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- 6 large apples (preferably Fuji or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 cup water or apple cider - Additional spices (ginger, cloves) - Sweeteners (maple syrup, honey) - Flavor enhancers (vanilla extract) To make slow cooker cinnamon apple butter, start with fresh, high-quality apples. I love using Fuji or Honeycrisp because they’re sweet and juicy. You will need six large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces. Next, the sugars add depth and sweetness. Use one cup of packed brown sugar and half a cup of granulated sugar. Ground spices bring warmth and flavor. You will need two teaspoons of ground cinnamon, half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a quarter teaspoon of ground allspice. Lemon juice adds a bright touch. You need two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. A quarter teaspoon of sea salt balances the sweet flavors. Finally, you can use either half a cup of water or apple cider to create a smooth texture. You can also add optional ingredients to enhance your apple butter. Try spices like ginger or cloves for a unique twist. Sweeteners like maple syrup or honey can add more flavor. A splash of vanilla extract can elevate the taste. Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to create a delicious apple butter that is sure to impress! First, peel and core the apples. I like to use Fuji or Honeycrisp for their sweetness. Chop the apples into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly. After chopping, place them directly into your slow cooker. Make sure to spread them out evenly at the bottom. This ensures all the apples cook well and absorb the spices. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Add the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and sea salt. Whisk these ingredients together well. This step is key to avoid lumps in your apple butter. Once mixed, pour this sweet spice blend over the chopped apples in the slow cooker. Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook. You can cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours. If you can, stir the mixture every now and then. This helps the flavors blend together evenly. It also prevents the apples from sticking to the bottom. After cooking, check the apples. They should be soft. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture right in the slow cooker. If you like some chunks, blend lightly or skip this step. This gives you control over how smooth or chunky your apple butter will be. To thicken the apple butter, leave the lid off. Continue cooking on low for 1 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the pot. This step really helps to enhance the flavors and get the right thickness. Once your apple butter has thickened, let it cool completely. Transfer it into clean, sterilized jars for storage. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. If you want it to last longer, can it using proper techniques. This way, you can enjoy your homemade apple butter any time! The best apples for apple butter are Fuji and Honeycrisp. These types are sweet and juicy. Fuji apples are crisp with a sweet flavor. Honeycrisp apples have a balance of sweetness and tartness. Using these apples gives your butter a rich taste. If you pick other apples, choose ones that are sweet. Tart apples can make your butter too tangy. Using a slow cooker for apple butter is a smart choice. It allows for even cooking and great flavor. The slow cooker does all the work while you relax. You can set it and forget it for hours. This method makes it easy to create a rich, thick butter without much fuss. You can spend your time doing other things while it cooks. One common mistake is cooking the apples too long. Overcooking can lead to a burnt taste. Check the apples after the cooking time ends. If they are soft, you can blend them. Another mistake is not using the right amount of sugar. Too little sugar can make your butter taste bland. Follow the recipe for the best results. {{image_4}} You can make your apple butter even better by adding more flavors. Try mixing in spices like ginger or cloves. These spices give a warm and cozy taste. You can also add fruits such as pears or cranberries. Pears add a sweet and juicy touch, while cranberries offer a tart contrast. Experiment with these to find your favorite mix! Sweeteners can change the taste of your apple butter. You can use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. Honey gives a floral note, while maple syrup adds a rich flavor. The type of apple you choose also affects the sweetness. For example, sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp may need less sugar. Adjust your sweetener based on the apples you use. You can change the recipe to fit the seasons. In the fall, try adding pumpkin spice. This gives a lovely autumn flavor. During the holidays, consider mixing in nutmeg and cloves for a festive taste. These variations help keep your apple butter fresh and exciting all year long! To keep your apple butter fresh, you must use proper jarring techniques. First, sterilize your jars. You can do this by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. This step kills any germs. After boiling, let the jars air dry on a clean towel. Next, fill the jars with apple butter while it is still hot. Leave about half an inch of space at the top. This space helps form a seal. For longer shelf life, consider vacuum sealing the jars. This process removes air and keeps the flavors fresh. How long does apple butter last in the fridge? When kept in the fridge, your apple butter can last for about three weeks. To store it after opening, keep it in a tightly sealed jar. Make sure the lid is on snugly. This step prevents air from spoiling the apple butter. Always use a clean spoon when scooping out the apple butter. This practice helps avoid germs getting into the jar. When canning at home, safety is crucial. Always use clean and sterilized jars. You can use a canning pot or a large pot with a lid. Fill the jars with hot apple butter, leaving space at the top. Seal each jar with a lid and screw band. Process the jars in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. This step ensures a good seal. After canning, let the jars cool on a clean towel. Listen for the "pop" sound, which means they sealed properly. Store your canned apple butter in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Making Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Butter takes about 10 hours in total. The prep time is only 15 minutes. You can cook it on low for 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours. This slow cooking method helps bring out the best flavors in the apples. Yes, you can use frozen apples. However, the texture might change. Frozen apples may be softer and watery. This can alter the final texture of your apple butter. If using frozen apples, you might want to reduce the water or cider you add. Apple butter is quite versatile! You can spread it on toast, pancakes, or waffles. It also pairs well with cheese platters. Try it with cream cheese or sharp cheddar for a tasty contrast. For a fun twist, use it as a filling in pastries. Absolutely! You can use sweeteners like stevia or erythritol. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Keep in mind that sugar helps with thickening, so you might need to cook longer if you're using sugar alternatives. You’ll know your apple butter is ready when it thickens. The mixture should look rich and spreadable. If it's too runny, continue cooking without the lid for 1 to 2 more hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. A good test is to spoon some out; it should hold its shape. Making Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Butter is fun and easy. You learned about the best apples, spices, and sweeteners to use. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing, cooking, and storing it. We discussed common mistakes to avoid and creative variations. Don’t hesitate to try different flavors or share your version with friends. This homemade apple butter can add joy to meals. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Butter

Create delightful Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Butter at home with simple ingredients and effortless steps! This recipe captures the essence of fall, blending sweet apples with warm spices for a perfect spread. Just chop, mix, and let your slow cooker do the magic! Enjoy it on toast, pancakes, or simply by the spoonful. Click through for full instructions and bring this cozy flavor to your kitchen today!
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Ingredients
  

6 large apples (preferably Fuji or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup water or apple cider

Instructions
 

Prepare the Apples: Begin by placing the chopped apples directly into the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed at the bottom.

    Mix the Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and salt. Whisk or stir together until the mixture is well blended and no lumps remain.

      Add to Slow Cooker: Carefully pour the sweet spice mixture over the chopped apples in the slow cooker. Then, add the water or apple cider, stirring gently to coat the apples evenly with the sugary mixture.

        Cook it Down: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for approximately 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. If possible, stir the ingredients occasionally to promote even cooking and flavor infusion.

          Blend for Smoothness: After cooking, check if the apples have softened significantly. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture directly in the slow cooker until you reach your preferred consistency. For a chunkier texture, you can blend lightly or skip this step altogether.

            Final Cook Down: Leave the lid off and continue cooking on low for an additional 1 to 2 hours, until the apple butter thickens to your liking. Be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking.

              Cool and Store: Once satisfied with the thickness, allow the apple butter to cool completely. Transfer it into sterilized jars for storage. The apple butter can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or canned for longer shelf life.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 10 hours | Approximately 4 cups

                  - Presentation Tips: For a charming presentation, serve the apple butter in small mason jars tied with twine and topped with a slice of fresh apple. It also pairs beautifully when spread on warm bread or pancakes, creating a rustic and inviting display.