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As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of homemade apple butter wafting through your kitchen. This delightful spread not only captures the essence of autumn but also offers a delicious way to preserve the season's bounty. Apple butter, a traditional preserve, has a rich history that dates back to the early settlers in America who needed a way to enjoy the flavors of fall long after the apples had been harvested.

Slow Cooker Apple Butter – Fall in a Jar!

Experience the essence of autumn with homemade slow cooker apple butter! This simple and rewarding recipe transforms fresh apples into a luscious spread, perfect for toast, biscuits, and more. Discover the best apple varieties to mix, how to balance sweetness with sugars, and spice it up with cinnamon and nutmeg. With a slow cooker, you can effortlessly whip up this delightful treat that fills your home with warm aromas. Enjoy the flavors of fall all season long!
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Ingredients
  

8 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties, such as Granny Smith and Fuji)

1 cup of granulated sugar (adjust based on apple sweetness)

1/2 cup of packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon of cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon of allspice

1/4 teaspoon of cloves

1 tablespoon of vanilla extract

1/4 cup of apple cider (or more for consistency)

Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Prep the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples. A mix of sweet and tart apples will provide the best depth of flavor.

    Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, vanilla extract, apple cider, and lemon juice. Stir well to ensure all the apples are coated with the sugars and spices.

      Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Stir occasionally if possible, but it's not necessary.

        Blend: After 8 hours, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture to your desired consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender.

          Thicken (Optional): If the apple butter is too thin for your liking, transfer it back to the slow cooker, and cook on high with the lid slightly ajar for an additional 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally until it thickens.

            Cool & Store: Once your apple butter is thickened and has cooled, transfer it to sterilized jars. Seal and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or process in a water bath for longer storage.

              Enjoy: Slather on toast, stir into oatmeal, spoon over yogurt, or give as gifts in beautifully labeled jars.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 8 hours 15 minutes | Makes about 6 cups