Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Ingredients

• 2.25 lb apples (Chopped; peeling optional. Honeycrisp recommended.)
• 1 cup apple cider
• 0.5 cup water
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• salt (A dash, or to taste.)
• 0.5 lemon lemon juice (Juice from half a lemon.)
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract (Stir in after cooking.)
• 0.5 tsp ground cloves (Add to taste after cooking.)
• 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg (Add to taste after cooking.)

Steps

1. 1

   Chop the apples into roughly even pieces. Peeling is optional; leaving the skins on adds color and flavor. Prepare a large saucepan and a slow cooker.

2. 2

   Place the chopped apples, brown sugar, salt, apple cider, and water in the large saucepan. Set it over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.

3. 3

   Once simmering, cover the saucepan with a lid left slightly vented. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very tender and fragrant.

4. 4

   Transfer the softened apple mixture to the slow cooker. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine.

5. 5

   Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are deeply softened and the mixture is aromatic.

6. 6

   Blend the cooked apples directly in the slow cooker with an immersion blender until completely smooth. Use care to avoid splashing the hot mixture.

7. 7

   Continue cooking uncovered, or with the lid well vented, for 2 additional hours so excess moisture evaporates and the apple butter thickens to a spreadable consistency.

8. 8

   Remove the slow cooker from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg, adjusting the spices to taste.

9. 9

   Let the apple butter cool, then transfer it to clean jars. Refrigerate before serving or storage.

Notes

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months. This apple butter is not shelf-stable unless properly canned using a tested canning method. Serve with biscuits, ice cream, toast, or use as a gift.

Nutrition per serving

• spread
• breakfast
• dessert
• slow-cooked
• slow cooker
• fall
• vegetarian
• gluten-free