I grew up in an “apple butter loving” home, but can you believe that I’m just now tasting apple butter this year?! Crazy right! Man was I missing out!

My grandmother makes her apple butter on the stove but after making my favorite apple butter recipe in the slow cooker for the first time I will NEVER go back to the stove-top or oven method. EVER.

I’m totally converted!!  Slow cooker apple butter rules on so many levels. No babysitting the pot, no constant stirring and no having to keep the stove on all day. I just throw the ingredients into the crock pot and go on about my day.

I don’t know what took me so long to give slow cooker apple butter a try. I mean, I’ve  heard about it plenty of times. I guess I didn’t want to risk trying something new since apple butter makes such a big batch.

old fashioned slow cooker apple butter recipe

I got a crap load of apples from the farm so I thought ah well, if it taste awful then it’s no big deal. After making it, it tasted just like my stove-top version only EASIER to make!

Now listen, I’ve had my share of bad apple butters so I’m kinda picky.  When it comes to making perfect apple butter  you need to get two things correct: Flavor and Texture

Ok first let’st talk flavor:  Apple butter should be sweet but not so sweet that it tastes flat like a jelly. It’s a comfort food spread  so now it not the time to skim on sugar (unless you just really hate sweet spreads). I use two sugars to help give a lil balance. Using a variety of sweet apples and tart apples is a must in my book. Last, it needs to have the right balance of spices. Depending on the apples you use, all of the other ingredients will need and should be adjusted.  The rule to making a good tasting apple butter is to taste, taste, taste!!! Trust your taste buds. TASTE and adjust.

Ok now about the consistancy: Now I know a few people will argue with me here (depending on where you’re from) but apple butter should be thick and spreadable. If it’s like applesauce then it’s just that, overly-sweetened, runny applesauce!  It should spread on like smooth butter. Hence the name.

Here is the recipe that I like to use. Of course adjust the measurements to fit your taste buds if needed. I think it has just the right amount of spices without being overkill. It is pretty sweet though. Yum!

Here is my FAVORITE way to eat to apple butter

  • 1 bakery-style bagel
  • butter
  • 2-4 Tablespoons plain cream cheese
  • 2-3 tablespoons of homemade apple butter
Spread butter on bagel halves and toast until lightly browned. Spread on cream cheese and top with apple butter. Toast until cream cheese has melted a little. Enjoy!!
YUMMMYYYY!!!!

 

 Watch me make this slow-cooker apple butter recipe from start to finish!!


You can certainly speed up the cooking time by cooking on high or cooking with the lid off longer to thicken it up. This recipe is pretty much error proof when it comes to cooking it in your slow cooker. Your goal is to get it thicker however long that takes.

Apple Butter came out too thick? Just add a lil apple cider. Too thin? Just let it cook with the lid off longer.

old fashioned slow cooker apple butter recipe

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Butter Recipe

4.38 from 8 ratings

Ingredients
 

  • About 12 apples, peeled, cored and diced (use a mixture of sweet and tart apples)
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2-4 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon clove
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract, I use Mexican blend vanilla, it's stronger than regular
  • 2-3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice

Instructions
 

  • Add apples to crockpot.
  • Cook on high for 3-4 hours. Stirring occasionally.
  • Add in the sugars, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg.
  • Stir to combine.
  • Stir in vanilla extract.
  • Cook on low for 20 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove lid for the last 2 hours. This will cause the apple butter to thicken.
  • Store in the refrigerator, can or freeze.
Course: spread
Author: Divas Can Cook
Tried this recipe?Mention @divascancook on Instagram or tag #divascancook.