Apple Butter
If you’re looking for a fall recipe that’s as cozy as it is versatile, this homemade apple butter is a must-try. Perfect for spreading on toast, swirling into oatmeal, or even using as a glaze for meats, apple butter is an autumn classic that packs a punch of rich apple flavor. And the best part? You can make it right in your slow cooker with minimal effort. This apple butter recipe is the ultimate way to use up sweet varieties of apples like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp, bringing out their natural sweetness and transforming them into a smooth, deep-colored spread.
Apple Butter
Making apple butter in the crockpot is incredibly simple. All it takes is a few basic ingredients—apples, cinnamon sticks, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. After an initial hour on high, the apples cook low and slow for a full 10 hours, allowing the flavors to develop and the texture to thicken naturally. By the time it’s done, your home will be filled with a warm, spiced aroma that’s hard to resist!
Once your apple butter has cooked down to that deep, rich brown hue, an immersion blender will give it the perfect, spreadable consistency. With just a few steps and a lot of hands-off time, you’ll have a batch of delicious apple butter ready to elevate your favorite fall dishes or gift to friends and family.
In our house, we love everything apples! From our apple pie bread to our apple toffee dump cake we love it all! But one of our all-time favorites is apple butter. If you have never tried to make homemade apple butter it is definitely time.
What You Will Love About This Recipe
There’s so much to love about this homemade apple butter recipe! First, it’s incredibly easy to make, with most of the magic happening right in your slow cooker. No need to stand over the stove – just toss in the ingredients, set the timer, and let your crockpot work its slow-cooking magic. Plus, it’s naturally sweet and rich in flavor, capturing the essence of fresh apples with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla for a cozy, spiced finish.
Another reason this recipe shines is its versatility. Apple butter isn’t just for toast; it’s fantastic in baking, stirred into oatmeal, mixed with yogurt, or used as a glaze for roasted meats. It even makes a thoughtful, homemade gift that’s perfect for the holiday season. And, of course, the smell that fills your kitchen while it cooks is pure autumn bliss.
If your apples are a little on the sweeter side you can use a little less sugar.
How to make apple butter
- Add into your crockpot, your apples, cinnamon sticks, brown sugar, vanilla & salt. Toss to coat.
- Cook on high for 1 hour.
- After one hour switch to low and cook for 10 hours stirring occasionally.
- Using an immersion blender to blend to your desired consistency.
- Turn your crockpot off
- Allow apple butter to cool for 30 minutes.
- Move to airtight jars. Store in the refrigerator.
Can I still make this if I do not have a slow cooker
Stovetop Method:
Place your quartered and cored apples in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Add the cinnamon sticks, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla, just as in the crockpot version. Cook over medium heat, bringing it to a simmer. Once simmering, lower the heat and cover. Cook for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and start to break down. Then, uncover the pot and cook on low for another 1-2 hours, stirring frequently, until it thickens to the right consistency. Use an immersion blender for a smooth texture.
Oven Method:
After the initial simmer on the stovetop (about an hour until apples soften), transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish or keep it in your Dutch oven. Bake at a low temperature, around 250°F (120°C), for about 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally until the apple butter reaches a thick, dark consistency. Then, blend to smooth it out.
Either method works well—you’ll still get
Tips & Tricks
Choose the Right Apples: Sweet varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work best because they have a natural sweetness that balances beautifully with the brown sugar and spices. If you like a tarter flavor, mix in some Granny Smith apples for extra depth.
Don’t Rush the Slow Cook: While it’s tempting to speed things up, cooking low and slow (10 hours on LOW after the initial hour on HIGH) brings out that deep, caramelized flavor and gives apple butter its thick, silky texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Depending on the apples you use, you might find the apple butter is sweet enough without all of the brown sugar. Start with a smaller amount if you prefer, and add more toward the end if needed.
Blend for Consistency: An immersion blender is perfect for achieving that smooth, buttery consistency directly in the crockpot. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender.
Store and Freeze: Once cooled, apple butter can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for up to three months. Store in airtight containers or glass jars for the best flavor preservation.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use different types of apples together?
Yes! Mixing different apple varieties can add depth to the flavor. Sweet apples like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp give a natural sweetness, while a few tart varieties like Granny Smith add a subtle tang.
2. How do I know when the apple butter is done?
The apple butter is ready when it’s thick, dark, and smooth in texture—much darker than applesauce. It should easily coat the back of a spoon without being runny.
3. Can I make this apple butter without added sugar?
Yes, you can adjust the sweetness to your preference. If your apples are very sweet, you might not need any added sugar. Start with a smaller amount of brown sugar and add more if you want toward the end of cooking.
4. What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
No problem! You can carefully transfer the cooked apples to a countertop blender in batches. Just make sure the mixture has cooled slightly to avoid splattering.
5. How long does homemade apple butter last?
Stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to two weeks in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze it in portions—it keeps for about three months in the freezer.
6. Can I can this apple butter for longer preservation?
Yes, apple butter is great for canning! Follow standard canning procedures to ensure it’s properly preserved. This way, you can enjoy it throughout the year.
7. Can I use this apple butter in recipes?
Definitely! Apple butter is fantastic as a spread on toast or biscuits, but it’s also great in baking, stirred into oatmeal, or as a glaze for pork or chicken.
For more apple recipes, try these!
Apple Butter Recipe
Apple butter is a delicious homemade treat that you can easily spread on all your favorite things. This simple crockpot apple butter will become a fall favorite in your home in no time.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs Apples, any sweet like Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Red, etc. Washed,
- quartered and cored
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/8 TSP Salt
- 1 TSP Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Place apples into your crockpot.
- Add in the cinnamon sticks, brown sugar, salt & vanilla extract.
- Mix to combine.
- Cook on HIGH for 1 hour.
- Then switch to LOW for 10 hours. Stir occasionally.
- Use an immersion blender to reach the desired butter consistency
- Your final consistency should be smooth and a nice dark color. Much darker than applesauce color.
Notes
**This resulted in approximately 4 cups of apple butter
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
30Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 54Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 11mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 2gSugar: 11gProtein: 0g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
