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This image shows a whisk being used to stir the apple butter, giving it a smooth, creamy consistency.

Apple Butter

Apple butter is a rich, smooth spread made by slow-cooking apples with sugar and warm spices until they become deeply caramelized. Perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or even using as a flavorful addition to desserts and savory dishes.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 11 hours
Total Time 11 hours 30 minutes
Course Condiments
Cuisine American
Servings 4 pints
Calories 34 kcal

Equipment

  • Whisk
  • Slow Cooker
  • Medium mixnig bowl

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 cups white sugar
  • 5½ lbs apples - peeled, cored and finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Place the apples in a slow cooker.
    This image shows apples neatly placed in the bottom of a slow cooker, ready to be cooked.
  • In a separate bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt, then pour the mixture over the apples and stir until well-coated.
    This image shows a bowl of sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt being poured over the apples in the slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook on High for an hour.
  • After that, reduce the heat to Low and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for 9 to 11 hours until the mixture becomes thick and dark brown.
    This image shows the slow cooker lid closed with apples inside, cooking on the high setting for an hour.
  • Uncover and continue cooking for another hour on Low.
  • For extra smoothness, whisk the mixture if needed.
  • Once done, transfer the apple butter to sterilized containers and refrigerate or freeze for later use.
    this image shows finished apple butter in a bowl

Notes

  • Use a mix of apple varieties for a balanced flavor.
  • Adjust spices to taste—add more cinnamon for extra warmth.