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Ultimate Homemade Apple Butter: Stovetop AND Slow Cooker Recipe

A close-up of thick, dark brown apple butter served in a small white bowl on a saucer.
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Make rich, spiced apple butter from scratch using simple ingredients. This recipe works perfectly on the stovetop or in a slow cooker for an easy homemade spread ideal for toast or baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 pounds apples (Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

  1. Combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves in a large pot for stovetop, or in a slow cooker insert.
  2. For Stovetop: Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the apples break down and the mixture is very soft, about 30 to 45 minutes.
  3. For Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the apples are very soft.
  4. Transfer the cooked apple mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender. Blend until completely smooth. If you prefer a slightly textured spread, pulse briefly.
  5. Return the smooth mixture to the pot or slow cooker. Cook uncovered over low heat (stovetop) or on low (slow cooker) for 2 to 4 hours, stirring every 15 to 20 minutes. This step thickens the butter and deepens the caramelized flavor.
  6. The apple butter is ready when it is thick enough that a spoon leaves a trail on the bottom of the pot that does not immediately fill in.
  7. Cool completely before storing in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, or follow proper canning procedures for longer storage.

Notes

  • For an extra thick apple butter, continue simmering the final stage until the mixture coats the back of a spoon heavily.
  • If you want a cranberry apple butter variation, substitute 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries for 1 pound of apples.
  • Cooking apples like Granny Smith hold their shape less, which speeds up the breakdown process.
  • This spread freezes well for up to six months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mistyplate.com/easy-homemade-apple-butter-stovetop-slow-cooker/