Apple Butter is incredibly easy to make both on the slow-cooker and on the stovetop. Made with fresh apples, warming spices, and cider, this recipe for Homemade Apple Butter does not need any refined sugar, yet is perfectly sweet and balanced.
1cupapple cider or apple juice100% juice, no sweeteners
2teaspoonscinnamon
½teaspoonfreshly grated nutmeg
½teaspooncloves
Instructions
Stove Top Apple Butter Recipe
Place apples, juice, and spices in a large heavy-bottomed stock pan. Bring to a boil and reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours, until apples have broken down and are softened.
Using an immersion blender, blender, or food processor, blend apples until smooth. Be careful to crack the lid on the blender to allow steam to escape.
Return mixture to pan. Simmer, uncovered, for another hour, or until thickened and reduced by half, being sure to stir frequently.
Cool, and store in fridge for 2 weeks.
Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Place apples, juice, and spices in a slow cooker. and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours on high for 4 to 6 hours.
Using an immersion blender, blend apples until smooth. Alternatively, do this in batches in your blender or food processor.
Return mixture to slow cooker and turn slow cooker low and cook uncovered, for an additional 2 hours on low or until mixture is reduced and thickened. Allow to cool before serving or storing.
Notes
For the apples use Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady varieties.
Be sure to use apple cider or apple juice NOT apple cider vinegar.
Apple butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Optional Salted Caramel Sauce: The addition of salted caramel sauce to apple butter makes for a decadent treat. To prepare the caramel sauce melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup in a heavy-bottomed skillet. Once the sugar has melted, whisk in 1 tablespoon of heavy cream and stir until just bubbly. Turn off heat and add in a pinch of salt. Stir into apple butter, noting that it will only last 5 days in the refrigerator with the addition of caramel sauce.