Apple Butter is a fall staple. Made with freshly picked apples and warm spices, it’s a delicious way to add autumn flavor to toast, pancakes, oatmeal and so much more! This slow cooker recipe makes a large batch that can be canned or frozen so that you can use it all year long!
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Every fall, visiting a pumpkin patch and apple orchard is at the top of my must-do list. It’s something that I did long before I had kids and have continued each year since having my boys.
It all started at Milburn Orchards. When I was in my 20’s, my best friend and I would go every year. After moving to Utah and Colorado, my oldest son and I got to visit some new farms and orchards. Now that I’m back “home,” I’ll be returning to Milburn for the first time in a very long time. This time with both of my kids. I’m so excited!
We always pick apples when we visit and I always over-estimate how many we should get. This leaves us with a lot of apple pies, Apple Cranberry Crisp, and a lot of apple butter. And, none of us are complaining one bit!
The easiest way I’ve found to make apple butter is with a slow cooker.
Why This Recipe Works
- It’s a super easy recipe! Peel and chop, then let the slow cooker do almost all of the work for you.
- Apple butter has so many uses. Use this apple butter on toast, in oatmeal, on pancakes and waffles and so much more!
- You can can or freeze extra apple butter for later use.
How to Make Apple Butter in a Slow Cooker
Prep!
Peel and dice or slice the apples.
Tip: use a combination of sweeter apple varieties for the best flavor. While Granny Smith Apples are my go-to for baking, they don’t work as great in apple butter.
Create!
Add the apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, sugar, and brown sugar to a slow cooker and toss.
Cook on low for 10-12 hours.
Puree in a blender or with an immersion blender until smooth.
Present!
Serve warm or chilled.
Tips and Techniques for the Best Slow Cooker Apple Butter
- Use a combination of sweeter apple varieties for the best flavor.
- Store extra apple butter in air-tight containers in the refrigerator and use within 2-4 weeks. You can also store apple butter in freezer bags in the freezer or can it to greatly extend it’s shelf life.
FAQ’s
- What are the best apples to use for apple butter? You want to use sweeter apples for apple butter rather than more tart varieties. Some of the varieties that I often pick at the apple orchard that have made really great apple butter are: Braeburn, Jonamac, and Mcintosh. Other varieties that work great and can usually be easily found in grocery stores are: Golden Delicious, Fuji, and Gala.
- How do you can apple butter? Canning apple butter greatly extends the shelf life. You can follow this Canning Apple Butter tutorial on how to can apple butter.
- How long can you store apple butter in the freezer? You can freezer apple butter for up to a year.
Other Apple Recipes to Try
Love this Slow Cooker Apple Butter recipe? Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more!
Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Ingredients
- 6 pounds apples * peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar * packed - I used dark brown sugar
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a slow cooker, mix well.
- Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours.
- Puree in a blender or with an immersion blender until smooth.
Notes
Tips and Techniques for the Best Slow Cooker Apple Butter
- Use a combination of sweeter apple varieties for the best flavor.
- Store extra apple butter in air-tight containers in the refrigerator and use within 2-4 weeks. You can also store apple butter in freezer bags in the freezer or can it to greatly extend it’s shelf life.
FAQ’s
- What are the best apples to use for apple butter? You want to use sweeter apples for apple butter rather than more tart varieties. Some of the varieties that I often pick at the apple orchard that have made really great apple butter are: Braeburn, Jonamac, and Mcintosh. Other varieties that work great and usually be easily found in grocery stores are: Golden Delicious, Fuji, and Gala.
- How do you can apple butter? Canning apple butter greatly extends the shelf life. You can follow this Canning Apple Butter tutorial on how to can apple butter.
- How long can you store apple butter in the freezer? You can freezer apple butter for up to a year.
Linda says
So creamy and perfect for my morning scones. Plus, this is so easy to make
Cheryl says
Just made this apple butter and it is absolutely delicious. My mother in law lives with us and because she is a diabetic, I use Splenda for my sugars and you would never know it. Thank you for sharing this with us. GOD Bless.
Hnutmiri says
Easier if had an apple peeler, but was able to get the apples peeked & cored within 45 min to hr. My kitchen smells like warm apple pie currently. Excited to get it done & jarred. Used a a combo of small Fuji’s & Honey crisps.
Hopefully not to runny with the juicy honey crisp’s. May have to cook a little extra time without the lid on.
Brian Jones says
What a lovely recipe, the first time I have made apple butter and it is delicious!
Amy Chung says
What a great recipe! I love apple and butter so this is like a match made in heaven. No need to freeze, doubt it would last very long in my household!
Cathy says
I cannot wait to try this apple butter on waffles! Making it this weekend for sure!
Suzy says
One of my favorite recipes to make during apple season! It’s so easy! We love it!
Veena Azmanov says
This is so flavorful and unique. Have never tried making this Apple Butter. But it surely needs a go for it.