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As the leaves begin to turn and the air cools, the essence of autumn fills our homes and hearts. This season beckons us to embrace the comforting flavors and traditions that make it special. One such tradition is the making of apple butter—a delightful, spreadable concoction that captures the essence of fall in every jar. Apple butter is not just a spread; it is a cozy embrace on a chilly morning, a reminder of harvest time, and an invitation to gather around the table.

Slow Cooker Apple Butter – Fall in a Jar!

Capture the essence of fall with this cozy autumn apple butter recipe! As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, embrace the warmth of homemade apple butter, perfect for spreading on toast or using in your favorite baked goods. With a blend of sweet and tart apples and a mix of warming spices, this recipe is sure to elevate your kitchen's autumn aroma. Experience the joy of preserving the season's flavors and share this delightful treat with family and friends.

Ingredients
  

6 lbs of assorted apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup apple cider

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples. This is a great family activity, so gather everyone around to help out!

    Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, salt, apple cider, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are well-coated in the spices and sugars. If desired, add in the vanilla extract for a deeper flavor.

      Load the Slow Cooker: Transfer the apple mixture into your slow cooker. Spread it out evenly.

        Cook: Cover with the lid and cook on low for 8-10 hours. A longer cooking time will yield a thicker apple butter with a more intense flavor.

          Blend Until Smooth: Once the cooking is complete, carefully use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender.

            Final Cooking Step: If your apple butter is too thin, return it to the slow cooker and cook uncovered on low for an additional 1-2 hours until it thickens to your liking.

              Jar It Up: Once your apple butter has cooled slightly, ladle it into sterilized jars while it's still warm. Seal with lids and either refrigerate or process in a water bath for long-term storage.

                Enjoy: Use your homemade apple butter as a delicious spread on toast, pancakes, or waffles, or as an ingredient in various recipes. It makes for great holiday gifts as well!

                  Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 10 hours | Servings: 8-12 jars