Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Butter

Short description
Rich, spiced apple butter made easy in a slow cooker—just apples, warm spices, and time for a thick, flavorful spread perfect on toast, biscuits, or as a gift.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off convenience: Toss the ingredients into your crockpot and let it simmer while you sleep or go about your day. southernliving.com+5bakedbyrachel.com+5reddit.com+5themagicalslowcooker.com+3easyrecipesfromhome.com+3sugarspunrun.com+3
• Cozy aroma: Your home will fill with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and apples.
• Versatile spread: Delicious on bread, yogurt, oatmeal, desserts, and even savory dishes like pork. themagicalslowcooker.com+5eatingwell.com+5skinnytaste.com+5

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 5–6 lb apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½–1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1–1½ tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract (added at end)

directions

1. Prepare apples by peeling, coring, and slicing, then add to a 5–6 quart slow cooker. wyseguide.com+5mybakingaddiction.com+5monasterykitchen.org+5sugarspunrun.com+6bakedbyrachel.com+6mybakingaddiction.com+6monasterykitchen.org+2themagicalslowcooker.com+2allrecipes.com+2
2. In a bowl, mix both sugars with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. Toss the spice mixture with the apples in the slow cooker. thespruceeats.com+13easyrecipesfromhome.com+13bakedbyrachel.com+13
4. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours (or high for 5 hours), stirring occasionally until apples are deeply softened and darkened. themagicalslowcooker.com+1skinnytaste.com+1
5. Add vanilla extract, stir gently, then uncover and cook on low uncovered for 2 hours to thicken. easyrecipesfromhome.com+1monasterykitchen.org+1
6. Use an immersion blender (or transfer to blender) to puree until smooth.
7. If still loose, cook uncovered on high for an extra 30–60 minutes until it spreads like butter. easyrecipesfromhome.com+1sugarspunrun.com+1
8. Cool slightly, then spoon into jars or an airtight container.

Servings and timing

• Yield: ~3–4 pints (approximately 30–32 Tbsp servings) eatingwell.com+15mybakingaddiction.com+15skinnytaste.com+15
• Prep time: ~30 minutes
• Cook time: 10–12 hours (low)
• Total time: ~10½–12½ hours

Variations

• No-peel option: Leave the skins on—just puree thoroughly after cooking. skinnytaste.com+5sugarspunrun.com+5bakedbyrachel.com+5easyrecipesfromhome.com
• Spice blend swap: Use apple pie spice instead of individual cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. sugarspunrun.com+3themagicalslowcooker.com+3easyrecipesfromhome.com+3
• Less sweet: Reduce sugar or use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup for lower sugar content.
• Boozy boost: Stir in a splash of bourbon or rum after blending, for grown-up flavor.
• Instant Pot shortcut: Use a pressure cooker version to achieve the same taste in much less time.

storage/reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer-friendly: Freeze for up to 3–12 months; thaw in the fridge before using.
• Canning: Follow proper water-bath canning guidelines if preserving long-term.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan or microwave before serving, especially after refrigeration.

FAQs

1. Can I leave the peels on the apples?

Yes—just make sure to blend thoroughly. Leaving peels reduces prep time.

2. How do I thicken the apple butter?

Uncover and cook on high, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a spreadable consistency. mybakingaddiction.com+4themagicalslowcooker.com+4reddit.com+4

3. What apples work best?

Choose softer, sweeter varieties like Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious, or Braeburn. Avoid too-tart Granny Smith. themagicalslowcooker.com+9eatingwell.com+9easyrecipesfromhome.com+9

4. Can I make this overnight?

Absolutely—cook on low overnight (8–10 hrs), then thicken the next morning. reddit.com

5. Is it gluten-free and vegan?

Yes—made from apples, spices, and sugar, with no animal products or gluten.

6. How sweet should it be?

Adjust sugar to taste. Using less sugar yields a more tart spread; more gives a richer sweetness.

7. Can I can this safely?

Yes—use a water-bath canning method and follow USDA guidelines for acidity and processing.

8. How long will leftover jars last?

Refrigerated up to 2 weeks; frozen up to a year; canned jars can be shelf-stable for ~1 year.

9. Can I use it in recipes?

Yes—stir into oatmeal, yogurt, baked goods, glazes, or swirl into ice cream. easyrecipesfromhome.com+2eatingwell.com+2themagicalslowcooker.com+2

10. Why is it called “butter”?

Because of its thick, smooth, buttery texture—not because it contains dairy.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Butter is a labor-of-love made easy thanks to the magic of slow cooking. With minimal effort, you’ll create a richly spiced, smooth spread perfect for all things autumn—and beyond. Plus, it makes a heartfelt homemade gift or a staple you’ll reach for year-round. Let me know when you’re ready for the next recipe!

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Butter

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Rich, spiced apple butter made easy in a slow cooker—just apples, warm spices, and time for a thick, flavorful spread perfect on toast, biscuits, or as a gift.

• Author: Emma Harper
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 hours
• Total Time: 10½–12½ hours
• Yield: 3–4 pints (approximately 30–32 tablespoons) 1x
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 5–6 lb apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2–1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1–1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract (added at end)

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Instructions

1. Prepare apples by peeling, coring, and slicing, then add to a 5–6 quart slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. Toss the spice mixture with the apples in the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours (or high for 5 hours), stirring occasionally, until apples are deeply softened and darkened.
5. Add vanilla extract (if using), stir gently, then uncover and cook on low for 2 more hours to thicken.
6. Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender) to puree the apple butter until smooth.
7. If the mixture is still too loose, cook uncovered on high for an additional 30–60 minutes until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
8. Cool slightly, then spoon into jars or airtight containers.

Notes

• You may leave the peels on the apples for more fiber and less prep—just blend thoroughly.
• Adjust sweetness to taste or substitute with maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
• Substitute apple pie spice for the individual spices for convenience.
• Stir in a splash of bourbon or rum after blending for a boozy twist.
• Use a pressure cooker for faster results if needed.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
• Calories: 35
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg