This homemade apple butter is so easy to make in your slow cooker! Make a huge batch, divide them into jars, and gift them this holiday with our free printable gift tags from the Homemade Christmas Gift Guide!
Crockpot Apple Butter (Better than store-bought!)
Years ago, I decided to try making homemade apple butter as an experimental do-it-yourself project.
I’m not typically that much of an apple butter fan, but I’m glad I didn’t let that deter me because, let me tell you, this homemade apple butter is fantastic — much, much better than any storebought stuff I’ve ever tried!
And if you use clearance bags of apples on markdown, this can be a very inexpensive recipe!
What is Apple Butter?
Apple butter is a spreadable preserve made by slowly cooking apples and spices over low heat in order to concentrate the flavors. The cooked apples are pureed or blended to create apple butter’s signature smooth texture.
There’s not actually any butter in apple butter!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Butter Crock Pot Recipe
It’s such a delicious and versatile treat any time of year, but especially in the fall/winter when apples are ripe.
Plus, it’s SO easy to make in a slow cooker!
And other than the peeling and chopping process, which did take me a little while (though it was relaxing–especially since I listened to an audiobook at the same time!), the whole process was so simple.
Once the apples were peeled and sliced, the crockpot did the rest of the work!
This Apple Butter is a GREAT gift idea!
This apple butter is a yummy, unique gift idea to give during the holidays. And it’s SO easy to whip up a huge batch and divide into several jars for multiple gifts!
Download your free printable labels and gift tags!
Want to add on Christmas gift tags to gift this to someone this holiday season? Go HERE to download printable gift tags designed for this Apple Butter!
You can also click here to download and print labels to stick on the jars. (Note: We recommend using this sticker paper!)
Crock Pot Apple Butter Ingredients
- 6 pounds of apples
- 2 Tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups raw or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3-4 teaspoons cinnamon
What are the best apples for Apple Butter?
I used Jonathans, but any variety should work.
It’s often nice to have a variety of apples so you get a mixture of flavors. Also, if you get them from the orchard, ask for “seconds” as they are usually about half the price and it doesn’t matter if they have a few bruises as you’ll be cooking them down.
How to make Apple Butter in a Crock Pot
1. Peel, core, and slice apples in fourths.
2. Put them in a large crockpot with vanilla and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir every few hours.
3. Once apples are very, very tender, mash with a potato masher and stir in sugar and spices.
4. Cook on low for another 5-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. Cool and pour into jars or airtight containers and refrigerate.
Tips for Making Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Make sure you have a large enough slow cooker so the mixture doesn’t boil out (it’s a really sticky mess!) and give it enough time to properly thicken up.
How to Thicken Apple Butter
Apple butter tends to be naturally thick… but if you’d like it to be thicker, simply let it cook without the lid for another 1-2 hours on low (stirring occasionally) or until it reaches your desired thickness.
What to Do With Apple Butter
There are SO many possibilities for how to use apple butter:
- Apple Butter tastes amazing on toast, bagels, and English muffins.
- Or stir it into your oatmeal.
- It’s also a great topping for pancakes and waffles (instead of syrup.)
- It tastes delicious slathered on chicken and pork.
And you can use Apple Butter in place of applesauce in many baking recipes (like these Apple Butter Muffins!)
Storing Crock Pot Apple Butter
You can store apple butter in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to a month.
You can also freeze jars of apple butter for a year.
Or, you can process the jars in a hot water bath with proper canning lids and rings and store at room temperature almost indefinitely.
How long does Apple Butter last?
Depending on which storage method you choose above, you could store it almost indefinitely! But easily at least for a month or year!
Homemade Apple Butter (Crock Pot Recipe)
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Ingredients
- 6 pounds apples
- 2 Tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups raw or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3-4 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
-
Peel, core, and slice apples in fourths.
-
Put them in a large crockpot with vanilla and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir every few hours.
-
Once apples are very, very tender, mash with a potato masher and stir in sugar and spices.
-
Cook on low for another 5-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
-
Cool and pour into jars or airtight containers and refrigerate.
Notes
You can store apple butter in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to a month.
You can also freeze jars of apple butter for a year.
Or, you can process the jars in a hot water bath with proper canning lids and rings and store at room temperature almost indefinitely.
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If you’re looking for ways to simplify gift giving this year, we have just the solution for you! Download our brand new FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide! When you sign up, you’ll get:
- 15+ DIY recipes for unforgettable gift ideas (we’ve included something for everyone on your list!)
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- Customizable, ready-to-print gift tags to go with each homemade gift!
This FREE guide was designed to help you have a more peaceful, intentional holiday season. Our hope is that it reduces stress, helps you save more money and spend less on your gift budget, and simplifies things so you can focus on what matters most this season!