Slow-Cooked Apple Butter

When I was a kid, a jar of apple butter in the fridge was a sure sign that fall had arrived. My dad was the only one who ate it and, as with most other things, he was methodical about it. Every morning he would toast a piece of white bread, sit down at the kitchen table with the toast, the jar of apple butter and a cup of hot tea, and carefully spread it onto his toast. He’d eat it one bite at a time, slowly and quietly, taking time to savor each bite. Eventually I jumped on the bandwagon and ate it the same way, although probably not as slowly.

Years later, when I’d go home from college on a weekend while the fall foliage was in full force (say that 3 times fast), I’d always stop at this little roadside farm stand to pick up a jar of apple butter. The smells and the feels really remind me of childhood and of home. This Slow-Cooked Apple Butter lets me savor those delicious memories all day long – cause that’s how long it takes to cook!

How to make Slow-Cooked Apple Butter

Not to worry, it’s your slow cooker that does all the work. Your prep time is minimal. In the morning, chop up your apples and throw in the spices. Then, just let the aromas of cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg fill your home for the rest of the day. It’s totally awesome.

I like to check on the apples every two or three hours, give them a stir, and then leave them alone again. Once the apples turn very dark in color and the liquid is reduced by about half, you’ll know it’s time. If you have an immersion blender, you can puree the apples right in the crockpot. If not, just transfer them to a food processor and process until they reach a velvety texture.

By nightfall, you’ll have a big ol’ crockpot of smooth, sweet & tangy apple butter – plenty to give as gifts and to keep for yourself. Stored in an airtight container, this Slow-Cooked Apple Butter will last all season in the fridge.

How to serve Apple Butter

These days, I have gotten a bit more creative with my canvas for apple butter (although my dad still sticks to white toast or saltines). My favorite things in the world to spread apple butter on are Double Cinnamon Scones. This killer combo is like an autumn party in your mouth, and you’ll never want it to end. I’m pretty addicted. Can’t wait to hear what you think. Enjoy!

Slow-Cooked Apple Butter

Easy, homemade and full of fall spices, this crock pot apple butter is spreadable on breads, pastries and crackers

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Prep Time 30 mins

Cook Time 12 hrs

Total Time 12 hrs 30 mins

Course Sauce

Cuisine American

Servings 6 8 oz. jars

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 6 lbs. apples – peeled, cored and chopped (my favorites are Winesap, Gala, Macoun)
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar lightly packed
• 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. ground clove
• 1/4 tsp. ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

 

• Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Set the slow cooker to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 hours, until thickened and dark brown.
• Turn off heat, and use an immersion blender to puree the apples until smooth. Alternatively, pour cooled contents into a blender in batches. and puree until smooth.
• Transfer the apple butter to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator.

Keyword breakfast, dairy free, gluten free, healthy

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