Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Slow Cooker Apple Butter

by
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s nothing quite as cozy as a jar of homemade Slow Cooker Apple Butter. Rich, smooth, and full of warm fall spices, it’s like autumn in a spoonful. Unlike apple jam or applesauce, apple butter is slow-cooked until the apples caramelize and become deep, velvety, and spreadable. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the work, filling your home with the irresistible scent of apples, cinnamon, and cloves.

This apple butter is perfect on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or even swirled into yogurt and oatmeal. You can make a large batch, store it for weeks, and even gift it in jars during the holidays. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make year after year.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Apple Butter

  1. Hands-off cooking – The slow cooker does the work, and you reap the rewards.
  2. Deep, rich flavor – Slow cooking brings out the natural sweetness of the apples.
  3. Versatile spread – Delicious on bread, biscuits, pancakes, or even as a meat glaze.
  4. Perfect for gifting – Fill mason jars and share with friends and family.
  5. Freezer-friendly – Keeps beautifully for long-term storage.

How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Ingredients

  • 6 pounds apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon cloves
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prep the apples – Peel, core, and slice apples. Place them in a large slow cooker.
  2. Add spices and sugar – Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt. Mix until apples are coated.
  3. Cook low and slow – Cover and cook on LOW for 10 hours, stirring occasionally, until apples are very soft and dark brown.
  4. Blend until smooth – Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender in batches) and blend until silky.
  5. Cook uncovered – Continue cooking on LOW for 1–2 more hours, uncovered, to thicken. Stir in vanilla extract.
  6. Cool and store – Let cool, then transfer to sterilized jars. Store in the fridge or freeze for later.
Slow Cooker Apple Butter

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Apple Butter

  • Toast, biscuits, or bagels – A classic way to enjoy.
  • Pancakes or waffles – Swap maple syrup for a fruity twist.
  • Pork chops or roast chicken – Use as a savory glaze.
  • Yogurt or oatmeal – Swirl in for a cozy breakfast.
  • Cheese platter – Pair with sharp cheddar for a sweet-savory combo.

Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Apple Butter

  1. Use a mix of apples – Combines tartness and sweetness for balanced flavor.
  2. Peel your apples – This ensures a smoother finish.
  3. Cook longer for thicker butter – More time uncovered will deepen flavor and texture.
  4. Adjust sweetness – Taste as you go and add more sugar if needed.
  5. Sterilize jars if storing long-term – Keeps your apple butter fresh and safe.

Storing and Freezing Slow Cooker Apple Butter

  • Refrigerator – Store in airtight jars up to 3 weeks.
  • Freezer – Freeze in freezer-safe containers up to 6 months.
  • Canning – Process in a water bath canner for shelf-stable storage up to 1 year.

FAQs

What’s the difference between applesauce and apple butter?
Applesauce is lighter and cooked for less time, while apple butter is slow-cooked until caramelized and spreadable.

Do I need to stir while it cooks?
Not often—just every few hours to prevent sticking.

Can I make this recipe without sugar?
Yes, but it won’t caramelize the same way. You can reduce sugar or swap for honey or maple syrup.

How do I know when it’s ready?
Apple butter should be thick, spreadable, and dark brown. A spoonful should hold its shape on a plate.

Conclusion

Making Slow Cooker Apple Butter is one of the simplest, most rewarding ways to celebrate apple season. With deep caramelized flavor, smooth texture, and endless serving possibilities, it’s a fall staple you’ll love to have on hand. Whether you spread it on biscuits, swirl it into oatmeal, or gift jars to friends, this homemade apple butter is sure to become a family favorite.

Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Michonne Zendaya

Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Rich, spiced apple butter made effortlessly in the slow cooker — a smooth, spreadable treat perfect for toast, biscuits, or gifting during fall.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Total Time 10 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 32 tablespoons
Course: Condiment, Spread
Cuisine: American
Calories: 50
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 lbs apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • slow cooker
  • paring knife
  • cutting board
  • immersion blender
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • jars with lids

Method
 

  1. Place prepared apples in the slow cooker.
  2. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Stir to coat apples evenly.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 10 hours, stirring occasionally, until apples are very soft and dark brown.
  4. Use an immersion blender to puree apple mixture until smooth.
  5. Stir in vanilla extract. Let cool, then transfer to jars for storage.

Notes

Store apple butter in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 6 months. For canning, follow safe water bath canning guidelines.