Irresistibly Smooth Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Nothing captures the essence of autumn quite like the rich, spiced flavor of homemade apple butter. This slow cooker recipe takes all the hassle out of traditional methods, allowing you to create a velvety smooth spread with minimal effort. Imagine your kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of apples, cinnamon, and cloves simmering together for hours, slowly transforming into a luscious, dark amber delight. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, stirring it into oatmeal, or gifting it to friends, this slow cooker apple butter is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients:

• 6 lbs (about 12 medium) apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and chopping 6 pounds of apples. Place the prepared apples into a large slow cooker. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Mix everything well to ensure the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.

2. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. Let the apples cook slowly until they become very soft and take on a deep, rich brown color. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

3. Achieve Smooth Consistency: Once the apples are fully cooked and caramelized, use an immersion blender to purée the mixture directly in the slow cooker. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth.

4. Thicken if Necessary: If the apple butter seems too thin, continue to cook it uncovered on low heat for an additional 1 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to avoid burning, and cook until the apple butter reaches your preferred thickness.

5. Enhance the Flavor (Optional): For a deeper flavor, stir in the vanilla extract once the apple butter has reached the desired consistency. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spice levels according to your preference.

6. Cool and Store: Allow the apple butter to cool slightly before transferring it into sterilized jars. Seal the jars tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing the apple butter.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Total Time: 8-10 hours 15 minutes
Calories: 25 per tablespoon
Servings: Makes about 6 cups

Enjoy this irresistibly smooth and flavorful slow cooker apple butter on toast, pancakes, or as a sweet spread for your favorite treats!