If you’re craving a cozy, aromatic treat that embodies all the best flavors of fall, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for this Crockpot Apple Butter. It’s sweet, spiced, luxuriously smooth, and requires almost no effort at all—just patience while the rich aroma fills your kitchen. Whether you spread it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or tuck a jar into a loved one’s holiday gift basket, this homemade delight delivers that nostalgic, homemade touch you just can’t find in a store. Trust me, making Crockpot Apple Butter from scratch is about to become your favorite autumn ritual!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this recipe is its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples transform ordinary apples into something magical. Each ingredient is chosen to highlight the pure, natural flavor of apples while adding layers of warmth and depth.
- 6 pounds apples: Use a mix like Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith for the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and remember to peel, core, and slice them for easy blending later!
- 1½ cups granulated sugar: This gives the apple butter its signature sweetness and helps with beautiful caramelization during those long hours in the crockpot.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Packed brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-like richness and extra moisture that’s absolutely delicious.
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon: The essential spice for any apple recipe—cinnamon warms everything up and pairs like a dream with apples.
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg: Just a hint brings complexity and enhances the cozy notes.
- ¼ tsp ground cloves: A bold spice that provides that unmistakable apple butter aroma and a whisper of winter holidays.
- ¼ tsp salt: A little salt balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract: Added at the end, this infuses the apple butter with an irresistible fragrance and roundness.
How to Make Crockpot Apple Butter
Step 1: Prep Your Apples
Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples. This may be the most effort you’ll put in, but it sets the stage for a truly silky Crockpot Apple Butter. I love using a variety of apples for depth of flavor—some sweet, some tart.
Step 2: Load Up the Crockpot
Add all your sliced apples directly to your slow cooker. Sprinkle both types of sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt over the apples. Take a moment to stir everything really well, ensuring that each apple slice is evenly coated in the spices and sugars. At this stage, it already smells amazing!
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pop on the lid and set your crockpot to low. Let the apples cook for about 10 hours, stirring occasionally if you’re around—though hands-off is fine, too! The apples will soften, caramelize, and turn a deep, beautiful brown as the hours pass. If you have the time, stretching the cook to 12 hours amps up the flavor even more.
Step 4: Blend for Ultimate Smoothness
Once the apples are deeply browned and ultra-soft, it’s time to blend. Use an immersion blender right in the crockpot for easy, mess-free puréeing, or carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a stand blender. Purée until you have a lusciously smooth, velvety texture that spreads like a dream.
Step 5: Add Vanilla and Thicken
Stir in the vanilla extract for that final layer of flavor. If your Crockpot Apple Butter is a touch runnier than you’d like, just leave the lid off and continue cooking on low for an extra 1 to 2 hours. This lets excess moisture cook off and thickens the apple butter to the perfect consistency.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Let your apple butter cool to room temperature, then ladle it into jars or airtight containers. You can keep Crockpot Apple Butter in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze it for a taste of autumn whenever the mood strikes.
How to Serve Crockpot Apple Butter
Garnishes
A simple pat of butter or a dusting of cinnamon on top makes Crockpot Apple Butter feel extra special. For a pretty presentation, you can toss on a few roasted pecans, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even a lattice of puff pastry for a deconstructed apple pie vibe.
Side Dishes
This apple butter is an all-star on toast or warm biscuits, but don’t stop there! Spread it generously on pancakes, waffles, or French toast. For a savory-sweet twist, try it alongside roasted pork, sharp cheddar cheese, or a breakfast sandwich. The rich, spiced flavor elevates just about anything you pair it with.
Creative Ways to Present
Package Crockpot Apple Butter in vintage jars tied with rustic twine and handwritten labels for a thoughtful homemade gift. Use as a jam for thumbprint cookies, as a swirl in yogurt or smoothie bowls, or as a unique topping for ice cream and oatmeal. You can even fill mini tart shells or use as an incredible cake filling—the options are endless and always impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Crockpot Apple Butter in clean, airtight containers or glass jars in your refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks, letting you enjoy cozy fall flavor on demand.
Freezing
For longer storage, spoon cooled apple butter into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Flatten out for easy stacking and defrosting. It freezes beautifully for up to six months; just label and date your containers so you know when to enjoy your next batch.
Reheating
If you prefer your apple butter warm, simply scoop out the desired amount and gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. This brings the aroma back to life and makes spreading even easier!
FAQs
What are the best apples to use for Crockpot Apple Butter?
I love a blend of apples—using both sweet (like Fuji and Gala) and tart (like Granny Smith) varieties gives the apple butter a more complex, interesting flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
Do I really not need to add any liquid?
No liquid needed! As the apples cook, they release plenty of moisture, creating a perfectly thick and spreadable apple butter without the need for extra water or juice.
Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?
Yes, you can! You can slowly cook the apples on the stovetop or in the oven, but the crockpot method is just so hands-off and fuss-free. For the easiest experience, I highly recommend sticking to the slow cooker for Crockpot Apple Butter.
Is it possible to can Crockpot Apple Butter?
Absolutely—this apple butter is a wonderful option for canning. Just follow tested canning procedures to seal the jars, and you’ll have shelf-stable treats ready to give or enjoy all year long.
How can I use up a big batch?
Get creative! Spoon apple butter onto pancakes, stir into yogurt, bake into muffins, spread over toast, or use as a filling for cakes and cookies. It also makes a fabulous hostess gift—just package in pretty jars and share the autumn love!
Final Thoughts
Once you try making Crockpot Apple Butter at home, you’ll want to keep a jar on hand at all times. There’s nothing quite like that rich, spiced aroma wafting from your kitchen, and the joy of tasting something homemade on a crisp morning. I hope you love every cozy, spoonable bite as much as I do—don’t be surprised if it becomes your new fall favorite!
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Crockpot Apple Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours
- Total Time: 10 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 cups
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of homemade Crockpot Apple Butter with this easy recipe. Slow-cooked to perfection, this sweet and spiced spread is ideal for breakfast, snacks, or gifting during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Apples:
- 6 pounds apples (peeled, cored, and sliced – use a mix like Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith)
Sugars and Spices:
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
Additional:
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Place the sliced apples into a large crockpot.
- Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low for 10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft and dark brown.
- Thicken the Butter: If the apple butter seems too thin, uncover and continue cooking on low for an additional 1–2 hours until thickened to your liking.
Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
Use an immersion blender to purée the mixture until smooth (or transfer in batches to a regular blender). Stir in the vanilla extract.
Let cool, then transfer to jars or containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- No need to add liquid – the apples release enough moisture as they cook.
- For a deeper flavor, cook for up to 12 hours.
- This recipe is perfect for canning or gifting during the holidays.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
