Name: Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 840 min
Total time: 845 min
Ingredients: [14 cups applesauce]; 3 cups apple juice; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon ground allspice

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Apple Butter is incredible for slathering on toast, bagels, pancakes and more. It also makes an incredible holiday gift to loved ones. Apple butter is rather easy to make in the slow cooker, the hardest part is allowing it to cook low and slow.

I used to think apple butter was a type of true butter. It isn't. It just gets the name cause you can smother it on all the things you would smother butter onto.

This easy apple butter recipe only has 5 ingredients. It takes seconds to whip up and toss into your slow cooker. Then just let it cook all day and you are ready to enjoy.

Making Slow Cooker Apple Butter

While there are different methods to apple butter, I find this recipe to be my favorite. I use apple sauce to start, instead of sliced apples. I have homemade applesauce I use and it really elevates the flavor of my recipe.

If you see recipes that use whole apples they generally have to transfer and puree or blend. With applesauce as the base, you don't have that extra step.

What Is Apple Butter

Apple butter is truly just long-cooked applesauce that is super concentrated. Rich apple flavor, caramelized color, and bursting with spiced up apple flavor. You can pile it on your favorite baked goods, bread, waffles, and the list goes on. You treat it like a jam.

Can I Buy Applesauce for Apple Butter Recipe

Yes. If you don't want to make homemade applesauce you can always buy it. I highly recommend buying quality applesauce as it will truly set you up for flavor in this recipe. It is one area I don't skimp on when making apple butter.

What Spices Are Used in Apple Butter

Cinnamon, ground cloves, and allspice are what I really love. They bring out such a fall flavor in this recipe. It is spiced up, but yet smooth and refreshing so it doesn't feel overpowered by the spices. You also might like to use apple pie spice blend. I have used that in the past and found it offers a fantastic layer of flavor.

If you Love Apple Butter You Will Love These Recipes Too

What Is Apple Butter Used For

Putting on toast, English muffins, etc.
Topping for pancakes, waffles, etc.
Mixing into dips
Sweet Potatoes
Ice Cream
Marinading Meats
Cooking with it

How Long Does Apple Butter Keep

You can keep a jar of apple butter that has been opened in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. Use your best judgment of if you feel the butter is going bad. Since this is a larger batch, I recommend giving as gifts to loved ones, or freezing it.

Best Way to Freeze Apple Butter

I love freezing my leftover apple butter. With such a big-batch recipe, this will make a ton. What I do is take glass containers with lids and fill them almost all the way full. You need to leave some room at the top of the jar, so as the apple butter freezes it has room to expand.

Then store in the freezer for up to six months. When you are ready to use the apple butter, just place in the fridge the night before to allow it to thaw out. Then use like you would.

You can find smaller jars online or even at a craft store to use. I freeze in smaller containers so I am able to for sure use what I have out without being wasteful.

Holiday Gift Idea with Apple Butter

If you love giving baked goods and treats at the holidays, consider this recipe! I find really neat glass jars and use that to give as a gift. Find some holiday inspired ribbon whether for Thanksgiving time or Christmas. Tie around the lid, add a label and you have a fun gift. Pair with some homemade bread, muffins, or treats and you have a complete gift.

I hope you all enjoy has easy this recipe is. It is worth the wait for it to cook down and really blend all those rich flavors together. You will never buy store bought apple butter again.