Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Slow cooker apple butter is more than a delicious spread, it’s autumn in a jar. Apples slow cook with maple syrup, allspice, ground cloves, and cinnamon creating a concentrated flavor that’s perfect for fall. Using the crockpot makes this process effortless! Making homemade own apple butter allows you to control the ingredients. Be prepared to have your kitchen smelling amazing as this cooks. Instructions to make this easy apple butter recipe in the Instant Pot are also included.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Apple Butter

• Apples (skin-on)
• Maple Syrup
• Allspice
• Ground Cloves
• Cinnamon Stick

How To Make Apple Butter In The Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker

1. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir gently.
2. Cook HIGH 4-5 hours or LOW 8-10.
3. Let the apples cool. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a food processor or blender. Blend the apple butter down until the apple butter has a smooth consistency.

Instant Pot

1. Add all the ingredients to the pressure cooker. Be sure to add the additional 1/2 cup of liquid. Stir gently.
2. Close lid and seal valve. Set high pressure and cook for 60 minutes. When cooking time is complete, quick release the pressure. 
3. Let the apples cool. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a food processor or blender. Blend the apple butter down until the apple butter has a smooth consistency.

FAQs & Tips

What is apple butter?

Apple butter is very similar to applesauce. Apples cook with spices until they are reach a dark brown color with a caramelized consistency. The end result is a smooth, thick spread. The low and slow cooking method required makes apple butter perfect for slow cooking! Despite the name, apple butter does not contain actual dairy. 

Do you have to peel the skin off the apples?

Nope! You leave the skin on the apples. The skin add extra flavor and nutrients. Don’t worry, it will will break down during the long cooking process. After you blend it, you won’t even notice the skins.

How will you know when the apple butter is done?

It’s ready when it has reduced significantly, thickened, and turned a deep brown color. You can test the consistency by placing a spoonful on a plate—if no liquid separates, it’s done.

Do you have to use maple syrup?

Nope. Feel free to substitute the sweetener of your choice whether it be sugar, honey, brown sugar, stevia, etc. 

How do you serve apple butter?

When it comes to serving apple butter, the sky is the limit. The versatile spread can be served on toast, biscuits, in oatmeal, in baked goods, over ice cream, or even as a glaze for seafood and meats. 

How do you store leftovers?

Store leftover slow cooker apple butter in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. 

What size slow cooker did I use?

I used a 3.5-quart slow cooker for this recipe but it easily could have fit in a smaller 2-quart. I only have a 6-quart Instant Pot so I use that when making this recipe.

Apple Recipes

• Homemade Cider

• Apples and Honey Challah Bread Pudding

• Apple Bake

• Unsweetened Applesauce

• Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

• Chicken with Apples and Honey

Slow Cooker Apple Butter

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Slow cooker apple butter is more than a delicious spread, it’s autumn in a jar. Apples slow cook with maple syrup, allspice, ground cloves, and cinnamon creating a concentrated flavor that’s perfect for fall. Using the crockpot makes this process effortless! Making homemade own apple butter allows you to control the ingredients. Be prepared to have your kitchen smelling amazing as this cooks. Instructions to make this easy apple butter recipe in the Instant Pot are also included.

• Author: Shannon Epstein
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 5 minutes 4 hours
• Yield: 3 cups 1x

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 pound apples, cored
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 cup apple juice or water for the Instant Pot only

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Slow Cooker

1. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir gently.
2. Cook HIGH 4-5 hours or LOW 8-10.
3. Let the apples cool. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a food processor or blender. Blend the apple butter down until the apple butter has a smooth consistency.

Instant Pot

1. Add all the ingredients to the pressure cooker. Be sure to add the additional 1/2 cup of liquid. Stir gently.
2. Close lid and seal valve. Set high pressure and cook for 60 minutes. When cooking time is complete, quick release the pressure.
3. Let the apples cool. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a food processor or blender. Blend the apple butter down until the apple butter has a smooth consistency.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup
• Calories: 60
• Sugar: 11.8 g
• Sodium: 1.2 mg
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15.8 g
• Fiber: 2.8 g
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

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