Imagine waking up to the cozy aroma of apples, cinnamon, and spice filling your kitchen. This overnight Crock Pot Apple Butter makes it possible! Simply toss the apples and spices into your slow cooker before bed, and by morning you’ll have a rich, velvety spread that tastes like fall in a jar. Perfect on warm biscuits, scones, muffins, or even as a savory glaze for pork chops, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
INGREDIENTS:
6 1/2 – 7 pounds apples – peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped*
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
METHOD:
Place the chopped apples in a slow cooker. In a medium bowl, combine sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Pour the mixture over the apples and stir to combine.
Cook in a slow cooker on low for about 10-11 hours, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thickened and dark brown.
Uncover, stir in vanilla and continue cooking uncovered on low for about 2 hours.
Using an immersion blender, purée the apple butter until smooth.
Spoon the mixture into sterile containers, cover, and refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze.
NOTES AND TIPS:
- Apple varieties: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith, Fuji, and Honeycrisp make a great combination.
- Adjusting sweetness: The sugar amount may vary depending on how sweet your apples are. Taste and adjust to your preference.
- Texture options: For a smooth, creamy finish, purée with an immersion blender. No immersion blender? A food mill with a fine screen works well too.
- Too thick? Stir in a splash of apple juice to loosen the consistency.
- Not thick enough? Continue cooking uncovered until it reaches the desired texture.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
- Slather on warm biscuits, scones, muffins, or toast.
- Brush on pork chops or roast chicken as a glaze.
- Serve alongside sharp cheddar, blue cheese, or brie on cheese board.
- Swirl into yogurt, oatmeal, or vanilla ice cream.
- Spoon into small jars, tie with ribbon, and give as a fall treat.
- Use in cakes, quick breads, or as a filling for turnovers.
