If you have a bounty of apples and a craving for something rich, cozy, and versatile, then this Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe is going to become your new kitchen obsession. Imagine slow-cooked apples melded with warm spices and just the right sweetness, resulting in a silky, deeply flavored apple butter that’s perfect for spreading, gifting, and savoring all year round. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, velvety treat that captures the essence of fall in every jar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in building flavor, color, and texture without any fuss.
- 6 pounds apples (McIntosh, Cortland, or Granny Smith): These varieties provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness to create depth of flavor.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the apple butter develop a beautiful caramelized color.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Brings warmth and moisture, enhancing the richness of the spread.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: A classic spice that pairs perfectly with apples for that cozy, familiar taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a subtle hint of warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice: A fragrant spice that deepens the apple butter’s aromatic profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Just a pinch for a slightly nutty, spicy undertone.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Stirred in at the end for a luscious, fragrant finish.
How to Make Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples
Begin by peeling, coring, and chopping 6 pounds of your chosen apples. It’s a bit of prep, but it’s worth it because these apples are the foundation of all the deliciousness to come. Toss them right into your 6-quart slow cooker for an easy start.
Step 2: Combine the Sugars and Spices
In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. These spices are what make this apple butter truly extraordinary. Pour this aromatic mixture over the apples and give it a good stir to make sure every apple piece is coated with flavorful sweetness.
Step 3: Slow Cook on Low
Cover your slow cooker and let the apples cook on low for about 10 hours. This long, slow cooking softens the apples until they’re tender and dark brown, allowing their natural sugars to caramelize and meld beautifully with the spices. Be sure to stir occasionally to keep everything cooking evenly.
Step 4: Puree the Mixture
Once the apples are soft and fragrant, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, feel free to blend less or skip this step. This flexibility lets you customize the apple butter to your taste.
Step 5: Thicken the Apple Butter
Remove the lid and continue cooking uncovered for another 1 to 2 hours. Stir every now and then until the apple butter thickens up to your liking. It’s this extra step that helps concentrate the flavors and achieve that spreadable, velvety consistency.
Step 6: Stir in Vanilla
In the final 30 minutes, add the vanilla extract. This last touch softens the spices’ bite and rounds out the apple butter with a smooth, fragrant sweetness that you won’t want to miss.
Step 7: Sterilize Your Jars
While your apple butter finishes thickening, sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them for 10 minutes. This is a crucial step to ensure your apple butter stays fresh and safe during storage.
Step 8: Fill the Jars
Carefully ladle the hot apple butter into your sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. This gap helps the sealing process and makes sure your preserves last perfectly.
Step 9: Process in a Water Bath
Secure the lids and process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This preserves the apple butter, allowing you to enjoy the fruits of your labor any time of the year.
Step 10: Cool and Store
Let the jars cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours. You’ll know the jars are sealed when the lids don’t flex up and down. Store your beautifully preserved Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe in a cool, dark spot for up to one year.
How to Serve Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet charming touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon or chopped toasted nuts over a dollop of apple butter. It adds a delightful textural contrast and extra flavor pop that’s perfect on toast or warm biscuits.
Side Dishes
Apple butter pairs beautifully with savory items like pork chops or roasted chicken, acting as a sweet and spiced counterpoint. It also makes an excellent spread for cheese boards, especially with sharp cheddar or creamy brie.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your apple butter into a star? Use it as a filling inside thumbprint cookies, swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal, or even dollop it on top of vanilla ice cream for a whimsical dessert twist. The possibilities are endless and endlessly delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover apple butter after opening a jar, simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three weeks, ready to brighten any breakfast or snack.
Freezing
This Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe freezes beautifully. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving extra space for expansion, and freeze for up to six months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and it’s just as heavenly as fresh.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your apple butter warm, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. This brings out the spices and aroma, making it even more comforting and lovely.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
While you can technically use any apple, it’s best to choose a mix of sweet and tart varieties like McIntosh, Cortland, or Granny Smith for balanced flavor and good texture.
Is brown sugar necessary, or can I use only granulated sugar?
Brown sugar gives the apple butter a richer, deeper taste and moisture. Using only granulated sugar will still work but may result in a less complex flavor and slightly drier texture.
How thick should the apple butter be before canning?
The apple butter should be thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon but still spreadable. Cooking uncovered in the final step helps you reach the perfect consistency.
Do I need to peel the apples for this recipe?
Peeling is recommended because apple peel can cause the butter to be grainy or tougher in texture. Peeling ensures smooth, creamy apple butter.
What is the best way to check if jars are sealed?
After cooling, press the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop up and down, the jar is sealed properly. If it flexes, refrigerate and use the apple butter first.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe is a wonderful way to transform humble apples into a spread that feels both homemade and special. Whether you’re gifting jars to loved ones or keeping them for your own pantry, the comfort and flavor packed into every bite will bring joy for months to come. I can’t wait for you to try it and fill your home with that irresistible aroma of slow-cooked apples and spices.
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Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 hours
- Total Time: 12 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: About 5 pints
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crock Pot Apple Butter recipe yields rich, thick, and spiced apple butter perfect for canning. Made by slow-cooking peeled and chopped apples with a blend of sugars and warm spices, then pureeing and further thickening the mixture in a slow cooker. The final product is excellent for spreading on toast, adding to baked goods, or gifting as homemade preserves.
Ingredients
Apples
- 6 pounds apples (such as McIntosh, Cortland, or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped
Spices and Sugars
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Place the peeled, cored, and chopped apples into a 6-quart slow cooker, ensuring an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Mix Sugars and Spices: In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, ground cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. Pour this mixture over the apples, then stir thoroughly to coat the fruit evenly.
- Slow Cook the Apples: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 10 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the apples become soft and the mixture turns dark brown.
- Puree the Mixture: Use an immersion blender to puree the cooked apples to your desired texture. For chunkier apple butter, blend partially or skip this step.
- Thicken Apple Butter: Cook the mixture uncovered for 1 to 2 more hours, stirring occasionally until it reaches your preferred thickness and consistency.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract during the last 30 minutes of the cooking process to infuse flavor.
- Sterilize Canning Jars: Boil jars and lids for 10 minutes to sterilize them properly, preparing for safe storage.
- Fill Jars: Ladle the hot apple butter into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace at the top for expansion during processing.
- Process in Water Bath: Secure the lids and process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal and preserve the apple butter.
- Cool and Store: Allow the jars to cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year to enjoy the best flavor and quality.
Notes
- Use a 6-quart slow cooker or larger to avoid overflow during cooking.
- Stirring occasionally during cooking prevents burning and ensures even texture.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar amounts slightly.
- Adjust spices to taste; you can add more cinnamon or cloves if desired.
- Ensure all jars and lids are sterilized to prevent spoilage during canning.
- Water bath canning is necessary for safe preservation of apple butter.
- Once opened, store apple butter in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks.
