Homemade slow cooker apple butter is a sweet treat! It is just perfect served on everything from crackers to English muffins to pita chips. There is a taste of fall in every bite!
Raise your hand if you know what this is:
To me, it looks like it could be some sort of antique torture device. The first time I saw it, I was definitely afraid of it. But it is really great and has saved me hours of work over the many years I have owned it.
This year, when apple season rolled around, I pulled out this crazy-looking device and decided it must be time for an upgrade. I was actually wondering if I could sell this thing at a flea market. Clearly, it must be an antique, right?
I started looking around online and was shocked to find that it is still the peeler/corer being sold everywhere from Amazon to the high-end kitchen equipment stores. Proof that looks aren’t everything.
This peeler/corer is the main reason I make this slow cooker apple butter recipe. Without it, this would not fall into my definition of "lazy"!
📝Shopping list
Shopping list
To make this easy recipe, you will need:
- Fresh apples - I like to use a variety of apples
- Pure maple syrup - the imitation kind can not compare!
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Cloves - whole
- Vanilla extract - Pure extract is a must. Imitation is not nearly as good!
- Salt
- Brown sugar replacement - I like Swerve
🥣Instructions
The hardest part of this recipe is peeling and coring the apples. Some people do this by hand. But, an apple peeler (and corer) cuts the work time tremendously. If your peeler/corer leaves you with spiral slices you can cut them into halves or quarters, but it's optional.
Add maple syrup, vanilla, salt, and your sweetener of choice. Stir to coat the apple pieces. Add in spices, then cover and cook. If you will be around, enjoy the fabulous aromas wafting out of your slow cooker. Far better than any apple-scented candle!
Once your apples have fully cooked full down to a dark brown color, turn off your slow cooker. Use an immersion blender to remove all remaining apple chunks and bring your dish to a smooth, spreadable consistency.
🍽Serving suggestions
This is a good spread on just about any type of cracker or bread. However, it can be used for much more than that.
- It is a great addition to any charcuterie! A little bit of this delicious spread goes a long way.
- Some sharp cheddar cheese with a swipe of this apple spread is beyond awesome!
- Warm apple butter is delicious when mixed into oatmeal or cream of wheat.
- Apple butter and peanut butter sandwiches are among my most favorite things!
- I love serving this as a dip alongside a cinnamon roll pull-apart.
- and more
Storing apple butter
Crock pot apple butter can be stored in everything from glass canning jars to airtight freezer containers. (I have never actually tried canning it). It will stay fresh for up to three months in the refrigerator. Apple butter freezes well and can be kept frozen for up to one year.
😉Hints and hacks:
- Finishing the apple butter requires some blending to smooth things out. I prefer an immersion blender because it is easier and involves less clean-up. However, any type of blender or food processor will get the job done.
- I am a huge fan of slow cooker liners for easier clean-up. However, liners and immersion blenders do not play well together. Nothing is sadder than having to throw out great food that was ruined by slow cooker liner shreds.
- As written, the original recipe below is sugar-free, although it does include sweeteners. However, you can use sugar, if you prefer.
- For this simple recipe, I use 3 pounds of apples. After many hours of cooking, it only yields slightly more than 1 cup of apple butter. If you would like more you can certainly double or triple this recipe.
- Homemade apple butter makes a great gift! I like to fill small mason jars with it and tie them up with ribbon. Nothing is better than a homemade gift made with love!
- If there are apple orchards anywhere near you - go apple picking!! It is fun, nutritious, and educational. Grocery store apples are great but, nothing beats fresh-picked apples in this quintessential fall recipe.
❓Most asked question
There is always a lot of debate over the best kind of apple to cook with. I have tried many different kinds in this perfect recipe and they all work well. The slow cooking process can easily break down even the crispest of apples.
If you prefer tart apples, Granny Smith apples are great. If you like a sweeter apple, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, and Red Delicious apples are just right.
More Crockpot Snack Ideas
Lazy Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Equipment
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 3 lbs apples use apple peeler/corer!
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 3 whole cinnamon sticks
- ½ teaspoon whole cloves
- pinch salt
- 1½ teaspoon pure vanilla
- ¼ cup Swerve brown sugar replacement Alternatives: ¼ cup regular granulated erythritol or monkfruit plus 1 teaspoon molasses. Or, ¼ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Peel, core, chop apples and place in slow cooker3 lbs apples
- Add maple syrup, salt, vanilla and sweetener and stir to coat apples⅓ cup pure maple syrup, pinch salt, 1½ teaspoon pure vanilla, ¼ cup Swerve brown sugar replacement
- Add cinnamon sticks and cloves3 whole cinnamon sticks, ½ teaspoon whole cloves
- Cover and cook 8- 10 or so hours on low. If possible, give the mixture a stir every few hours to ensure the flavor of the cinnamon and clove are well distributed (optional).
- After the mixture is well cooked down, remove cinnamon sticks and cloves and blend to a smooth texture with immersion blender.
Nutrition
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Have you tried this recipe? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below! 
Clare says
How long does this keep for please
admin says
If you keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it should keep for a few weeks.