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The Ultimate Easy Slow Cooker Apple Butter

A slice of toasted bread generously topped with thick, dark homemade apple butter spread.

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Make rich, spiced apple butter using your slow cooker. This simple recipe requires minimal hands-on time and yields a thick, flavorful spread perfect for toast or baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lbs apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and quartered
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Place the apple quarters and apple cider into the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the apples are very soft.
  3. Carefully transfer the cooked apples and liquid to a blender or use an immersion blender to process until completely smooth.
  4. Return the smooth mixture to the slow cooker.
  5. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and salt.
  6. Cook uncovered on low for an additional 2 to 4 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, until the mixture has thickened considerably and is dark brown.
  7. If you prefer a thicker consistency, remove the lid and increase the heat to high for the last hour.
  8. Cool completely before storing in the refrigerator or freezer.

Notes

  • For a stovetop version, cook the apples in a large pot over medium heat until soft, then proceed with the remaining steps, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
  • If you skip peeling the apples, strain the mixture through a food mill before blending for a smoother texture.
  • This apple butter freezes well for up to 6 months.

Nutrition