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As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, the arrival of fall beckons us to embrace the comforting flavors of the season. One of the most beloved traditions of autumn is the making of apple butter, a luscious spread that captures the essence of ripe apples and warm spices. Historically, apple butter has roots that trace back to early American settlers, who sought to preserve the bountiful harvest of apples. This delightful concoction, once a necessity for extending the life of fruit, has now become a cherished staple in many households, evoking nostalgia and the joy of family gatherings.

Slow Cooker Apple Butter – Fall in a Jar!

Experience the cozy flavors of fall with homemade slow cooker apple butter. This easy recipe transforms simple apples and spices into a rich, velvety spread perfect for toast, pancakes, or as a thoughtful gift. Embrace the nostalgia of autumn as you enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen while it simmers. With just a few ingredients tossed into your slow cooker, you’ll craft a seasonal favorite that captures the essence of fall in every bite.
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Ingredients
  

4 lbs of mixed apples (such as Granny Smith, Fuji, and Honeycrisp)

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 cup apple cider

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon ground allspice

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Prepare the Apples: Start by washing the apples thoroughly. Core and slice them into quarters. There’s no need to peel them, as the skins will break down during the cooking process.

    Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the sliced apples. Then, sprinkle in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, apple cider, and all the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt). Pour in the vanilla extract and lemon juice. Stir everything together until the apples are well-coated with the sugars and spices.

      Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for about 8 hours. You can also cook on high for about 4 hours, but low is ideal for better flavor development.

        Blend to Desired Texture: After cooking, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth, or carefully transfer it to a traditional blender in batches.

          Cook to Thicken: Once blended, return the apple butter to the slow cooker and cook on high without the lid for an additional 1-2 hours or until it reaches your desired thickness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

            Jar and Preserve: Once your apple butter has thickened, allow it to cool slightly. Spoon it into sterilized jars and seal with lids. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or you can process jars in a water bath for longer shelf life.

              Serve and Enjoy: Spread your delightful apple butter on toast, pancakes, or yogurt. It’s perfect for gifting, too!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 10 hours | Makes about 5 pints