Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Butter | TastyEra

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Butter

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Butter is a thick, smooth fruit spread made from slow-cooked apples, sweetened with sugar, and infused with cinnamon and vanilla. It’s perfect on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or as a flavorful addition to baked goods.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is effortless and hands-off thanks to the slow cooker, and it fills your home with the comforting aroma of apples and warm spices. The texture is velvety and the taste is deeply spiced—ideal for fall and winter but delicious year-round.

Ingredients

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

  • Apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Ground cloves (optional)
  • Vanilla extract
  • Lemon juice

Directions

  1. Add chopped apples, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice to a slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 9–10 hours, stirring occasionally. The apples will become soft and deeply colored.
  3. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches).
  4. Stir in vanilla extract and cook uncovered on low for 1 more hour to thicken.
  5. Let cool slightly, then transfer to sterilized jars for storage.

Servings and timing

Yield: Approximately 3 cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 hours
Total Time: 10 hours 15 minutes

Variations

  • Use a combination of apple varieties for depth of flavor (e.g., Fuji + Granny Smith).
  • Substitute maple syrup or honey for some or all of the sugar.
  • Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
  • Stir in a splash of apple cider or spiced rum during the final hour for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate in airtight containers or jars for up to 2 weeks. Freeze for up to 6 months. If canning, follow proper sterilization and water-bath canning procedures for long-term storage. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop if serving warm.

FAQs

What apples work best?

A mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith gives the best flavor.

Can I make it without sugar?

You may reduce or replace sugar with honey, maple syrup, or stevia, but flavor and shelf life may be affected.

Is peeling the apples necessary?

Yes, for a smooth texture. Skins can create bitterness and uneven blending.

How thick should apple butter be?

It should be thick enough to spread easily and hold its shape on a spoon.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, use the slow cook setting or pressure cook with adjustments—reduce liquid and monitor timing closely.

Can I can this recipe?

Yes, using proper canning techniques and sterilized jars, it can be shelf-stable for up to 1 year.

Is it the same as applesauce?

No, apple butter is more concentrated, thicker, and spiced compared to applesauce.

What can I eat it with?

Toast, biscuits, muffins, pancakes, yogurt, oatmeal, or as a filling for pastries.

Can I double the batch?

Yes, as long as your slow cooker has enough capacity to handle it.

Do I need to stir it while cooking?

Only occasionally—once every 1–2 hours to prevent sticking or uneven cooking.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Butter transforms humble apples into a rich, spiced spread that tastes like autumn in a jar. Easy to prepare, fragrant, and deeply flavorful, it’s a versatile condiment that’s always welcome at the breakfast table or in baked goods.

Print

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Butter

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Butter

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Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Butter is a smooth, spiced spread made from slow-cooked apples, cinnamon, and a touch of sugar—perfect for spreading on toast, pancakes, or using in baked goods.

  • Author: Emma Harper
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 hours
  • Total Time: 12 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: About 6 cups 1x
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 6 lbs apples (about 12-14 medium), peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Place chopped apples in a large slow cooker.
  2. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft and dark brown.
  4. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture in the slow cooker until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches).
  5. Stir in vanilla extract and continue cooking uncovered for 1–2 more hours, stirring occasionally, until thickened to desired consistency.
  6. Let cool, then transfer to jars or containers and store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

  • Use a mix of sweet and tart apples (e.g., Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith) for best flavor.
  • No need to add liquid—the apples release enough moisture as they cook.
  • For a deeper flavor, add a splash of apple cider or lemon juice during cooking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 60
  • Sugar: 13g
  • Sodium: 10mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
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