Slow Cooker Apple Butter

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Smooth, rich, and spiced just right—Slow Cooker Apple Butter is autumn comfort in a jar. Whether you’re spreading it over toast, stirring it into yogurt, or giving it away as a holiday gift, this slow-cooked spread captures everything cozy about fall. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let time do the work.

Unlike store-bought versions, homemade apple butter lets you control the sweetness and spice level. It develops a deep, caramelized flavor as it slowly simmers, filling your kitchen with the nostalgic aroma of apples and cinnamon. You’ll never want to go back to the jarred stuff again.

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What Kind of Apples Work Best for Apple Butter?

The best apple butter has a balance of sweet and tart. A blend of apples like Fuji or Gala with a few Granny Smiths brings just the right texture and flavor complexity. You want apples that break down easily and offer natural sweetness, so you don’t have to overload it with sugar.

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Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Apple Butter

• Apples – The heart of the recipe. Use a mix of sweet and tart varieties for depth.
• Brown Sugar – Enhances the apples’ natural sweetness and caramelizes during the slow cook.
• Granulated Sugar – Helps balance the acidity and supports the thickening process.
• Cinnamon – A must-have spice that brings warmth.
• Nutmeg & Cloves – Add complexity and that signature apple butter spice.
• Salt – Just a pinch to bring out all the other flavors.
• Vanilla Extract – Added at the end for a smooth, rich aroma.

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How To Make the Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Peel, core, and slice your apples into even chunks. No need to be perfect here—the slow cooker will break them down completely. A mix of apple types works best to develop rich, layered flavor.

Step 2: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Add the apples to your slow cooker, followed by brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together so the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mix.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 10 hours. Yes, 10 hours! Stir occasionally if you’re nearby, but it’s okay to let it do its thing overnight. As the apples cook down, they’ll darken and thicken.

Step 4: Blend for a Silky Finish

Once everything is soft and caramelized, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to puree the mixture until completely smooth. No immersion blender? A standard blender works too—just let the mixture cool slightly before transferring.

Step 5: Finish with Vanilla

Stir in the vanilla extract after blending. This gives the apple butter a warm, aromatic finish that ties everything together.

Step 6: Jar and Store

Let the apple butter cool, then transfer it to clean jars or containers. It will continue to thicken as it chills. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.

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How to Serve and Store This Apple Butter

Slow Cooker Apple Butter is endlessly versatile. Spread it on warm toast, biscuits, pancakes, or waffles. Stir it into oatmeal or swirl it through yogurt. It’s also wonderful as a filling for cakes or thumbprint cookies, or even paired with sharp cheeses on a charcuterie board.

For storing, keep your apple butter in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It also freezes beautifully—use freezer-safe jars or containers and store for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I can this apple butter for long-term storage?

Yes! You can water-bath can the apple butter for shelf-stable storage. Make sure to follow proper canning guidelines and sterilize your jars before use.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for the smoothest texture. If you prefer a more rustic apple butter, you can leave the peels on and blend well at the end.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Absolutely. You can adjust the sugar levels based on the sweetness of your apples and your personal preference. Start with less and add more after cooking if needed.

How do I know when it’s done cooking?

The apple mixture should be thick, dark brown, and fragrant. It should hold its shape on a spoon without being runny.

Is it okay to cook it on high to save time?

It’s best cooked low and slow for the deep, caramelized flavor. Cooking it on high might cause the sugars to burn or cook unevenly.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

You can adapt this for an Instant Pot using the slow cook setting. Just make sure to vent the lid so moisture can escape and the mixture can thicken properly.

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Want More Spreadable Fall Favorites?

If you’re all about cozy, sweet, and spreadable recipes, here are a few more delicious ideas from the Life with Jam kitchen you’ll want to try next:

• Amish Applesauce Cake for a warm spiced dessert that pairs perfectly with a smear of apple butter.
• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth treat ideal for holiday gifting.
• Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats for a gooey, caramel twist on a classic.
• Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups for a breakfast that screams indulgence.
• Old Fashioned Egg Custard Pie if you’re craving something creamy and comforting.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can easily find it during apple season (and beyond!).

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use a certain type of apple combo? Try it with maple syrup instead of sugar?

I love seeing your spins on these recipes. Don’t forget to tag me if you share your apple butter creations on Pinterest: Life with Jam on Pinterest.

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