merely peeling, coring, and slicing the apples – once that’s done, your trusty crockpot takes over, doing all the heavy lifting for hours.
One of the most delightful aspects of this recipe is the option to transform it into an overnight crockpot apple butter. By simply letting the apples simmer on a low setting throughout the night, you’ll awaken to a truly magical experience. Not only will your home be filled with the comforting, sweet scent of apples and cinnamon, but you’ll also have a fresh batch of warm, perfectly spiced apple butter ready to enjoy with your morning coffee. It’s an instant mood booster and a delicious reward for minimal effort.
Why Choose Homemade? Purity, Flavor, and Customization
Beyond the sheer ease of preparation, this recipe shines for its incredibly straightforward ingredient list. Forget about hunting for obscure specialty items; chances are, you already have everything you need right in your pantry. The core ingredients are humble yet powerful: fresh apples, a touch of sugar (both white and brown for depth), warm cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla. By making your own apple butter at home, you gain complete control over what goes into it, avoiding any unwanted additives or artificial flavors often found in store-bought versions. You’ll know exactly what you’re spreading on your family’s breakfast, giving you peace of mind alongside a burst of natural, wholesome flavor.
Once you experience the pure joy and effortless nature of making this slow cooker apple butter, you’ll likely find yourself making batches throughout the entire fall season and beyond. It’s not just a wonderful treat for your own household; homemade apple butter also makes an incredibly thoughtful and cherished gift. Simply spoon your freshly made apple butter into elegant mason jars, tie a pretty ribbon around the lid, and add a custom label. These charming jars are perfect for holiday gifts, hostess presents, or just a sweet gesture for friends and neighbors. When stored in the refrigerator, your homemade apple butter will stay fresh for up to two weeks. For extended enjoyment, proper canning techniques can dramatically increase its shelf life, allowing you to savor the taste of fall all year long.
For your convenience, a printable version of the full recipe with precise measurements and steps is included at the bottom of this post.
Crockpot Apple Butter Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients for this easy apple butter recipe is the first step towards a wonderfully aromatic kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring just a handful of common items you likely already have on hand. For the best results, choose a mix of sweet and tart apples to achieve a balanced flavor profile. Good options include Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or even a few Granny Smith apples for an extra tang. Don’t forget your slow cooker – a 6 to 7-quart model works perfectly for this quantity.
- 3 lbs apples (cored, peeled, and sliced – see tip below!)
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
Pro Tip for Enhanced Flavor: To truly elevate the warm, inviting spices of the fall season in this recipe, consider swapping out plain ground cinnamon for a quality apple pie spice blend. This blend typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, adding a richer, more complex aromatic profile that perfectly complements the apples. You could also add a pinch of ground cloves or a tiny grate of fresh ginger for an extra layer of warmth.
Essential Supplies for Homemade Apple Butter
Having the right tools can make the process of crafting homemade apple butter even more enjoyable and efficient. While the ingredient list is minimal, a few key kitchen essentials will ensure your apple butter-making experience is smooth and successful. Here are some recommended supplies that will come in handy:
Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow CookerOXO Good Grips Swivel PeelerOXO Steel Apple Slicer, Corer and DividerBall Pint Jar, Regular Mouth, Set of 12OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk
How to Make Crockpot Apple Butter: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making homemade apple butter in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious, spiced spread that will quickly become a fall favorite. Remember, the slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the magic happens!
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples. Begin by thoroughly washing your 3 pounds of apples. Then, core, peel, and slice them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Don’t worry too much about perfect uniformity, as they will soften considerably during cooking. Using an apple peeler and corer can significantly speed up this process.
Step 2: Load the Crockpot. Once your apples are prepared, transfer them directly into the basin of your slow cooker. Ensure they are distributed somewhat evenly.
Step 3: Add Flavorings. Sprinkle the white sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon (or apple pie spice), and pour in the vanilla extract over the apples in the crockpot. These ingredients will infuse the apples with their signature sweet and spiced flavor.
Step 4: Coat the Apples. Using a large spoon or spatula, thoroughly toss the apples until they are completely coated with the sugar and spice mixture. This ensures every piece gets infused with flavor as it cooks.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection. Cover the crockpot and cook on the LOW setting for approximately 10 hours. While minimal stirring is needed, an occasional stir (once or twice throughout the cooking period, if desired) can help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. After 10 hours, the apples will have broken down significantly, and the mixture will be dark, rich, and beautifully thickened. The deep color is a hallmark of perfectly cooked apple butter.
Step 6: Achieve Smoothness. For a truly smooth consistency, use an immersion blender directly in the crockpot to blend the apple butter until it reaches your desired texture. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the cooked apples to a regular blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Be cautious with hot liquids in a blender; fill it only halfway and blend in batches. If you prefer a slightly chunkier apple butter, a potato masher can be used right in the crockpot.
Step 7: Store and Enjoy. Spoon the warm, fragrant apple butter into clean jars. Allow it to cool completely before sealing and storing it in the refrigerator. Your homemade crockpot apple butter will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, consider proper canning techniques.
Serving Suggestions: More Than Just Breakfast!
While this delightful apple butter is absolutely heavenly on a simple piece of toast, an English muffin, or a flaky croissant, its versatility extends far beyond breakfast. Don’t be shy about enjoying it on a spoon straight out of the jar – we won’t tell! For a more adventurous culinary experience, try incorporating it into other dishes:
- Breakfast Delights: Swirl it into your morning oatmeal or yogurt, top pancakes or waffles, or use it as a filling for crepes.
- Savory Pairings: Apple butter pairs beautifully with savory dishes. Use it as a glaze for roasted pork loin, a condiment for chicken or turkey sandwiches, or even alongside a sharp cheddar on a cheese board.
- Dessert Topping: Drizzle warm apple butter over vanilla ice cream, blend it into a milkshake, or use it as a filling for pastries and tarts.
- Baking Ingredient: Substitute some of the oil or butter in muffin or quick bread recipes with apple butter for added moisture and apple flavor.
Explore More Fall Slow Cooker Recipes
The slow cooker is an indispensable tool for creating warm and comforting meals throughout the autumn months. If you enjoyed the ease and deliciousness of this apple butter, you’ll love exploring other fall-inspired slow cooker recipes. Here are some of our favorites to keep your crockpot busy and your home smelling incredible:
- Easy Crockpot Apple Cider
- Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
- Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili
- Apple Pear Crisp in the Slow Cooker
Easy Crockpot Apple Butter
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- 3 lbs apples cored, peeled, and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoons vanilla
Instructions
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Add apples, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla to crockpot. Toss the apples until completely coated.
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Cook for 10 hours on low. Stir occasionally, if desired.
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After 10 hours, the apple butter will be dark and thickened. Whisk to make it a bit more smooth.
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Spoon apple butter into jars and store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Did You Make This Delicious Apple Butter Recipe?
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