The Ultimate Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Butter Recipe

Goodbye Jams, Hello Rich, Spiced Apple Spread

Honestly, is there anything better than that deep, cosy aroma when autumn hits? I swear, just the thought of the cinnamon and cloves makes me want to put the kettle on straight away.

I’ve found the absolute ultimate way to capture that feeling: making proper, homemade Crock Pot Apple Butter . Forget standing over a bubbling jam pot; this is the easiest route to fruit perfection, thanks to the magic of the slow cooker.

We’re embracing truly minimal faff with this slow cooker apple butter .

A Simple Swap for Autumnal Flavour

Let's clear up one thing right off the bat: this isn't a dairy butter recipe . It’s a velvety, concentrated slow cooker spiced fruit butter made entirely from deeply caramelised slow cooker apples .

It gets its name because it’s so ridiculously smooth, it spreads like proper butter. My first attempt years ago was a watery disaster I thought I had to use a huge, scary stockpot and stir constantly.

Turns out, the secret to the best depth of flavour and that gorgeous mahogany colour is letting your Crock Pot Cooking do the heavy lifting for hours.

This recipe is seriously simple; it is the definition of an easy apple butter recipe . You just need patience for the slow cooking time, but the active work is done in about 20 minutes.

Perfect for Crumpets and Everything Else

This beautiful, dark apple butter is like apple sauce’s incredibly sophisticated older cousin. It takes humble fruit and transforms it into a rich, complex spiced apple spread .

It is surprisingly good for you too, being naturally low in fat and packed with fruit fibre.

If you’re like me, you’ll be tempted to devour it straight from the jar, but it truly shines when spread thick on hot apple butter for crumpets or warm, buttered toast.

It’s also wonderful alongside savoury things, like a cheese board or even roast pork.

This recipe yields a generous batch enough for gifting or freezing and the prep time is only about 20 minutes. Just chop the apples, bung everything in, and walk away.

That deep, caramelised flavour you get from slow cooking is truly unbeatable. We will also touch briefly on how to can apple butter later if you want to save that autumn flavour for winter.

Ready to fill your kitchen with the most comforting smell known to man? Let's look at the simple bits and bobs we need for this brilliant butter recipe .

Getting the Kit and Kaboodle Sorted

Right, listen up, mate. Before we dive into the gorgeous smell that is homemade Crock Pot Apple Butter , let's chat kit and ingredients.

Making this spiced apple spread is seriously simple. Honestly, the slow cooker does 90% of the work. This is the definition of an easy apple butter recipe .

It's all about getting the foundation perfect.

The Core Ingredients: Slow Cooker Apples

I learned this the hard way: quality apples are everything. You need 5 lbs (2.3 kg) of mixed Slow Cooker Apples .

I always grab some tart Granny Smiths and some sweet Fuji or Gala. The blend gives you great flavour depth.

Peel and core them properly. Don't worry about chopping them neatly; they are just going to mush down anyway.

We need liquid, but not too much. Grab 1 cup (240 ml) of proper apple cider, or unfiltered juice if cider is tricky to find.

Oh, and here is my secret weapon: 1 tsp (5 g) of kosher salt. Yes, salt. It doesn't make it salty.

It just cuts through the sweetness beautifully. It allows the spice to shine. Trust me on this little trick.

Seasoning Secrets for the Best Butter Recipe

This isn't a thin jam; it's a rich Butter Recipe . That depth comes from the right sugars and spice blend.

We are not skimping here! You need 1 cup (220 g) of dark brown sugar, packed tight. That deep molasses flavour is essential for achieving that gorgeous mahogany colour.

For the spices, measure carefully. We need 3 Tbsp (45 ml) of ground cinnamon. Yes, three tablespoons! Plus 1 tsp (5 ml) ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp (2.

5 ml) ground cloves, and 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) ground allspice. That combination gives you that perfect, warming slow cooker spiced fruit butter feeling.

If you only have whole spices, don't fret. Just put 2 cinnamon sticks and a handful of whole cloves in a little muslin bag.

Toss that in with the apples. Remember to take the bag out before blending.

Equipment for Crock Pot Cooking

The real star is the equipment. We are all about easy Crock Pot Cooking here. You absolutely need a 6-Quart (5.

7 Litre) Slow Cooker . It needs to be big enough to handle all those apples.

If you want truly silky smooth Apple Butter , grab an immersion blender. We call them stick blenders here in the UK.

Seriously, trying to transfer hot liquid to a regular blender is a safety nightmare. I learned that lesson cleaning sticky, boiling purée off my kitchen ceiling once.

Safety first, people! Otherwise, a standard blender works, just be careful.

Get all this gathered. Once you see how easily this transforms into a rich Slow Cooker Apple Butter , you’ll be hooked.

It's truly amazing spread over hot apple butter for crumpets . Next time, we can even discuss how to can apple butter for keeping it longer.

Lazy Autumn Perfection: Slow Cooker Apples into Gold

Oh my gosh, I just have to tell you about this smell. If I could bottle up the aroma of British autumn and sell it, it would smell exactly like this Slow Cooker Apple Butter .

Forget those complicated jams. We are doing the ultimate Easy apple butter recipe today, and guess what? The Crock Pot Cooking method means you can mostly just ignore it.

Seriously, if you want a velvety, rich spiced apple spread , this is your ticket.

Mise en Place: Getting Started Without the Faff

Right, let’s talk prep. This is the least glamorous part, but it’s essential. We need all five pounds of those lovely Slow Cooker Apples peeled and cored.

Honestly, put on a rubbish reality show and just get through it. Don't worry about chopping them neatly; just chunks are fine.

They are destined for mush, you know?

Time saving tip: Use a vegetable peeler. It's much quicker than a knife. Safety reminder: We will be blending hot liquid later.

If you use a standard blender, work in small batches. Hot steam expands, and a butter explosion is not fun.

Trust me, I learned that the hard way when I coated my entire kitchen ceiling once.

The Slow Cooker Apple Butter Method

This is where the magic happens and where you get the glorious, deep mahogany colour of proper Apple Butter . We want concentration, not just stewed fruit!

1. Load the Pot: Toss all the peeled apples, both sugars, the cider, lemon juice, salt, and all those amazing spices into your Crock Pot Apple Butter maker. Give it a seriously good stir until everything looks coated.
2. The Wait: Clamp the lid down firmly. Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours . This time lets the apples completely collapse and the spices fully bloom.
3. Get Smooth: Once the apples are soft (poke them they should disintegrate!), turn the cooker off. Use an immersion blender right in the pot. Blend until you have a perfectly smooth purée. No lumps allowed!
4. The Great Reduction: This step is crucial. Take the lid off! Turn the cooker back to Low or High . We need the steam to escape.
5. Concentrate the Flavour: Cook uncovered for another 1 to 2 hours . Stir it well every 30 minutes, especially around the sides. This thickens your Slow cooker spiced fruit butter .
6. The Texture Test: It’s done when a spoonful holds its shape and doesn't weep liquid. The colour should be deep and rich, like dark caramel.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Butter Recipe

Listen, two things will elevate this Butter Recipe from good to fantastic.

First, that tiny teaspoon of salt we added? It doesn't make it salty. It just balances the sweetness so it doesn't taste like straight sugar. Don't skip it!

Second, always go for a blend of apples. Some tart ones (like Granny Smith) mixed with sweet ones (like Gala) gives you great flavour depth.

Once cooled, ladle this gorgeous spread into jars. It’s heaven slathered on toasted sourdough or, better yet, steaming hot Apple butter for crumpets .

If you're asking How to can apple butter for long storage, make sure your jars are sterilised and follow proper canning instructions, but honestly, it freezes beautifully too!

Your Kitchen Helper: Insider Tips for this Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Right, so you’ve got that amazing aroma filling your house. You’ve just made the richest, deepest spiced apple spread ever. Now for the easy bit what do we do with it all?

Plating and Pairing Perfection

Honestly, I think my favourite way to enjoy this Slow cooker spiced fruit butter is the classic method: hot, toasted apple butter for crumpets .

Don't be shy; slather it on thick! For presentation, pop a spoonful into a small decorative pot and sprinkle a tiny pinch of extra cinnamon on top.

It looks really professional, you know? But don't just stop at breakfast. This stuff is brilliant alongside savoury dishes. Next time you have a proper ploughman's lunch or some baked ham, swap out your usual chutney for a dollop of this.

The deep flavour works wonders with strong cheese.

Simple Storage and Reheating Hacks

This butter recipe keeps beautifully! Ladle the finished Crock Pot Apple Butter into sterilised jars. They will last happily in the fridge for up to three weeks .

If you made a huge batch (which I always do!), freezing is your mate. I pour the cooled butter into freezer safe containers or heavy duty zip-top bags, making sure to leave some headspace.

It stays good for up to six months. When you want to reheat it, just microwave it slowly, or warm it gently on the hob.

Just be careful; hot apple butter is basically molten lava, so stir often to avoid scorching.

Easy Adaptations and Swaps

The best thing about making an Easy apple butter recipe is how simple it is to tweak. People often ask about sugar.

You can totally halve the amount of sugar if you prefer less sweetness, especially if you used naturally sweet Slow Cooker Apples .

For a deep autumnal twist, once the initial Slow Cooker Apple Butter is blended, stir in two tablespoons of pure maple syrup and a splash of vanilla extract.

Oh my gosh, it gives it a lovely warmth. This recipe is already naturally vegan, which is fantastic! For those looking at How to can apple butter for shelf stability, just remember you need to follow proper water bath canning guidelines for safety.

Nutrition Basics (It’s Zero Fat!)

Let's quickly chat health. The brilliance of Crock Pot Cooking here is that this spread is completely fat-free. It’s packed with the natural fibre from the cooked fruit.

Yes, it has sugar, but generally, a serving of your homemade Apple Butter will have less sugar than many shop bought jams, and you know exactly what went into it.

It’s comfort food that actually provides some fruity goodness. Go on, you deserve a second slice of toast!

You’ve mastered a classic. Enjoy the fruits of your slow cooking labour!