Experience the warmth of autumn with a luscious, slow-cooked apple butter that transforms fresh, chopped apples into a smooth, velvety spread. Apple cider adds a bright twist while granulated and brown sugars blend with cinnamon, cloves, and lemon for a unique flavor profile perfect for toast or a delightful dessert topping.

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I’m excited to share my Slow Cooker Apple Butter recipe that i made recently and really enjoyed making. This recipe uses 8 medium apples that have been peeled, cored, and chopped, along with 1/2 cup apple cider to give it just the right tang.

I mix in 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup packed brown sugar which not only sweetens it perfectly but also helps to preserve it. I use 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, and a pinch of salt, then finish everything off with 1 tablespoon lemon juice.

This combination brings out flavors that remind me of autumn, making it a great project for any day you want some classic slow cooker warmth. Apples are high in fiber and vitamin C which makes this spread a healthier option compared to many alternatives.

I find that using my magical slow cooker makes it an ideal treat for thanksgiving or a perfect homemade gift idea.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this slow cooker apple butter for so many reasons. First, I really dig how easy it is to make. I just toss chopped apples with apple cider, sugars, and spices into the slow cooker, and then I can do other stuff while it simmers away. It’s so forgiving – even if I forget to stir it exactly every two hours, it still turns out yummy.

Second, the flavors are just perfect for me. I adore the mix of cinnamon and cloves with a bit of lemon juice to brighten it up. It reminds me of cozy fall days and gives my whole kitchen an amazing smell that makes everyone feel welcome.

Third, I love how versatile it is. Whether I blend it for a smooth texture or leave it chunky, I can use it on toast, mix it into desserts, or even stir it into oatmeal. Knowing I can tweak it just the way I like makes it feel like my own special creation.

Lastly, there’s something really satisfying about making something from scratch that tastes so good. I feel proud every time I serve up a jar of this apple butter, knowing that a few simple ingredients and a little patience created something really delicious.

Ingredients

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Apples provide abundant fiber, vitamins and natural sweetness, delivering a tart yet crisp texture.
Apple cider adds gentle tanginess and moisture, enhancing apple flavor with its warm liquid base.
Granulated sugar sweetens the mix and aids in thickening, resulting in a smooth, luscious butter.
Brown sugar lends a deep, caramel-like richness, adding moisture and a soft, appealing sweet depth.
Cinnamon infuses warm, inviting spice notes that naturally complement the apple base and sugars.
Cloves provide a bold, aromatic kick and add extra depth to the overall spiced flavor.
Lemon juice offers bright acidity, cutting thru the sweetness and perfectly balancing the recipe.

Ingredient Quantities

8 medium apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)

1/2 cup apple cider

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon lemon juice

How to Make this

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1. Start by placing all the chopped apples in your slow cooker along with the apple cider and lemon juice

2. Next, add the granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt to the bowl

3. Stir everything together well cause you want each apple piece to get coated with all the sugars and spices

4. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on low for about 8 hours

5. Make sure you stir occasionally every 2 hours or so to help break down the apples evenly

6. After 8 hours, check the consistency of the apples; if they arent broken down enough you can let it cook longer on low

7. If you want a smoother texture then use an immersion blender right in the slow cooker to blend it until your satisfied

8. If the apple butter seems too runny, switch the cooker to high for an extra hour to let it thicken up

9. Finally, transfer your apple butter to clean jars or containers and let them cool before enjoying it on toast or as a topping for desserts

Equipment Needed

1. Slow cooker with its lid for the long cooking process
2. Measuring cups and spoons for the apple cider, sugars, lemon juice, and spices
3. Mixing utensil like a spatula or spoon to stir the apples and spices
4. Immersion blender if you want a smoother texture at the end
5. Clean jars or containers for storing the finished apple butter
6. Knife and cutting board for prepping the apples if not already chopped

FAQ

How long does the apple butter need to be cooked?

Typically, you'll need about 8 to 10 hours on low in the slow cooker. Make sure to stir it once in a while if you can.

What kind of apples should I use for this recipe?

You really can use any kind of apples, but I recommended tart ones like Granny Smith to get that perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

Can I use my regular oven instead of a slow cooker?

Sure, you can, but you have to adjust the heat and time. It usually takes around 2 to 3 hours in a low oven and you'll need to check it every now and then.

How do I store leftover apple butter?

Just store it in an airtight jar in the fridge and it should last up to three weeks. Some people even freeze it to keep it longer.

Can I substitute the apple cider with something else?

Yes, you can use apple juice if you're out of cider, but remember, it might change the flavor a bit. Sometimes adding a little extra lemon juice can help balance out the taste.

Slow Cooker Apple Butter Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have apple cider, you can use unsweetened apple juice or water with a splash of apple extract to keep that fruity vibe.
If granulated sugar is missing from your pantry, try swapping it out with coconut sugar which gives a similar sweetness and a hint of caramel.
For the brown sugar, you could substitute with dark muscovado sugar—it adds a nice rich texture and deep flavor.
If ground cloves arent available, a pinch of allspice works pretty well to bring in that warm, spicy note.
And if you dont have lemon juice, a bit of lime juice or a splash of vinegar can do the trick to brighten up the mix.

Pro Tips

1. One thing that really helps is to check on your mix every couple hours and stir it up real good. It doesn’t have to be perfect every time, but giving it a good stir helps the apples break down evenly.
2. If you like your apple butter on the smoother side, don’t be afraid to bring out that immersion blender while it’s still in the cooker. Just be careful not to overdo it or you might lose a bit of the texture.
3. Sometimes the thickness can be a little tricky to get right. If it turns out runny, try cranking up the heat for about an extra hour. If it’s too thick, a splash of extra apple cider can help thin things out.
4. Feel free to experiment with the spices a bit. A teensy pinch of something extra like nutmeg can give it a fun twist, but add it slowly so you don’t overdo it.