Mini Slow Cooker Apple Butter Recipe

Introduction

This Mini Slow Cooker Apple Butter is a deliciously spiced spread made from tender, slow-cooked apples. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, swirling into oatmeal, or using as a flavorful ingredient in baked goods.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds apples
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel, core, and chop the apples. Place them in a 1 ½-quart slow cooker and stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
2. Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, stirring occasionally to mix the flavors and prevent sticking.
3. Step 3: Remove the lid, stir the mixture, and cook uncovered on low for 1 more hour to allow the apple butter to thicken.
4. Step 4: Blend the mixture with an immersion blender until smooth. If using a regular blender, vent the lid, cover it with a towel, and blend slowly to avoid splattering.
5. Step 5: Let the apple butter cool completely, then transfer it to a clean glass container.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Fuji and Granny Smith, for balanced flavor.
• Add a splash of apple cider or a pinch of ground cloves for extra warmth and depth.
• If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the blender less or mash the apples with a fork instead.

Storage

Store the cooled apple butter in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in portions and thaw in the fridge before use. Reheat gently if desired, but it’s delicious cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Yes, frozen apples can be used. They may release more water, so cook a bit longer uncovered to thicken the apple butter.

How do I know when the apple butter is done cooking?

The apple butter is ready when the apples are very soft and the mixture has thickened after cooking uncovered. It should blend smoothly and have a rich, concentrated apple flavor.

Mini Slow Cooker Apple Butter Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 138 reviews

This Mini Slow Cooker Apple Butter recipe is a simple and flavorful way to transform fresh apples into a smooth, spiced spread perfect for toast, muffins, or even as a topping for desserts. Cooked slowly with warm spices and natural sweetness, this homemade apple butter offers a comforting taste of fall all year round.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 hours
• Total Time: 9 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: ¾ cup (96 grams, 3.38 oz) 1x
• Category: Sauces & Condiments
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apples

• 1 ½ pounds apples, peeled, cored, and chopped

Spices and Sweeteners

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• pinch ground allspice

Additional Flavorings

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces to ensure even cooking and smooth texture.
2. Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Place the chopped apples into a 1 ½-quart slow cooker, then add granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir well to mix all components together.
3. Cook covered: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low setting for 8 hours or on high setting for 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
4. Thicken the apple butter: Remove the lid and continue cooking uncovered on low for an additional hour. This step helps thicken the mixture to the right consistency.
5. Blend to smooth texture: Use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to puree the apple mixture until smooth. If using a regular blender, vent the lid carefully, cover with a towel, and blend slowly to avoid splatters.
6. Cool and store: Allow the apple butter to cool, then transfer it to a clean glass container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Notes

• Using a slow cooker allows for a hands-off, gentle cooking process that brings out natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Feel free to adjust spices to your preference for a stronger cinnamon or nutmeg flavor.
• Ensure the apples are peeled and cored for the smoothest apple butter texture.
• This recipe yields about ¾ cup (96 grams) of apple butter; double ingredients if you want a larger batch.
• Refrigerated apple butter lasts up to two weeks, or freeze for longer storage.
• Use apples that are good for cooking such as Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for best flavor.

Keywords: apple butter, slow cooker apple butter, homemade apple butter, spiced apple spread, fall recipe, slow cooker recipe, apple spread