A delicious and easy recipe for homemade apple butter, perfect for spreading on toast or using in desserts.
Author:Lorenzo Bonucci
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:10 hours
Total Time:10 hours 30 minutes
Yield:8 to 10 servings 1x
Category:Condiment
Method:Slow Cooker
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
4 pounds of fresh apples (about 10 medium apples), peeled, cored, and chopped
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
In a large slow cooker, combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, salt, apple cider, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft and the mixture has thickened.
Once the mixture is thickened, use an immersion blender to puree the apple mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender.
After blending, return the apple butter to the slow cooker and cook uncovered on low for an additional 1 to 2 hours to thicken further, stirring occasionally.
Once the apple butter reaches your desired consistency, allow it to cool before transferring it to sterilized jars. Seal and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or process in a water bath for longer shelf life.
Notes
For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a tablespoon of fresh ginger during cooking.
To make it sweeter, consider adding more sugar or a splash of maple syrup.