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Apple Butter in the Crock-pot Recipe

Apple Butter in the Crock-pot Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 30 reviews

This slow-cooked Apple Butter recipe uses a crock-pot to transform fresh apples into a rich, spiced, smooth spread. Perfect for scones, toast, or sandwiches, this homemade apple butter combines the natural sweetness of Gala, Fuji, and Honeycrisp apples with cinnamon and sugar for a deliciously thick, flavorful treat made with minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples

  • 6 lbs apples (peeled and roughly chopped; Gala, Fuji, and Honeycrisp varieties recommended)

Other Ingredients

  • 3 cups white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: Place the peeled and chopped apples in the crockpot. Sprinkle the white sugar, cinnamon, and kosher salt evenly over the apples.
  2. Cook with Lid On: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set the heat to HIGH. Let it cook for a few hours to allow the apples to soften and the sugar to dissolve.
  3. Simmer with Lid Off: After the initial cooking time, uncover the crockpot and stir the mixture well. Continue cooking with the lid off to allow moisture to evaporate and the mixture to thicken.
  4. Monitor and Stir: Stir occasionally to prevent the apple butter from sticking and burning on the sides. Continue simmering until the mixture is thick and dark brown in color, usually around 8 to 10 hours total cooking time.
  5. Puree the Mixture: When most of the liquid has absorbed, use an immersion blender directly in the crockpot to puree the apple mixture until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.
  6. Adjust Thickness: Return the pureed apple butter to the crockpot on LOW heat, uncovered. Let it simmer gently for an additional 30 minutes to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the desired thickness is achieved.
  7. Store Properly: Once finished, immediately transfer the apple butter to sterile canning jars or airtight containers for storage. Allow to cool before sealing and refrigerate or process for longer preservation.

Notes

  • Use a mix of sweet apple varieties like Gala, Fuji, and Honeycrisp for balanced flavor.
  • Stir frequently when cooking uncovered to avoid sticking and burning.
  • Adjust sugar levels to taste, especially if using naturally very sweet apples.
  • The apple butter thickens as it cools, so slightly thinner consistency when hot is ideal.
  • This recipe can be canned for shelf storage or refrigerated for up to two weeks.
  • Consider adding cloves or nutmeg for additional warm spice notes if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple butter, crockpot apple butter, slow cooker apple butter, homemade apple butter, spiced apple spread

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/apple-butter-in-the-crock-pot-recipe/