How to Make Apple Butter From Applesauce in Crockpot
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of autumn with this incredibly easy and delicious apple butter recipe made from applesauce. This recipe is a shortcut to the timeless classic, requiring little effort but delivering big flavor.
If you’ve never made homemade apple butter before, let me tell you…you are missing out on the ultimate of fall coziness.
There is something undeniably comforting about the aroma of apple butter filling our home on a crisp autumn day that a candle or simmer pot cannot even come close to.
Apple butter is a timeless treat that brings back memories of grandma’s kitchen and warm, buttered toast.
However, being a busy working mom I don’t always have time to peel and core apples to make my traditional apple butter recipe.
What if I told you that you could whip up a batch of this delicious spread in no time without the hassle of peeling and coring apples?
Enter this easy recipe that allows you to make your own apple butter using store bought (or homemade) applesauce right in your crockpot.
Awesome, right?!
So, get ready to savor the flavors of fall as I share my easy process for making delicious, homemade apple butter with applesauce!
Apple Inspiration With The Cozy Creative Collaborative
We’re back! After taking August off, The Cozy Creative Collaborative is back together to share fall inspiration with you utilizing apples.
Here are the apple inspired posts from my fellow Cozy Creative Collaborators:
- Nicolle of Our Tiny Nest Blog: Apple & Brie Flatbread With Hot Honey
- Kelly of The Tattered Pew: The Art of Making a Cozy Fall Simmer Pot
- Charity of Mornings on Macedonia: Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread
At the bottom of this post, you’ll find links and photos to all the apple inspiration this month.
What is apple butter?
For those of you that might not be familiar with apple butter, it’s a velvety, spiced fruit spread with a rich and concentrated apple flavor.
Unlike traditional butter, it contains no dairy.
Instead, it’s made by slow cooking applesauce until the mixture darkens and thickens, resulting in a luxurious, dark brown spread.
What sets apple butter apart is its delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors, complemented by warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
It’s a versatile condiment that can be used on toast, pancakes, or as a glaze for meats.
Apple butter encompasses the cozy, comforting flavors of fall with each delectable spoonful.
Why is it called apple butter?
Apple butter gets its name from its smooth, buttery texture, not because it contains any butter. The process of slow cooking apples breaks them down into a thick, spreadable consistency similar to butter. Historically, it was a way to preserve apples for extended periods, and the name “butter” was used to describe the creamy, rich result, perfect for spreading on bread or toast.
Why You’ll Want to Make This Crock Pot Apple Butter Recipe
There are a multitude of reasons why you’ll want to make this yummy, comforting recipe.
It’s a great way to capture the essence of autumn in a jar. Allowing you to savor the rich, spiced aroma and flavors of the season any time of year.
Also, creating apple butter from applesauce is remarkably simple and requires minimal time which means it’s a great recipe for everyone.
Making apple butter at home allows you to tailor the sweetness and spices to your liking, ensuring each spoonful is a taste of pure comfort and nostalgia.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
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Store Bought Applesauce vs. Homemade Applesauce: Which one is better for this recipe?
When it comes to making apple butter from applesauce, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between store bought or homemade.
Both have their own pros and cons.
Store bought applesauce offers convenience but can lack the depth of flavor and natural sweetness that homemade applesauce provides.
I opted to make my own homemade applesauce for the base of this apple butter recipe.
By making your own apple sauce you can select a specific type of apple you enjoy, control the level of sweetness, and experiment with spices.
This means you’ll have a more personalized and robust base for your apple butter.
On the other hand, store bought applesauce is a time saving option and is a great choice if you’re looking for a quicker way to enjoy homemade apple butter.
Ultimately, both options have their benefits.
However, the main difference is that homemade applesauce is a great way to infuse your own apple butter with a richer taste that embodies the flavor of fall.
Jump to RecipeHow to Make Crockpot Apple Butter From Applesauce
This easy recipe is a shortcut to a traditional apple butter recipe, requiring little effort while delivering big flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Slow Cooker Apple Butter
TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
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Easy Homemade Apple Butter Recipe
The combination of simple ingredients like unsweetened applesauce, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness creates a condiment that’s absolutely delicious.
Let your slow cooker do the work and your home will be filled with the irresistible aroma of apples, cinnamon, and cloves.
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One. Combine Ingredients
Place the applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, apple cider vinegar, and salt into the crockpot.
Stir everything together until the sugars and spices are evenly distributed throughout the applesauce.
Two. Cook Low & Slow
Set your crockpot to the low heat setting and let the mixture simmer gently for about 6-8 hours.
This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and intensify, giving your apple butter that irresistible taste and aroma.
Three. Stir Occasionally
During the cooking process, it’s a good idea to give your apple butter a stir every hour or so.
This helps prevent the mixture from sticking to the sides of the crockpot and ensures even cooking.
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Four. Add Vanilla
About 30 minutes before your apple butter is ready, add the vanilla extract.
This will help brighten and add depth of flavor to your apple butter.
Five. Blend Ingredients Together
Inside the crockpot, using an immersion blender, carefully blend the apple butter mixture until smooth.
Six. Continue Slow Cooking
Place lid back on slow cooker leaving it slightly ajar to allow enough room for steam to escape.
Cook on low for another 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, and has become dark brown in color.
Once your apple butter has reached the perfect consistency, turn off the crockpot and let it cool.’
Your homemade apple butter is now ready to enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- If using a store bought applesauce, start with a good quality one. The flavor of your apple butter will largely depend on the applesauce you use, so pick one that you enjoy on its own.
- Taste your applesauce before adding sugar. Some store bought brands are sweeter than others, so adjust the sugar quantities accordingly to achieve your preferred level of sweetness.
- The key to flavorful apple butter is slow cooking. Don’t rush the process; let it simmer on low heat for 6-8 hours to allow the flavors to develop fully.
- While the apple butter cooks, stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the sides of the slow cooker and ensure even cooking.
- The apple cider vinegar not only adds tang but also helps preserve the color of your apple butter. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, lemon juice can be used instead.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with fall flavor variations. A dash of ginger, allspice, or even a splash of apple brandy can be a great addition to this recipe.
What is the best way to enjoy delicious apple butter?
Here are 15 of the best ways to enjoy this delicious spread.
Remember the possibilities are endless and the taste of homemade apple butter is unbeatable.
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- Spread on Toast or English Muffins: Slather warm, toasted bread with a generous layer of apple butter for a comforting breakfast or snack.
- Stir into Oatmeal: Mix a spoonful of apple butter into your morning oatmeal for a burst of autumn flavor.
- Top Off Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzle apple butter over a stack of fluffy pancakes or crisp waffles for a sweet twist.
- Dip for French Toast Sticks: Use apple butter as a dipping sauce for French toast sticks.
- Glaze for Baked Goods: Brush apple butter on muffins, scones, or biscuits for a flavorful glaze.
- Peanut Butter Sandwich: Elevate your PB&J sandwich by adding a layer of apple butter..
- Cheese Pairing: Serve apple butter alongside a cheese platter; it pairs well with sharp cheddar or brie cheese.
- Marinade or BBQ Sauce: Use it as a marinade for chicken, pork, or ribs, or as a flavorful addition to barbecue sauce.
- Swirl in Ice Cream: Mix a dollop into vanilla ice cream for a sweet, spicy dessert.
- Baking Filling: Use it as a filling for turnovers, hand pies, or thumbprint cookies.
- Salad Dressing: Create a unique salad dressing by combining apple butter with vinegar, oil, and a pinch of salt.
- Glaze for Roasted Meats: Brush it onto roasted meats like pork tenderloin for a sweet and savory glaze.
- Savory Sandwiches: Use apple butter as a condiment on turkey or ham sandwiches.
- Appetizer Accompaniment: Serve it as a dip or spread alongside crackers, bread, or sliced fruit at your next gathering.
- Pasta Sauce: Experiment by mixing apple butter into a homemade pasta sauce for a unique flavor profile.
What is the best way to store homemade apple butter?
If canning, ladle hot apple butter into hot, sanitized canning jars, and process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjusting for your altitude).
If not canning, allow apple butter to cool for a few hours, then place in clean jars and refrigerate.
How do I know when the apple butter is done?
You’ll know the apple butter is ready when it’s thick and spreadable.
You can test it by placing a spoonful on a plate, if liquid pools around it, it needs a bit more cooking time.
What type of apples work best for homemade applesauce if I want to make it from scratch?
Sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are perfect for making homemade applesauce, but ultimately, you can use any apples you have on hand.
FAQ’s: Slow Cooker Apple Butter
How to Gift the Best Apple Butter
Homemade apple butter isn’t just a delicious treat; it can also be a heartwarming and great gift idea.
Whether it’s for a special occasion or just to show someone you care, presenting a jar of your homemade apple butter is a gesture of love and creativity.
Packaged in mason jars with a cute label, it becomes a personalized gift that embodies the cozy flavors of the season.
The rich, comforting taste of apple butter invokes nostalgia and warmth, making it the perfect present for friends, family, or coworkers.
So, share the joy of homemade apple butter, and you’ll be gifting not just a condiment but a delicious taste of autumn!
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Easy Crockpot Apple Butter
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 cups Unsweetened Applesauce homemade or store bought
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 3/4 cup Brown Sugar packed
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
- 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg
- Pinch of Salt
- 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Place the applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, apple cider vinegar, and pinch of salt into the crockpot. Stir everything together until the sugars and spices are evenly distributed throughout the applesauce.
- Set your crockpot to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 6-8 hours. Stir occasionally, until the applesauce turns a caramel color.
- About 30 minutes before your apple butter is ready, add the teaspoon of vanilla.
- Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the apple butter mixture until smooth.
- Place lid back on slow cooker leaving it slightly ajar to allow enough room for steam to escape. Cook on low for another 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, and has become dark brown in color.
- Once your apple butter has reached the perfect consistency, turn off the crockpot and let it cool.
- If canning, ladle hot apple butter into hot, sanitized jars, and process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjusting for your altitude). If not canning, allow apple butter to cool for a few hours, then place in clean jars and refrigerate.
Notes
-
- If using a store bought applesauce, start with a good quality one. The flavor of your apple butter will largely depend on the applesauce you use, so pick one that you enjoy on its own.
- Taste your applesauce before adding sugar. Some store bought brands are sweeter than others, so adjust the sugar quantities accordingly to achieve your preferred level of sweetness.
- The key to flavorful apple butter is slow cooking. Don’t rush the process; let it simmer on low heat for 6-8 hours to allow the flavors to develop fully.
- While the apple butter cooks, stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the sides of the slow cooker and ensure even cooking.
- The apple cider vinegar not only adds tang but also helps preserve the color of your apple butter. Lemon juice can be used in place of the apple cider vinegar.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with fall flavor variations. A dash of ginger, allspice, or even a splash of apple brandy can be a great addition to this recipe.
- The process can be lengthy, but the results are worth it! Remember, apple butter only gets better with time, so let it cool and mature for a day or two before diving in.
Nutrition
Apple Inspiration With The Cozy Creative Collaborative
Nicolle of Our Tiny Nest Blog | Apple Brie Flatbread With Hot Honey
Kelly of the Tattered Pew | The Art of Making a Cozy Fall Simmer
Charity of Mornings on Macedonia | Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread
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This recipe is so easy, I think you’ll like it!
My mother loves apple butter, so I will definitely have to try this! Thanks for sharing, Heidi!
Hi Debra, It should last in the fridge for about 2-3 weeks in a tightly sealed jar.
The apple butter sounds delicious. If not canning, how long will it keep in the fridge in jars?
Yes you do!
do you cook it in crockpot with the cover on all the time.
That is so cool Charity! I love the idea of apple butter as wedding favors!
I definitely need to try your recipe for apple butter out! My husband and I actually got married in October a few years ago and we gave out little apple butter jars that my mom and I made as wedding favors! It was the perfect touch cause who doesn’t love a little apple butter?!
Thank you Nicolle! You can use the applesauce you made as the base of this recipe!
Thank you Renae! It’s so delicious!
mmmmm I just made crockpot apple sauce the other day and it made the house smell amazing! I’m going to have to try your apple butter Heidi!!!
This sounds so good. My mom used to make apple butter. We loved it.