Apple Butter
This is a slow cooker apple butter recipe. It highlights those classic fall flavors of apples and warm spices. I made this on the first day of autumn and the house spelt wonderful. The best part is that like most other slow cooker recipe, it’s simple to throw together, turn it on, go about your business and by the end of the day you have something delicious waiting.
So what can you use apple butter for? Apple butter can be used in baking, in place of oil or apple sauce to lighten up the baked goods. I used it recently in place of the applesauce in my apple cupcakes recipe and made a cake for my dad’s birthday. Other applications include using it like a jam on your toast or in barbeque sauce. I can see using apple butter to make a sauce for pork chops.
Notes:
- Sugar – Adjust the sugar to the sweetness of the apples. No two apples are the same and sweetness levels are different.
- Apples – there are so many different varieties of apples and so many different combinations you can use. There’s no need to limit ourselves. I’d say use whatever you have on hand. It cooks for so long and you end up pureeing for smoothness. There’s no need to fret over firm or mealy apples. I love the Sweetango apples. They are sweet, tart, and crunchy and that’s the variety that I usually have around the house.
Apple Butter
Time: 8-10 hours
Yields: 2 ½ cup
5-6 large apples
½ cup light brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
A pinch of nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Peel and slice apples. You can use an apple corer if you like.
• Place apples in the slow cooker. Add sugar, spices, salt, and vanilla extract if you are using. Mix ingredients until combined.
• Cover. Set the slow cooker on low and let cook for 8-10 hours.
• Pour into a food processor and puree for smooth texture.
• Let cool completely and store in mason jars for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. You can following canning procedures for a longer shelf life.
