Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning
Are you ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, cozy aroma of homemade apple butter? There’s nothing quite like this velvety, spiced spread slathered on warm bread or drizzled over pancakes. Making apple butter in a Crock Pot makes the process simple and stress-free—you’ll get all the fall flavors without the constant stirring.
Even better, apple butter is a perfect way to preserve the season’s apple harvest. Think of it as capturing autumn in a jar! This recipe is family-friendly, perfect for weekend cooking, and guaranteed to have your loved ones asking for more. If you’re a fan of comforting classics, you’ll also love my homemade applesauce, which shares that same cozy spirit.
So grab some apples, dust off your slow cooker, and let’s get started on this delicious journey!
What is Crock Pot Apple Butter?
You might be wondering, why is it called apple butter? Despite the name, there’s no actual butter involved. The name comes from its smooth, buttery texture created by slow-cooking apples until they become thick, rich, and spreadable.
Apple butter has been around for centuries—legend has it that early settlers made it as a way to store the abundant apple harvest. Today, it’s still a beloved treat that brings comfort with every spoonful. Making your own at home not only feels rewarding but also makes for a thoughtful, homemade gift.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Apple Butter
Here are three reasons this recipe is bound to become a favorite:
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Incredible flavor – Sweet, spiced apples transform into a velvety spread you’ll want to put on everything.
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Cost-effective gourmet – With just a few apples and pantry staples, you’ll have jars of apple butter that rival any store-bought version.
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Customizable spices – Add cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or even ginger to make it uniquely yours.
If you love spreads and jams, you’ll also enjoy my homemade fig jam recipe—it’s just as special and flavorful!
How to Make Crock Pot Apple Butter
Quick Overview
This recipe is nearly foolproof! With a hands-off cooking style, your Crock Pot does all the work while you go about your day. It takes about 8–10 hours, most of which is completely unattended.
Key Ingredients
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6–8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work well)
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1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp cinnamon
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1/2 tsp nutmeg
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1/4 tsp cloves
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1/4 tsp salt
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Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the apples – Wash, peel, core, and chop into chunks. Place them in the Crock Pot.
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Add spices and sugar – Sprinkle in sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and salt. Stir to coat the apples.
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Slow cook – Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours, until the apples are soft and the mixture is dark and fragrant.
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Blend – Use an immersion blender for a smooth consistency, or leave it chunky for a rustic feel.
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Canning (optional) – For long-term storage, ladle hot apple butter into sterilized jars, seal, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
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Cool and store – Let jars cool completely before labeling and storing.
What to Serve Apple Butter With
This apple butter is incredibly versatile! Try it with:
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Freshly baked biscuits, pancakes, or waffles
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A sweet twist on grilled cheese
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A cheese board pairing
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Oatmeal or yogurt
It’s as delicious at breakfast as it is as part of a cozy snack spread.
Top Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Apple Butter
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Mix apples – Use a combo of sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor.
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Adjust sweetness – Reduce sugar if you prefer more tang.
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Blend to preference – Smooth for spreadability, or chunky for texture.
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Experiment with spices – Try allspice, ginger, or cardamom for variety.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigerator – Store in jars for up to 1 week.
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Freezer – Freeze for several months (leave space in jars for expansion).
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Canning – Properly sealed jars can last up to a year in a cool, dark place.
When ready to enjoy, gently reheat on the stove or microwave until warm.
Now it’s your turn! Grab those apples and let your slow cooker work its magic. Once you try this homemade apple butter, you’ll want to make it a fall tradition year after year.
Crock Pot Apple Butter
Ingredients
Method
- Start by washing, peeling, and coring the apples. Cut them into small chunks and place them in the Crock Pot.
- Sprinkle in the sugar, spices, lemon juice, and salt. Stir everything together to coat the apples evenly.
- Cover the Crock Pot and set it on low for 8-10 hours, or until the apples are soft and the mixture has darkened significantly.
- Once cooked, use an immersion blender to purée the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture to a stand blender in batches.
- If you want to preserve your apple butter, pour it into sterilized jars while hot, seal them tightly, and process in a boiling water bath for about 10 minutes.
- Allow the jars to cool completely before labeling and storing them. Store your apple butter in the refrigerator or a cool pantry.
