Name: Simple and Homemade Crockpot Apple Butter Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 h
Total time: 10 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 lbs tart apples (such as Jonagold, Jazz, or Granny Smith); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup raw sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, fall-inspired treat that’s bursting with warm spices and the comforting richness of apples, you’ve got to try this Simple and Homemade Crockpot Apple Butter. This luscious spread is a true labor of love that unfolds gently over hours in your slow cooker, transforming humble apples into a silky, sweet, and deeply flavorful delight. Whether you’re spreading it on morning toast or swirling it into oatmeal, this recipe brings the essence of autumn into your kitchen with ease and heart.

Simple and Homemade Crockpot Apple Butter Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this Simple and Homemade Crockpot Apple Butter just right means using straightforward ingredients that come together to create an unrivaled depth of flavor and perfect texture. Each component is simple but essential, balancing sweetness, spice, and that unmistakable apple tang.

5 lbs of Apples: Opt for tart varieties like Jonagold, Jazz, or Granny Smith for the perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
1 Tablespoon Cinnamon: Adds warm, inviting spice that’s classic in apple desserts.
¼ Teaspoon Cloves: A little goes a long way to provide an earthy, aromatic touch.
½ Teaspoon Nutmeg: Enhances flavor depth with its sweet and nutty notes.
1 Cup Brown Sugar: Brings rich molasses undertones and caramel-like sweetness.
¼ Cup Raw Sugar: Adds a subtle crunch and extra sweetness.
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Infuses a smooth, mellow background note to round out the spices.
A Pinch of Salt: Balances and highlights all the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Simple and Homemade Crockpot Apple Butter

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples

Start by selecting about 5 pounds of tart apples—these will give your apple butter that signature tang and brightness. Peel, core, and slice your apples carefully. While it can be time-consuming, investing in a good apple corer can truly save you time and effort. Once your apples are ready, load them into your crockpot to kick off the slow transformation.

Step 2: Add the Sweetness and Spice

Sprinkle in your brown sugar, raw sugar, and the warm spices: cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, along with the pinch of salt. Stir everything gently so each apple slice gets a beautiful, even coating. This step is where the magic begins—these spices and sugars will meld into the fruit as it slowly cooks.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your crockpot to low and let the apples cook for about 10 hours. During this time, the sugars and spices will permeate the softening fruit, creating layers of flavor. For the last 3 hours, remove the crockpot lid to allow moisture to evaporate, which thickens the mixture into that luscious spread we crave for apple butter.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

After a slow, fragrant journey of cooking, your apples will be tender and mostly broken down. Use an immersion blender directly in the crockpot to puree the mixture until it’s smooth and velvety. If you don’t own one yet, consider adding this gadget to your kitchen arsenal—it’s a game changer for recipes like this.

Step 5: Jar and Enjoy

Transfer your finished apple butter into jars or containers of your choice. Remember, this Simple and Homemade Crockpot Apple Butter is best enjoyed within a week, but you can also freeze or even can it to savor the flavor all year round.

How to Serve Simple and Homemade Crockpot Apple Butter

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, adds delightful crunch and a nutty contrast. A fresh cinnamon stick tucked alongside your serving jar also doubles as a charming visual touch and can enhance aroma when stirring into dishes.

Side Dishes

This apple butter pairs wonderfully with freshly baked biscuits or warm toast for breakfast. It’s equally divine dolloped onto pancakes, swirled into yogurt or oatmeal, or served alongside roast pork or turkey for a sweet-savory boost.

Creative Ways to Present

Try mixing apple butter into cream cheese for an irresistible spread or folding it into cake batters to amplify your desserts. It also makes for a thoughtful homemade gift—fill small jars, tie them with rustic twine, and sprinkle with cinnamon for a welcoming, edible present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep your apple butter in airtight jars or containers in the fridge. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to seven days, making it a perfect spread to enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

To extend its life, freeze your apple butter in freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes beautifully and can last up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

If you prefer your apple butter warm, gently reheat it in a saucepan over low heat or briefly in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This will revive its smooth texture and bring out those comforting aromas.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apples for this recipe?

While you can technically use any apples, tart varieties like Granny Smith, Jonagold, or Jazz work best because they provide the right balance of sweet and tangy that makes apple butter so flavorful.

Is it possible to make this apple butter without a crockpot?

Yes! You can simmer the apples on the stove over low heat, but it requires more attentive stirring and a longer cooking time to avoid burning and to properly thicken the butter.

How sweet is this apple butter? Can I adjust the sugar?

The sugar quantities can definitely be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet spread or your apples are already very sweet, feel free to reduce the sugar—sometimes half the amount is enough without compromising flavor.

Can I preserve this apple butter by canning?

Absolutely. Apple butter has the right acidity to be safely canned using a water-bath method. Use half-pint or pint jars and process them for about 10 minutes. Always follow proper canning guidelines for safety.

What’s the purpose of removing the crockpot lid at the end?

Removing the lid allows moisture to evaporate, thickening the apple butter into the perfect spreadable consistency instead of a watery sauce. This step is key for getting that signature rich texture.

Final Thoughts

Making Simple and Homemade Crockpot Apple Butter is such a rewarding experience that fills your home with the most wonderful aromas and your heart with a sense of autumnal joy. It’s an easy recipe to savor all season long, and once you try it, I bet you’ll be hooked just like I am. Grab your apples, fire up your crockpot, and let this delicious tradition become part of your kitchen repertoire!

Simple and Homemade Crockpot Apple Butter Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 12 reviews

Author: Lana
Total Time: 10 hours 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 4 pints 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Homemade crockpot apple butter is a deliciously spiced spread made from slow-cooked tart apples, brown sugar, and warm spices, perfect for toast, biscuits, pancakes, or enjoying on its own. This easy, hands-off recipe requires just a crockpot and a few simple ingredients to create a smooth, richly flavored apple butter that captures the essence of fall and warmth.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples

5 lbs tart apples (such as Jonagold, Jazz, or Granny Smith)

Spices and Sugars

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup raw sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Core, peel, and slice about 5 pounds of tart apples. Using an apple corer can save time and effort during this process. Once prepared, place the apples into the crockpot.
Add Spices and Sugars: Add 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup raw sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon cloves, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the apples. Mix thoroughly until all apples are evenly coated with the mixture.
Slow Cook: Cook the apple mixture on low heat for 10 hours. Stir occasionally to promote even cooking and to prevent sticking. For the last 3 hours, remove the crockpot lid to allow excess liquid to evaporate and help the apple butter thicken.
Blend to Finish: After cooking, use an immersion blender to puree the cooked apples until smooth and achieve the desired apple butter consistency.
Store and Serve: Transfer the apple butter into jars or containers. It can be refrigerated and eaten within 7 days or frozen for longer storage. Optionally, can the apple butter using half-pint or pint jars with a 10-minute water bath at sea level for safe preservation.

Notes

Use tart apples such as Granny Smith, Jonagold, or Jazz for the best flavor and consistency.
The amount of sugar can be adjusted depending on the tartness of your apples—using less sugar if your apples are sweeter is recommended.
Removing the crockpot lid during the last hours of cooking helps evaporate moisture and firm up the apple butter.
An immersion blender is highly recommended for easy blending directly in the crockpot.
Apple butter makes about 4 pints from 5 pounds of apples.
Apple butter contains enough acidity for safe water-bath canning for 10 minutes at sea level.
Store apple butter in the refrigerator and consume within 7 days, or freeze for longer shelf life.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 hours
Category: Spread
Method: Slow cooker
Cuisine: American