Apple Butter Crock Pot

Imagine the aroma of sweet, spiced apples filling your home, as you cozy up with a cup of tea.

Apple butter is a simple yet indulgent spread that transforms basic ingredients into a luscious, velvety delight.

As the apples slowly cook in the crock pot, they blend with cinnamon and cloves, creating a warm hug in a jar.

Ready to experience this comforting treat? Let’s bring this dish to life.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 Crock Pot
• 1 Peeler
• 1 Knife
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Measuring cup
• 1 Wooden spoon

Ingredients

• 6 pounds Apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 cups Granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing Apple Butter in a crock pot, you can follow this timeline:

1. Preparation Phase (20 minutes):
   • 0:00 – 0:05: Read through the recipe instructions to understand the process and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
   • 0:05 – 0:10: Peel, core, and slice the apples.
   • 0:10 – 0:15: Measure the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.
   • 0:15 – 0:20: Add the apples, sugar, and spices to the crock pot and stir to coat evenly.
2. Cooking Phase (10 hours):
   • 0:20 – 10:20: Set the crock pot to low and let it cook for 10 hours, stirring occasionally.

You can plan other activities during this time but schedule intervals to check and stir the mixture, such as once every 2-3 hours.

3. Final Steps:

• 10:20 – 10:25: After the cooking time is complete, add the vanilla extract and stir well.
• 10:25 – 10:35: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the apple mixture.
• 10:35 – 10:40: Allow the apple butter to cool slightly.

4. Storage:

– 10:40 – 10:50: Transfer the apple butter to airtight containers. Confirm they’re properly sealed.

5. Cleanup:

– 10:50 – 11:00: Clean the crock pot and any other used equipment.

Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.

Recipe Instructions

Peel, core, and slice the apples.

Place the apples into the crock pot.

Add granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt to the apples.

Stir the mixture until the apples are evenly coated with the spices and sugar.

Set the crock pot to low and cook for 10 hours, stirring occasionally.

After 10 hours, add the vanilla extract and stir well.

For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the apple mixture until smooth.

Allow the apple butter to cool before transferring it to airtight containers.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.

Serving Tips

• Toast: Spread the apple butter on warm, crispy toast for a delicious breakfast or snack.
• Pancakes: Use apple butter as a topping for pancakes or waffles to add a sweet and spiced flavor.
• Yogurt: Mix a spoonful of apple butter into plain or vanilla yogurt for a tasty and nutritious treat.
• Oatmeal: Stir apple butter into your morning oatmeal for a fruity twist on a classic breakfast.
• Cheese Board: Serve apple butter alongside a selection of cheeses and crackers for a sweet and savory appetizer option.

Storage

Store apple butter in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

For longer storage, freeze it.

Ensure containers are clean and dry to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

For freezing apple butter, cool it completely.

Then transfer it to airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags.

Label with the date.

It can be frozen for up to a year.

Reheating

To reheat apple butter, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Alternatively, microwave on low power in short intervals.

Stir frequently.

Final Thoughts

Making apple butter in a crock pot is a simple and rewarding process.

The long cooking time allows the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully.

The result is a rich, spiced apple spread that’s perfect for toast, muffins, or even as a topping for pancakes.

Feel free to adjust the spices to your personal taste for a truly customized treat.

Enjoy your homemade apple butter!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?

Absolutely, you can mix apple varieties for a unique flavor. I’ve tried using Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness. It adds complexity. Just remember, different apples might slightly alter texture and sweetness levels. Enjoy experimenting!

Is It Necessary to Peel the Apples Before Cooking?

You don’t have to peel the apples, but peeling helps create a smoother texture. I once skipped peeling and the apple skins added a rustic charm. However, if you prefer a velvety finish, peel away!

Can I Use Brown Sugar Instead of Granulated Sugar?

You can definitely use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. It adds a richer, caramel-like flavor. I once tried this swap, and the apple butter turned out delightfully warm and cozy, perfect for autumn mornings.

How Can I Tell When the Apple Butter Is Done?

You can tell the apple butter’s done when it thickens and darkens to a deep amber. A spoonful should hold its shape on a plate without spreading. Trust your senses; it should smell deliciously spiced!

What Are Some Creative Ways to Use Apple Butter?

You can spread apple butter on warm toast or swirl it into oatmeal for a cozy breakfast. Try using it as a glaze for roasted meats or mix it into pancake batter for an autumn-inspired twist.

Apple Butter Crock Pot

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 hours hrs

Total Time 10 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Spread

Cuisine American

Servings 5 cups

Equipment

• 1 Crock Pot
• 1 peeler
• 1 Knife
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 Wooden spoon

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 6 pounds Apples peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 cups Granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Peel, core, and slice the apples.
• Place the apples into the crock pot.
• Add granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt to the apples.
• Stir the mixture until the apples are evenly coated with the spices and sugar.
• Set the crock pot to low and cook for 10 hours, stirring occasionally.
• After 10 hours, add the vanilla extract and stir well.
• For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the apple mixture until smooth.
• Allow the apple butter to cool before transferring it to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

For a more intense flavor, consider adding a bit more cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg. If you prefer a thicker apple butter, you can cook it uncovered on high for an additional hour to reduce excess moisture. Ensure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom of the crock pot.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.