Slow Cooker Apple Butter
A rich, deeply spiced apple spread cooked low and slow until thick, mahogany, and perfectly spreadable. Plan ahead: allow 10-12 hours of slow cooker time.
Ingredients
- 6 lbs apples (such as Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, chopped
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
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1
Place 6 lbs peeled, cored, chopped apples (such as Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp) in the slow cooker. Add 1 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine.
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2
Cook on low for 10 hours, or until the apples are very soft and have released their juices and the mixture is dark in color.
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3
Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture directly in the slow cooker until completely smooth. Alternatively, transfer in batches to a blender and puree carefully.
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4
Stir in 1 tsp pure vanilla extract. Prop the lid of the slow cooker slightly ajar (use a wooden spoon or chopstick) and cook on low for an additional 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the butter thickens to a spreadable consistency.
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5
Transfer to sterilized jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 1 year.