Traditional Slow-Cooked Apple Butter

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 12 hours
🍽 Serves: 32
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Traditional Slow-Cooked Apple Butter is the perfect way to capture the essence of fall in a jar. This recipe brings out the natural sweetness of apples and combines it with warming spices, making it a must-have for your seasonal pantry.

Ingredients for Traditional Slow-Cooked Apple Butter

The heart of this recipe is a mix of apples, ideally including both sweet and tart varieties for a balanced flavor. Granulated sugar and brown sugar add sweetness and depth, while ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves introduce warm, spicy notes. A pinch of salt enhances the flavors, and vanilla extract rounds out the richness with a hint of aromatic smoothness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a mix of apples like Fuji, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor.
  • If you prefer a thicker apple butter, cook for a longer period uncovered.
  • Test the consistency by placing a spoonful on a cold plate; if it holds its shape, it's ready.
  • Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.

Serving Suggestions

This apple butter pairs beautifully with homemade bread or as a topping for pancakes and waffles. Try swirling it into oatmeal or yogurt for a cozy breakfast twist. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use all one type of apple?
Yes, but mixing varieties will give a more complex flavor.
How should I store the apple butter?
Store in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can adjust the sugar to taste, but it may affect the texture and preservation.

Traditional Slow-Cooked Apple Butter Recipe Walkthrough

Start by placing your chopped apples in the slow cooker. This appliance is going to do most of the work, so make sure it's ready for a long haul. In a separate bowl, mix together your granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples, ensuring they’re well-coated. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 10 hours. During this time, give it a stir every now and then. You’ll notice the apples breaking down and the mixture turning a rich brown color.

Once the apples are nice and thick, it’s time to puree. Use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker for convenience, or you can blend in batches using a stand blender — just be careful with the hot mixture. After achieving a smooth consistency, stir in the vanilla extract. Cook uncovered on low for an additional 1-2 hours to let the apple butter thicken to your desired consistency. Once done, allow it to cool before transferring to sterilized jars for storage.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for using up a bounty of apples in the fall.
  • Rich, deep flavor that's perfect for spreading on toast or biscuits.
  • Hands-off cooking process thanks to the slow cooker.
  • Fills your home with the cozy scent of autumn spices.
  • Homemade without preservatives or artificial flavorings.

Ingredients

6 lbs apples (preferably a mix of sweet and tart varieties), peeled, cored, and chopped
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp vanilla extract

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Place the chopped apples in the slow cooker.
2. Combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a bowl and sprinkle over the apples.
3. Cover and cook on low heat for 10 hours, stirring occasionally until apples become a rich brown and thickened.
4. Puree the mixture with an immersion blender or in batches using a stand blender until smooth.
5. Stir in vanilla extract, then cook uncovered on low for an additional 1-2 hours until the desired consistency is achieved.
6. Let the apple butter cool before transferring it to sterilized jars.

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