Description
This classic Apple Butter recipe transforms fresh apples into a rich, spiced spread bursting with cinnamon and cloves. Slow-cooked to a velvety smooth texture, it’s perfect for spreading on toast, swirls into yogurt, or adding depth to baked goods. Made with simple pantry staples and a slow cooker, it’s an easy and comforting way to preserve the flavors of fall all year round.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 5 ½ pounds apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
Spices and Sugar
- 4 cups white sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and finely chop the apples into small pieces to ensure they cook down evenly and become smooth during the slow cooking process.
- Place Apples in Slow Cooker: Transfer the chopped apples to the slow cooker, creating the base for your apple butter.
- Mix Spices: In a medium bowl, combine the white sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. These ingredients provide the warm flavor profile.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the sugar and spice mixture over the apples in the slow cooker and stir thoroughly to coat the apples evenly.
- Cook on High: Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 1 hour to start softening the apples and dissolving the sugar.
- Cook on Low: Reduce the heat to Low and continue cooking for 9 to 11 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process thickens the mixture and deepens its color to a dark brown.
- Final Cooking Step: After the initial cook time, remove the cover and cook on Low for an additional hour to further reduce moisture. Optionally whisk the apple butter to enhance smoothness.
- Store: Spoon the finished apple butter into sterile containers. Seal and refrigerate or freeze for longer storage. It keeps well and can be enjoyed for weeks refrigerated.
Notes
- Use a slow cooker to ensure low, even heat for the best texture and flavor development.
- Adjust cinnamon and cloves to taste for spiciness preferences.
- For smoother apple butter, use a whisk or immersion blender after cooking.
- This apple butter can be canned using proper water bath techniques for shelf-stable storage.
- Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
