Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Butter

$- Apples: You will need 6 large apples. I suggest using a mix of Granny Smith and Fuji. This blend gives a nice balance of tart and sweet flavors. Make sure to peel, core, and chop them into small pieces. - Sweeteners: We use 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Brown sugar adds a rich, deep flavor, while granulated sugar helps balance the sweetness. - Spices: The spices are key. You will need: - 1 tablespoon of cinnamon - 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg - 1 teaspoon of ground ginger - 1/2 teaspoon of allspice - 1/4 teaspoon of cloves - 1/4 teaspoon of salt These spices create a warm and cozy taste that makes the apple butter special. - Additional ingredients: You will also need 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This helps brighten the flavor. Lastly, add 1/4 cup of water. The water helps the apples cook down nicely in the slow cooker. How to peel, core, and chop apples Start with 6 large apples. I like a mix of Granny Smith and Fuji for great flavor. First, wash the apples well. Use a peeler to remove the skin. After peeling, use a corer to take out the core. Then, chop the apples into small pieces. Aim for chunks about one inch. This size helps them cook evenly. Mixing sugar and spices: Techniques for best results Next, grab a bowl and add 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Then, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Now, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of allspice, 1/4 teaspoon of cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well until everything is combined. This step is key for even flavor. Slow cooking settings: Low heat importance Pour the sugar and spice mix over the apples in your slow cooker. Add 1/4 cup of water to help the apples cook. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let it cook for 6 to 8 hours. Low heat is important. It breaks down the apples slowly, making them soft and sweet. Importance of stirring occasionally While cooking, remember to stir the mixture occasionally. This ensures all the apples get coated in the spices and sugar. Stirring helps prevent sticking and burning. It also allows the flavors to blend nicely. Pureeing with immersion blender vs. regular blender When the apples are soft and the mixture is thick, it's time to puree. You can use an immersion blender right in the slow cooker. This is quick and easy. If you prefer, you can transfer the mix in batches to a regular blender. Just be careful with hot liquids. Adjusting flavors: When and how to taste After pureeing, taste your apple butter. If you want it sweeter, add more sugar. If you want more spice, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Cook for an extra 30 minutes on high if you adjust flavors. This helps deepen the taste. Enjoy the rich aroma as it cooks! For the best apple butter, I love using a mix of Granny Smith and Fuji apples. Granny Smith brings a nice tartness, while Fuji adds sweetness. This combo makes your apple butter rich in flavor. You can also try Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples for a twist. When it comes to storage, keep your apples in a cool, dark place. If you have a lot, store them in the fridge. This helps them stay fresh longer. Avoid washing them until you're ready to use them. Excess moisture can cause them to rot. To give your apple butter a unique twist, you can add spices like cardamom or vanilla. They add warmth and depth. A splash of maple syrup can also enhance sweetness. If you want it sweeter, add more brown sugar or granulated sugar. For thickness, if your apple butter is too runny, let it cook longer with the lid off. This helps reduce excess liquid. Always taste your apple butter before finishing. This way, you can adjust the sweetness or spice levels to your liking. {{image_2}} You can change the spices in this apple butter for new tastes. Try adding cardamom for warmth or vanilla for sweetness. Each spice brings a unique flavor. In the fall, think about using pumpkin spice. This mix usually includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. It can make your apple butter feel even cozier and festive. You can make this apple butter a bit healthier. Try using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. Both options add natural sweetness. If you want a low-calorie version, use less sugar overall. You can also add more apples to take the place of some sugar. This keeps the flavor strong while cutting calories. For the best results, store your apple butter in glass jars. Mason jars work great. Make sure they are clean and dry before filling them. If you want to keep it simple, use a plastic container with a tight lid. You can store it in the fridge for a short time or can it for longer use. If you choose refrigeration, just place the jars in the fridge after they cool. For canning, follow safe methods to seal jars properly. Apple butter lasts about two weeks in the fridge. It's best to check for any signs of spoilage before you use it. If you seal your jars correctly, apple butter can last for a year on the shelf. Make sure to store them in a cool, dark place. When you open a jar, put it back in the fridge and use it within two weeks. This way, you enjoy the best taste and quality! Can I use frozen apples for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen apples. They should be thawed first and then drained. This way, you avoid too much extra liquid in your apple butter. The flavor will still be good, but fresh apples are best. How do I know when the apple butter is done? The apple butter is done when it thickens. The apples should be very soft. You can check by stirring. If it stays in place, it’s ready. A good sign is when it looks like a thick sauce. Is it safe to can apple butter at home? Yes, it is safe to can apple butter at home. Make sure to follow safe canning practices. This includes using clean jars and proper sealing methods. Always check for signs of spoilage before use. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker? Yes, you can make this recipe on the stove. Cook the apples in a pot over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. It will take less time, about 2 to 3 hours. Just keep an eye on it. In this blog post, we explored how to make slow cooker spiced apple butter. We reviewed the key ingredients like apples, sugars, and spices. You learned the step-by-step process, from prepping apples to finalizing the taste. I shared tips on choosing apples and suggestions for flavor enhancements. Lastly, we discussed how to store your apple butter and answered common questions. Now, you have everything needed to create a delicious batch. Enjoy the sweet taste and warm aromas of homemade apple butter.$

Create a delicious batch of slow cooker spiced apple butter with this easy recipe! Using a blend of crisp apples, warm spices, and sweeteners, this homemade treat is perfect for spreading on toast or giving as gifts. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy the rich flavors of fall all year round. Ready to indulge in this comforting delight? Click to explore the full recipe and get inspired in your kitchen!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

6 large apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Fuji), peeled, cored, and chopped

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1/4 teaspoon cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup water

Instructions

Begin by preparing your apples: peel, core, and chop them into small pieces. Place the chopped apples in your slow cooker.

In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, cloves, and salt until well mixed.

Pour the sugar and spice mixture over the apples in the slow cooker. Add water into the mix, which will help with cooking the apples.

Stir everything together so that the apples are evenly coated in the sugar and spices.

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Let the apple butter cook for 6 to 8 hours, stirring occasionally.

Once the mixture is thickened and the apples are very soft, use an immersion blender to puree the apple mixture until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender.

Taste your apple butter and adjust sweetness or spices if desired, cooking for an additional 30 minutes on high to deepen flavors if needed.

Once finished, let the apple butter cool before transferring it to jars for storage. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or jarred for longer storage.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 8 hours | Makes about 4 cups