There is something incredibly satisfying about making your own spread from fresh, fragrant apples, and this Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe delivers just that. It’s a warm, sweet, and perfectly spiced apple butter that develops rich flavor over slow cooking, capturing the essence of fall in every jar. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, stirring it into yogurt, or gifting it to friends, this recipe makes preserving homemade goodness simple and fun. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to create this comforting treat in your very own slow cooker.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting a deeply flavorful Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe requires just a handful of pantry staples and fresh apples. Each ingredient plays a special role: the apples provide the perfect base, the sugars add sweetness, and the fragrant spices create that signature warm aroma and taste that makes homemade apple butter so beloved.
- Apples (6 pounds): Choose a mix like McIntosh, Cortland, or Granny Smith for balanced sweetness and tartness.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Adds bright sweetness and balances the tart apples.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Brings depth and a caramel-like richness.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The classic spice, warming and comforting.
- Ground cloves (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle spicy kick without overpowering.
- Ground allspice (1/2 teaspoon): Adds complexity with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A fragrant nutty spice that rounds out the flavor.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and balances the spices.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Added at the end for a smooth, mellow finish.
How to Make Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and chopping your apples. This prep ensures they cook evenly and break down beautifully. Place the apples directly into your 6-quart slow cooker, setting the stage for that long, slow caramelization that makes apple butter so special.
Step 2: Mix the Sugars and Spices
In a separate bowl, combine your granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. This spice mix will coat the apples, infusing each bite with layers of warm, cozy flavor as it cooks. Pour this flavorful mixture over the apples and stir well to make sure every piece is covered.
Step 3: Slow Cook Low and Slow
Cover your Crock Pot and let those apples work their magic for about 10 hours on low. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help the apples cook evenly. The result will be tender, dark brown, and full of concentrated flavor—exactly what you want for a thick, luscious apple butter.
Step 4: Blend to Desired Consistency
Now it’s time to decide how you like your apple butter. Use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to puree the mixture until smooth. Prefer it chunkier? Simply blend partially or skip this step altogether and enjoy those lovely apple morsels throughout.
Step 5: Thicken the Apple Butter
Cook the apple butter uncovered for 1 to 2 more hours, stirring occasionally. This final stretch thickens the spread to your preferred consistency. Patience here pays off with a rich, spoonable texture that clings to everything from biscuits to pancakes.
Step 6: Add Vanilla Extract
Stir in a tablespoon of vanilla extract during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This final touch adds a smooth, fragrant warmth that perfectly complements the spices and apples, making every jar unforgettable.
Step 7: Sterilize Your Jars and Lids
Before you can bottle up your delicious creation, make sure to sterilize canning jars and lids by boiling them for 10 minutes. This step ensures your apple butter stays fresh and safe during storage.
Step 8: Jar the Hot Apple Butter
Carefully ladle the hot apple butter into your sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during processing. Making sure there are no air bubbles will help your preserves seal perfectly.
Step 9: Process the Jars in a Water Bath
Secure the lids and process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This classic canning method locks in freshness and flavor, so you can enjoy your apple butter for months to come.
Step 10: Cool and Store
Let the jars cool undisturbed at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. Once sealed, store your precious jars in a cool, dark place—your homemade apple butter will keep happily for up to a year, ready to brighten any breakfast or snack.
How to Serve Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream elevate the rustic charm of apple butter. Fresh herbs such as a sprig of rosemary or thyme add an unexpected, fragrant twist that’s perfect on cheese boards or warm toast.
Side Dishes
This apple butter pairs beautifully with breakfast staples like pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal. It also shines next to savory items such as roasted pork, grilled chicken, or swirled into creamy cheeses, providing a sweet contrast that wakes up your taste buds.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe as a gift in decorative jars tied with rustic twine, or create a DIY apple butter tasting platter with various breads, nuts, and cheeses. It’s a charming way to share the coziness of homemade flavors with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After opening, store leftover apple butter in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, ready for quick morning toast or afternoon snacks.
Freezing
If you want to keep your apple butter even longer, consider freezing it. Transfer portions into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and enjoy up to six months later without losing any of that fresh, spiced flavor.
Reheating
Reheat apple butter gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to bring it back to pouring consistency. Stir well and enjoy it warm over pancakes or swirl it into hot cereals for a cozy treat.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While McIntosh, Cortland, or Granny Smith apples are recommended for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can experiment with different varieties. Just ensure they’re fresh and not overly mealy to get the best texture.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Yes, peeling is important in this recipe. It helps achieve a silky smooth texture and prevents any tough skins from interfering with the final apple butter’s consistency.
How long can I store the canned apple butter?
Properly processed and sealed jars of apple butter can last up to one year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within two weeks for the best flavor and safety.
Is it necessary to use a water bath canner?
Yes, processing jars in a boiling water bath is essential for safe canning. It kills any bacteria and ensures a proper seal, which helps preserve your apple butter for long-term storage.
Can I make this recipe without a crock pot?
You can make apple butter on the stovetop by simmering the apples and spices in a heavy pot, but it requires more attention and stirring. The slow cooker method is hands-off and ideal for developing deep, caramelized flavors with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the scent of cinnamon and apples slowly cooking into morning, afternoon, or holiday memories, and this Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe makes it so easy to capture that magic at home. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or new to preserving, this recipe invites you to cozy up with a jar full of homemade goodness. Give it a try—you’ll be spreading love on toast and sharing smiles in no time!
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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
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Crock Pot Apple Butter recipe uses a slow cooker to transform fresh apples into a rich, spiced spread perfect for canning and long-term storage. The apple butter is flavored with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, sweetened with both granulated and brown sugar, then gently cooked down to a thick, smooth consistency. Ideal for adding a cozy touch to breads, oatmeal, or desserts, this recipe yields about 5 pints of homemade apple butter preserved safely through water bath canning.
Ingredients
Apples
- 6 pounds apples (such as McIntosh, Cortland, or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped
Sweeteners and Spices
- 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
Additional Flavoring
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Place the peeled, cored, and chopped apples into a 6-quart slow cooker, ensuring even distribution for uniform cooking.
- Mix Sugars and Spices: In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. Pour this mixture over the apples and stir thoroughly to coat all the fruit pieces evenly.
- Cook Apples Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 10 hours. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and to promote even caramelization. The apples should become very soft and dark brown in color.
- Puree the Mixture: Use an immersion blender to puree the apple mixture directly in the crock pot. For chunkier apple butter, blend partially or skip this step according to your texture preference.
- Thicken Apple Butter: Cook the mixture uncovered for an additional 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until it thickens to your desired consistency, which should be spreadable but not runny.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract during the last 30 minutes of cooking to infuse a warm aromatic flavor into the apple butter.
- Sterilize Jars and Lids: While the apple butter finishes cooking, sterilize canning jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes to ensure safety and prevent contamination.
- Fill Jars: Ladle the hot apple butter carefully into the sterilized jars, leaving approximately 1/4 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during sealing.
- Process Jars in Water Bath: Secure the lids on the jars and process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This step safely seals the jars for long-term storage.
- Cool and Store: Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours. After cooling, check seals and store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
Notes
- Use a mix of apple varieties like McIntosh, Cortland, and Granny Smith for a balanced sweet and tart apple butter.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model; check the apples for softness before pureeing.
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste, especially if your apples are very sweet or tart.
- Partial pureeing allows you to customize texture from chunky to smooth apple butter.
- Ensure jars and lids are fully sterilized to prevent spoilage during storage.
- If water bath processing is unavailable, store apple butter refrigerated and consume within 2 weeks.
