Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Slow Cooker Apple Butter Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the cozy, sweet aroma of Slow Cooker Apple Butter filling your home. This delicious spread is perfect for the fall season and can be used on everything from toast and biscuits to being a key ingredient in desserts. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal hands-on effort, you can make a rich, flavorful apple butter that’s great for gifting or stocking up for your pantry.

Ingredients

• 5 lbs. apples (Gala or any variety)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
• 2 dashes salt

Directions

1. Prepare the Apples:
   Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the quicker they’ll break down during cooking.
2. Add to the Slow Cooker:
   Place the sliced apples into the slow cooker. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir everything together to make sure the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
3. Cook the Apple Mixture:
   Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the apples on HIGH for 5 hours or on LOW for 8-10 hours. The apples should be very soft and almost caramelized by the end of the cooking time.
4. Blend the Apple Butter:
   Once the apples are soft, transfer them and any liquid to a blender. Blend the mixture until smooth, but be careful—hot liquids can cause pressure to build, so use a towel over the blender lid to prevent burns. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker for easier blending.
5. Store and Serve:
   Allow the apple butter to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to airtight jars and store in the refrigerator. Use it as a spread for toast, biscuits, pancakes, or even as a filling for pastries and desserts.

Tips for Success:

• Apple Varieties: Gala apples are a great choice because of their natural sweetness, but feel free to mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for more complexity in flavor.
• Consistency: If you prefer a thicker apple butter, leave the slow cooker lid slightly ajar during the last hour of cooking to let more moisture escape.
• Blending: Be cautious when blending hot apple butter. Using an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker can make the process easier and safer.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories per tablespoon: 50 kcal
• Yields: 6 cups

Time Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5-10 hours (depending on the setting)
• Total Time: 5-10 hours

This Slow Cooker Apple Butter is not only easy to make but also captures the flavors of fall in every bite. Spread it on your morning toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or use it as a filling for your favorite desserts. It also makes a fantastic homemade gift when packaged in mason jars.

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