Crockpot Apple Butter Recipe

Apple butter spread on an english muffin next to a small glass jar of homemade apple butter.

This easy Crockpot Apple Butter Recipe is the perfect way to turn a bounty of apples into a rich, flavorful spread. With just a few simple ingredients, you'll have homemade apple butter that’s great for canning or enjoying fresh.

Course Condiment

Cuisine (GF), (VE), (VG), American

Keyword Crockpot Apple Butter, Homemade Apple Butter

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 12

Total Time 12 20

Servings

Calories 78kcal

Ingredients

5.5 lbs soft (2.5kg) sweet apples, cored and chopped
1 cup brown sugar (200g) firmly packed
½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
1 vanilla bean or 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

Core and slice the apples into ¼” pieces, leaving the peels on for extra flavor and texture. Add the apples to the crockpot.
Sprinkle in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Toss everything together to coat the apples evenly.
If using a vanilla bean, slice it open and scrape the seeds (caviar) into the pot, then add the pod. If using vanilla extract, simply pour it in.
Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours on low heat (or high for 5 hours) until the apples are incredibly soft.
Once done, use an immersion blender to puree until smooth, or carefully transfer to a blender.
Transfer to four 1 pint mason jars. Store your apple butter in glass jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or opt for canning if you'd like it to last longer.
If canning, can in a hot water bath using the traditional method for 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Notes

Cooking Tips:

Apples: I recommend using Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Fuji, or Gala. I also include Granny Smith because I enjoy the tartness they add to the recipe. Because they are more firm, opt for slow cooking 12 hours.
Weighing: Weigh your apples before coring and chopping. Do not peel the apples! The number of apples will vary wildly depending on the size of your apples, since mother nature grows as she wishes.
Pureeing: If you do not have an immersion blender, pour the apples into a blender and puree until smooth, then return to crockpot. You may need to work in batches, depending on the size of your blender.
Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter apple butter, feel free to add an extra ¼ to ½ cup of sugar to taste.
Yields: This recipe yields 4 pints or 128 servings (1 tablespoon each serving)

Nutrition