I have been using Apple Butter in my recipes for years! It’s like this magical little ingredient that can flavor something apple so easily. In this recipe we let apple butter cook away in our slow cooker all day making our house smell amazing. If you are headed out apple picking, this is a great recipe to use up those delicious apples.
What is Apple Butter?
Apple Butter is like a more concentrated, deeper flavored, version of apple sauce. It cooks longer so it is thicker, and you use more spices in it. You can typically find it in the grocery store near the jellies, but this slow cooker apple butter is so easy, I urge you to make your own. Not only that, but this homemade apple butter tastes way better.
Type of Apple to Use
You can use whatever apple you would like in this recipe and it will work. That being said, I think using Granny Smith (for at least half the apples in the recipe) is a good call. The tartness of the apple balances out the sweetness from the sugar perfectly.
How to Make Apple Butter
I think apple butter in the crockpot is genius because you don’t have to babysit it. Here is a brief overview of how simple this recipe is: At this point if the apple butter is too thin, you can take the lid off and let it cook for an additional hour to thicken up. Slow cookers do vary, so you might need to do this. Then you blend the apple butter, store, and enjoy.
Making Apple Butter on the Stovetop
If you can’t wait all day for your apple butter, you can make it on the stovetop.
Storing Apple Butter
Apple Butter can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 10 days. As always, use your best discretion. If it smells funny (or looks funny) before then, toss it. For longer term storing, put in a container with an inch room for expansion. Place in the freezer and use within three months. If you would like to can your apple butter, you can refer to the instructions in this post.
Ways to Use Apple Butter
Apple Butter works great as an ingredient. In fact, I have a cookie recipe I’m publishing later this week that it is perfect for. Here are some others:
Caramel Apple BarsCaramel Apple DipCaramel Apple Milkshake
Recommended Tools
Good KnifeMeasuring SpoonsSlow CookerApple Corer
