Slow Cooker Maple Apple Butter
A rich and velvety apple butter made effortlessly in your slow cooker, enhanced with maple sweetness and cozy spices, perfect for spreading on toast or gifting.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 7 large large apples (peeled, cored, and sliced) Mix of sweet and tart varieties, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
- 1/2 cup maple syrup Choose pure maple syrup for the best taste.
- 1/2 cup apple cider Opt for quality, unfiltered cider for robust flavor.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or juice of 1 lemon) Fresh is always best!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon Cozy spice for flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger Adds warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg Enhances autumn flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves Depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup maple or light brown sugar Adjust based on sweetness preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into a big mixing bowl.
Combining Ingredients
- Place the sliced apples into the slow cooker and add the maple syrup, apple cider, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix gently to coat.
Slow Cooking
- Secure the lid and cook on low for 8 hours, until the apples are soft and fragrant.
Blending
- Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until silky smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a standard blender and then return to the slow cooker.
Sweetening and Thickening
- Return to a medium saucepan, sweeten with maple or brown sugar to taste, and simmer on low for an additional 15-30 minutes until it thickens.
Cooling and Storing
- Allow the apple butter to cool before transferring it to jars. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks, freeze for up to a year, or can for long-term storage.
Notes
If your apple butter is too thin, continue cooking until it reaches desired thickness. Use glass jars for best storage results.