Velvety spiced apple butter made in the slow cooker
Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
10 hr
Total Time
10 hr 20 min
Servings
32
4 cups
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Velvety spiced apple butter made in the slow cooker
★4.8(16)
Rich, velvety apple butter slow-cooked until deeply caramelized with warm cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla. Spread it on toast, swirl into oatmeal, or give jars as gifts.
20m
Prep Time
600m
Cook Time
620m
Total Time
32
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This apple butter cooks itself in the slow cooker overnight, filling your home with the most incredible cinnamon-apple aroma. By morning, you have a thick, spreadable apple butter with intense, concentrated apple flavor.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 5 lbs mixed apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1
Place chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and vinegar in a slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- 2
Cook on low for 10-12 hours or high for 6-8 hours, stirring once or twice, until dark and very soft.
- 3
Blend with an immersion blender until completely smooth.
- 4
Remove the lid and cook on high for 1-2 more hours to thicken further, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Stir in vanilla, then ladle into clean jars. Refrigerate once cooled.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Serve alongside fresh fruit and your favorite morning beverage
Pair with crispy bacon or sausage links for a hearty start
Substitutions
Brown sugarMaple syrup (3/4 cup)
A more complex, less refined sweetener
Mixed applesPears
Makes a beautiful pear butter with the same technique
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use a mix of apple varieties—Granny Smith for tartness and Fuji for sweetness gives the best balance.
Prop the slow cooker lid open with a wooden spoon during the last hour to help moisture escape and thicken.
Preheat your pan or griddle properly. An evenly heated surface is the difference between golden perfection and uneven cooking.
Room temperature eggs cook more evenly than cold ones. Pull them from the fridge 15 minutes before cooking.
Storage
Refrigerate in sealed jars for up to 3 weeks. Freezes for up to 6 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (0mg) · 32 servings
Calories50
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein0g
Carbohydrates0g
Fat13g
Fiber5mg
Sugar1g
Sodium11g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make it on the stove?
- Yes, simmer covered on the lowest setting for 4-5 hours, stirring often to prevent burning.
- How do I can it?
- Process filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes for shelf-stable apple butter.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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