There is nothing quite like homemade Crockpot Apple Butter to fill your home with cozy autumn aromas and to spread a touch of sweet warmth on everything from toast to cheese boards. This luscious, deeply spiced apple spread takes humble apples and transforms them into a silky, melt-in-your-mouth treat that tastes like fall happiness in a jar. Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, a comforting breakfast addition, or a new favorite way to enjoy apples, this slow-cooked delight has you covered with its rich flavor and irresistibly smooth texture.

Crockpot Apple Butter Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with Crockpot Apple Butter is a breeze because it calls for simple, everyday ingredients that play together beautifully. Each item brings an important note—whether it’s sweetness, spice, or that irresistible apple base—creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

5 lbs apples (peeled, cored, and sliced, about 15 cups): Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for complexity and natural sweetness.
1 packed cup brown sugar: Adds warmth and richness with a subtle molasses undertone.
1 tbsp ground cinnamon: The signature spice that gives apple butter its classic comforting flavor.
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg: A hint of nutmeg brings a gentle earthiness and depth to the spice blend.
1/4 tsp ground cloves: Cloves offer a touch of aromatic sharpness that brightens the flavor.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy notes, balancing the taste perfectly.

How to Make Crockpot Apple Butter

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples until you have about 15 cups ready to go. This prep step is key because the peeled and sliced apples will cook down smoothly and evenly, ensuring your apple butter reaches that silky texture we all love.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Pop those prepared apples into your slow cooker. Then add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a tiny pinch of salt. Stir just enough to evenly distribute the spices and sugar over the apples—easy enough and already smelling amazing, right?

Step 3: Slow Cook the Mixture

Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 8 hours, or if you’re in a bit of a hurry, HIGH for 4 to 5 hours. During this time, the apples slowly break down, releasing their juices and melding beautifully with all the spices to create that rich, velvety apple butter goodness.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Once your apples are soft and the aroma has filled your kitchen, use an immersion blender right in the crockpot to blend everything until silky and smooth. This step is where the magic happens—turning chunks of cooked apples into the luscious spread you’re craving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Your homemade crockpot apple butter is ready to be devoured. Whether warm or cooled, it’s pure comfort in a jar waiting to be slathered on your favorite foods.

How to Serve Crockpot Apple Butter

Garnishes

Keep it simple by topping your apple butter with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of honey to add a bit of sparkle and a hint of floral sweetness. Fresh apple slices or a few toasted nuts can bring a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth spread.

Side Dishes

Crockpot Apple Butter pairs like a dream with warm, crusty bread, soft biscuits, or even swirled into oatmeal. It also shines next to creamy cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar on a snack platter, or dolloped atop vanilla ice cream for an unexpected but magical dessert twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning this apple butter into small mason jars as gifts or place a dollop atop pancakes or waffles with a sprinkle of toasted pecans. Another fun idea is to swirl it into yogurt or use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies for an extra special treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your Crockpot Apple Butter has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks, ready for whenever you need a delicious spoonful of fall comfort.

Freezing

If you want to keep your apple butter for longer, it freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. It will keep well frozen for up to six months without losing its rich flavor or smooth texture.

Reheating

To enjoy your frozen or refrigerated apple butter warm, simply heat it gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave briefly. Stir occasionally so it reheats evenly and maintains that luscious consistency.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apples for Crockpot Apple Butter?

Absolutely! For the best flavor, a combination of sweet and slightly tart apples like Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith works wonders to create depth and balance in your apple butter.

Do I need to peel the apples for this recipe?

Peeling is recommended because it ensures your apple butter is ultra-smooth and free from any tough or chewy bits of skin after cooking and blending.

How long can I store homemade apple butter in the refrigerator?

Stored in an airtight container, your Crockpot Apple Butter will stay delicious for up to two weeks, giving you plenty of time to use it creatively.

Can I make apple butter without a slow cooker?

You sure can! While the crockpot method is convenient, stovetop simmering over low heat with frequent stirring will also work, although it requires more attention to prevent burning.

Is Crockpot Apple Butter sweet enough without adding extra sugar?

Yes, the brown sugar combined with the natural sweetness of ripe apples usually creates a perfectly sweet spread; however, you can adjust sugar levels to suit your taste before or after cooking.

Final Thoughts

Enjoying homemade Crockpot Apple Butter is like capturing the very essence of fall in a jar. It’s simple to make, wildly versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser whether you spread it on your morning toast, use it as a dip, or gift it to a loved one. Give this recipe a try and bring a little warmth and sweetness to your kitchen—you won’t regret it!

Crockpot Apple Butter Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: Julian
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes (using LOW setting)
Yield: About 4 to 5 cups apple butter 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Crockpot Apple Butter recipe is a deliciously spiced and smooth spread made by slow-cooking fresh apples with warm spices. Perfect as a topping for toast, biscuits, or as a flavorful addition to baked goods, this apple butter is naturally sweetened and easy to prepare using a slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples

5 lbs apples (peeled, cored, and sliced, about 15 cups)

Sweetener & Spices

1 packed cup brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
Pinch salt

Instructions

Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and slice enough apples to yield about 15 cups, approximately 5 pounds. Place the prepared apples into the slow cooker.
Add Ingredients: Add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt to the apples. Stir gently to evenly combine all ingredients without mashing the fruit.
Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, allowing the apples to soften completely and the flavors to meld.
Blend Smooth: Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the apple mixture directly in the slow cooker until it becomes completely smooth and thickened, forming a creamy apple butter.
Serve & Store: Serve the apple butter warm or cool it to room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for a well-balanced apple butter flavor.
Adjust the amount of brown sugar to taste for a sweeter or less sweet spread.
Use an immersion blender for easy blending directly in the crockpot, or transfer to a blender in batches if you don’t have one.
Apple butter can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months.
Make sure to stir gently after adding spices to avoid breaking down the apples too early in the cooking process.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours on LOW or 4.5 hours on HIGH
Category: Spread, Condiment
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American