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Slow Cooker Apple Butter Recipe

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4.2 from 15 reviews

This Slow Cooker Apple Butter recipe transforms fresh apples into a rich, spiced spread perfect for toast, baking, or gifting. Slow-cooked to perfection, it melds cinnamon, cloves, and a hint of star anise to create a deeply flavorful and smooth apple butter that can be enjoyed year-round.

  • Total Time: 15-17.5 hours
  • Yield: Approximately 6 cups of apple butter

Ingredients

Apples

  • 16 cups sliced apples (such as Macintosh and Golden Delicious)

Spices and Flavorings

  • 2 ¾ cups light brown sugar
  • 2 ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • 1 star anise pod (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Wash and core the apples, then slice them thinly. Measure out 16 cups of sliced apples and place them into your slow cooker.
  2. Add Spices and Sugar: Add the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, star anise pod (if using), kosher salt, and fresh lemon juice to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Slow Cook on High: Set your slow cooker to high and cook the mixture for 4 to 5 hours. After the first hour, remove the star anise pod if it was added. Make sure to stir the apple mixture every hour to prevent sticking and encourage even cooking.
  4. Slow Cook on Low Overnight: Once the mixture is bubbling and thickening (after about 4-5 hours on high), switch the slow cooker to low heat and continue cooking for an additional 10 to 12 hours. This slow cook phase allows the flavors to meld and the apples to break down further. This is ideal to do overnight.
  5. Mash Apples: After the extended cooking period, check the apple butter consistency. Use a strong wire whisk or hand potato masher to break up large apple pieces and achieve a smoother texture.
  6. Blend to Desired Smoothness: To get an even smoother, spreadable consistency, use a blender, food processor, or immersion blender to puree the apple butter until it reaches your preferred texture.
  7. Cool and Store: Allow the apple butter to cool completely. Once cooled, store it in airtight containers. It can be refrigerated, frozen, or canned for long-term storage.

Notes

  • Using a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Macintosh and Golden Delicious, adds depth of flavor.
  • Star anise is optional but adds a subtle licorice note.
  • Stirring hourly during the high-heat phase prevents sticking and burning.
  • Low and slow cooking overnight develops richer flavors and a smooth texture.
  • Adjust sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar according to taste.
  • Use sterilized jars if you plan on canning for long-term preservation.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14-17 hours
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/slow-cooker-apple-butter-recipe/