Easy Crockpot Apple Butter
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of autumn with this easy crockpot apple butter made from applesauce. The combination of unsweetened applesauce, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness creates a luscious spread that's perfect for your morning toast, drizzled over pancakes, or as a versatile condiment.
4 Jars
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
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- 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
Calories: 75kcalCarbohydrates: 18gFat: 1gSodium: 36mgPotassium: 23mgSugar: 17gCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.2mg
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