Instructions:
Step 1
Peel, core, and cut the apples into small cubes.
Step 2
Place the apples into the slow cooker.
Step 3
Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and ground cloves.
Step 4
Stir everything together until the apples are evenly coated.
Step 5
Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
Step 6
Cook on High for 4 to 6 hours until the apples are very soft.
Step 7
Stir the apples once or twice during cooking if needed.
Step 8
Blend the cooked apple mixture with an immersion blender until completely smooth.
Step 9
Continue blending until the apple butter reaches a silky consistency.
Step 10
Allow the apple butter to cool slightly before transferring it to jars.
Step 11
Fill clean, sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top.
Step 12
Remove any air bubbles and wipe the jar rims clean.
Step 13
Seal the jars with sterilized lids and rings.
Step 14
Process the jars in boiling water for 10 minutes if preserving for long-term storage.
Step 15
Allow the jars to cool completely before storing.
Tips and Variations:
Choose Sweet and Tart Apples
Using a combination of sweet and tart apples such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady creates a richer flavor with the perfect balance of sweetness and natural acidity.
Adjust the Sweetness
Taste the apple butter after blending and adjust the brown sugar if needed, as sweeter apples may require less sugar while tart apples may benefit from a little extra sweetness.
Add Extra Warm Spices
A small pinch of ground nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom can add even more warmth and complexity without overpowering the rich apple flavor.
Blend Until Perfectly Smooth
For the creamiest homemade apple butter, blend thoroughly until no apple pieces remain. A silky texture makes it easier to spread on bread, biscuits, pancakes, and pastries.
Enjoy It Beyond Toast
Apple butter is delicious on toast, English muffins, pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, yogurt, cheesecake, vanilla ice cream, or even as a flavorful filling for cakes, cookies, and pastries.
Storage
Store opened Apple Butter in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Freeze for Later
Freeze Apple Butter in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months, leaving a little space at the top for expansion before freezing.
