Since no one needs 100 quarts of apple butter, here’s a pared-down version you can make in a slow cooker!
It’s packed with autumn spices and rich apple flavor—plus, it’s super easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 8 lbs apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 2 ¾ cups sugar
- 2 ¾ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 star anise pod (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Place peeled, cored, and sliced apples into the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add sugar, cinnamon, cloves, lemon juice, salt, and star anise (if using). Stir to combine.
Step 3: Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally.
After the first hour, remove the star anise.
Step 4: Once bubbling, switch to low and cook for 10-12 hours (overnight works great).
Step 5: Use a whisk or potato masher to break up the apples.
Turn the cooker to high, remove the lid, and cook off excess liquid until thickened.
Step 6: Blend with an immersion blender for a smooth texture. Cool, then freeze or can for later use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use different apples?
Yes, mixing tart and sweet apples works best for balanced flavor.
2. How long can I store it?
Canned apple butter lasts up to 1 year, or freeze for up to 6 months.
3. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but reducing sugar may affect the preservation.
4. How do I thicken it?
Cook with the lid off on high to reduce excess liquid.
5. Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling ensures a smoother apple butter but is optional.
Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Ingredients
- 8 lbs apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 ¾ cups sugar
- 2 ¾ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 pod star anise optional
Instructions
- Place peeled, cored, and sliced apples into the slow cooker.
- Add sugar, cinnamon, cloves, lemon juice, salt, and star anise (if using). Stir to combine.
- Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- After the first hour, remove the star anise.
- Once bubbling, switch to low and cook for 10-12 hours (overnight works great).
- Use a whisk or potato masher to break up the apples.
- Turn the cooker to high, remove the lid, and cook off excess liquid until thickened.
- Blend with an immersion blender for a smooth texture. Cool, then freeze or can for later use.
