slow cooker Apple Butter made straightforward! Dice unpeeled apples, add spices and sugar, and let the slow cooker do the work. Spread on toast or eat by the spoonful!
author’s note
Apple Butter, Gone in 24 Hours!
Growing up, we had a neighbor who always brought over jars of from-scratch apple butter every fall. My family and I could never make it last more than a day. We’d spread it on warm toast, swirled it into oatmeal, and ate it by the spoonful.
Now, after our yearly family trip to the apple orchard and with my own backyard trees finally producing apples, I found myself with more apples than I could use. I knew I wanted to recreate the apple butter I loved as a kid and make it my own.
After a few rounds of testing and adjusting the spices, this version quickly became a favorite with my kids too.
The Simple Stuff You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Tips & Swaps |
|---|---|
| Sweet apples (Fuji, Honeycrisp) | Use naturally sweet apples for less sugar. Try mixing in Granny Smith for a little tang. |
| Brown sugar | Ensure it’s fresh and clump free for even sweetness in this slow cooker apple butter. |
| White sugar | Keeps the balance of sweetness. Adjust down if your apples are very sweet. |
| Cinnamon & nutmeg | Classic spices! You could add cloves or allspice for an even warmer flavor. |
| Lemon juice | Brightens the spread and keeps the color rich. Bottled works, but fresh tastes best. |
| Vanilla extract | Real vanilla extract is best. |
How To Make slow cooker Apple Butter
- Dice apples: No need to peel; just core and dice.
- Combine ingredients: In a slow cooker, add apples, sugars, and spices.
- Slow cook: Set to low and cook for 11-12 hours or high for 5-7 hours.
- Blend: move to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Add vanilla and lemon: mix in for flavor. move to jars and refrigerate.
Featured Comment
“We have a tree bursting with apples right now so I decided to give this recipe a try and oh my gosh it’s incredible. I’ll be making it all fall. My kids love it on freshly made sourdough and I could seriously eat it by the spoonful! Thanks so much for such a satisfying recipe.”
– Allie
chelsea’s recipe tip
Use slow cooker Apple Butter On:
- Spread: On toast, bagels, muffins, or scones
- Filling: In pastries, pies, tarts, or doughnuts
- Topping: On pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal
- Sauce: Swirl into yogurt, ice cream, or smoothie bowls
- Baking: Add moisture to cakes or muffins
- Glaze: For meats like pork or chicken
- Sandwiches: Add to grilled cheese or PB&J for a twist.
Quick Tip
If you like, use an immersion blender for the mixture. However, I find a high-powered blender gives the apple butter an ultra-smooth finish.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store slow cooker apple butter in an airtight jar for 2–3 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze in small freezer-safe containers for up to 12 months.
- Canning: If you know how to can, properly processed jars will last up to a year in a cool, dark place.
More Must-Make Apple Recipes:
Desserts
Apple Pie
Desserts
Caramel Apple Bark
Breakfast
Healthy Apple Muffin Recipe
