Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe

If the scent of spiced apples simmering all day long in your kitchen sounds like pure autumn bliss, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning. This homemade spread is the very definition of cozy comfort, with a rich, caramelized apple flavor and deep hints of cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla. It’s made almost effortlessly in a slow cooker, then preserved in jars to enjoy for months—or to give as gifts that’ll instantly make you everyone’s favorite person. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or a first-timer, this recipe delivers all the homemade warmth of apple butter with none of the stress.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning is wonderfully straightforward. Every ingredient adds something special, working together to create the signature silky texture and spiced sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each item matters:

• Apples (6 lbs, peeled, cored, and sliced): The heart of the recipe—choose a blend of tart and sweet varieties for a complex, layered flavor.
• Granulated Sugar (3 cups): Gives the apple butter its subtle brightness and helps balance the apple’s tang.
• Brown Sugar (2 cups, packed): Creates a lovely depth of flavor and that warm, caramel color.
• Ground Cinnamon (2 tsp): The spice that brings the classic apple butter aroma front and center.
• Ground Cloves (½ tsp): Adds an old-fashioned, gently spicy note—don’t skip it!
• Ground Nutmeg (½ tsp): Enhances the cozy bakery vibe and rounds out the spice blend.
• Salt (¼ tsp): A tiny bit wakes up all the flavors, making everything pop.
• Vanilla Extract (1 Tbsp): Stirred in at the end for warmth and a rich, comforting sweetness.
• Apple Cider or Water (½ cup): Gets the cooking started and intensifies the apple flavor—choose cider if you can!

How to Make Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

The key to outrageously good apple butter is starting with apples that are peeled, cored, and sliced as evenly as possible. This helps the apples cook down at the same pace, so the final butter is perfectly smooth and luscious. A little effort here pays off big time later!

Step 2: Load Up the Crock Pot

Place your prepared apples right into the crock pot—they’ll almost fill it up, but don’t worry, they reduce a lot as they cook. Next, sprinkle in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and pour over the apple cider or water. Give it all a hearty stir to get things evenly mixed. The blend of sugars and spices starts working its magic right away!

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crock pot and let your apples stew on low for 10–12 hours. A quick stir whenever you pass by the kitchen helps prevent sticking, but otherwise, just relax and let the slow cooker transform the mixture. You’ll know it’s ready when the apples are very soft, glossy, and a gorgeous deep brown—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 4: Puree Until Smooth

Once the apples have cooked down, remove the lid and use an immersion blender right in the crock pot to puree everything until silky smooth. No immersion blender? Carefully blend in batches with a regular blender, then return to the crock pot. This step is what gives Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning its irresistible, spreadable texture.

Step 5: Flavor and Thicken

Stir in the vanilla extract, then continue to cook the apple butter uncovered on low for another 1–2 hours. This extra time lets it thicken up to your liking—just remember, it will keep thickening as it cools, so don’t overdo it. The result should be thick enough to easily mound up on a spoon.

Step 6: Can for Long-Term Enjoyment

Ladle the piping hot apple butter into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean, apply your lids and rings, and process each jar in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if needed). This final step means you can enjoy your homemade apple butter all year long—just store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place and refrigerate after opening.

How to Serve Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning

Garnishes

A little garnish takes this already-beautiful spread over the top. Try a pinch of extra cinnamon, a swirl of whipped cream, or even a dusting of finely chopped toasted pecans if you want to get a little fancy at brunch or tea time.

Side Dishes

There’s no wrong way to enjoy Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning, but it’s unbeatable on warm biscuits, toast, or buttermilk pancakes. Pair it with sharp cheddar cheese for a sweet-and-savory snack, or dollop onto oatmeal for an instant fall upgrade. It also makes a dreamy topping for vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt.

Creative Ways to Present

Have a stack of pretty jars? Tie on handwritten labels or rustic twine for homemade gifts during the holidays or as sweet “thank you” treats for neighbors. At gatherings, serve the apple butter alongside a cheese board or as a dipping sauce for spiced cookies—it’s a conversation starter every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve opened a jar, store it in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to three weeks. Make sure the lid is tightly sealed to keep all that cozy flavor locked in. Label the jar with the date so you’ll always enjoy it at peak deliciousness.

Freezing

Apple butter freezes like a dream! Simply ladle cooled Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.

Reheating

To enjoy your apple butter warm, just spoon out the amount you need into a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Gently heat until just warmed through—don’t boil, or you may loose the smooth texture. Stir well before serving, and savor that just-made aroma all over again.

FAQs

What are the best apples to use for Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning?

A mix of tart apples (like Granny Smith) and sweet apples (such as Fuji or Gala) gives wonderful flavor depth. Experiment with what’s in season or locally available for the richest taste!

Can I make this recipe with less sugar?

Absolutely! Feel free to reduce the sugars as desired—the apple butter may be a bit less sweet, but it will still be thick, rich, and flavorful. Taste as you go and adjust to suit your preferences.

How do I know when the apple butter is thick enough for canning?

Your apple butter is ready when it holds its shape on a cold spoon and no liquid separates around the edges. Keep in mind it’ll thicken even more as it cools, so a spreadable consistency is your sweet spot.

Is it necessary to process the jars in a water bath?

Yes! Boiling water bath canning creates a safe seal, allowing you to store sealed jars for up to a year. If you skip this step, refrigerate your apple butter and use within 3 weeks.

What’s the difference between apple butter and applesauce?

Apple butter is thicker, darker, and much more intensely flavored than applesauce. It’s slow-cooked with sugar and spices until deeply caramelized and spreadably smooth, making it a whole different treat!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning enough. There’s magic in watching a pile of apples transform into jars of smooth, spiced gold that brighten breakfasts, snacks, and special occasions. Give it a try—you’ll fill your home with irresistible aromas and create something truly special to share with the people you love.

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