Crock Pot Cranberry-Apple Delight Butter
Indulge in this mouthwatering Crock Pot Cranberry-Apple Delight Butter, inspired by a cherished recipe from the Bordentown, NJ Cranberry Festival. This delightful spread combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of tender cooking apples, creating a perfectly balanced flavor that's ideal for slathering on toast, pancakes, or stirring into oatmeal. The addition of warm spices like cinnamon and cloves elevates this apple butter to a comforting autumn treat. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing all the work, this recipe brings a taste of the holiday season to your table year-round.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooking Apples
6-7 (Cored and chopped)
Fresh Cranberries
1/2 lb (Rinsed and stems removed)
Cider or Water
1 cup (Liquid base)
Sugar
1 cup (Granulated)
Ground Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (Spice)
Ground Cloves
1/8 teaspoon (Spice)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crock Pot Cranberry-Apple Delight Butter?
It is a flavorful fruit spread that combines tart fresh cranberries with sweet cooking apples, slow-cooked with spices until it reaches a thick, buttery consistency.
What kind of apples should I use?
You should use cooking apples. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well because they provide a good balance of sweetness and texture.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen cranberries for fresh ones in the same amount (1/2 lb).
How many apples are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 to 7 cooking apples, cored and chopped.
What is the liquid base for this apple butter?
You can use either 1 cup of apple cider or 1 cup of water as the liquid base.
Is there added sugar in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of granulated sugar to sweeten the tart fruit mixture.
What spices give this butter its fall flavor?
The warm flavor comes from 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
This recipe was inspired by a cherished dish from the Bordentown, NJ Cranberry Festival.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, as it only contains fruit, water or cider, sugar, and spices, it is naturally vegan-friendly.
How should I prepare the apples?
The apples should be cored and chopped before being added to the slow cooker.
What is the preparation for the cranberries?
The cranberries should be rinsed and have any remaining stems removed before cooking.
Can I use a crock pot for this recipe?
Absolutely, the recipe is specifically designed for a slow cooker or crock pot for minimal prep effort.
What can I serve with Cranberry-Apple Delight Butter?
It is delicious on toast, pancakes, or stirred into a warm bowl of oatmeal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
Can I substitute the sugar with another sweetener?
While the recipe calls for granulated sugar, you could likely use brown sugar or a honey alternative, though it may alter the final flavor profile.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: apples, cranberries, cider or water, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.
Do I need to peel the apples?
The recipe calls for them to be cored and chopped; peeling is optional depending on if you prefer a smoother or more rustic texture.
Is this a good holiday recipe?
Yes, with cranberries and warm spices, it is an ideal treat for the autumn and holiday seasons.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume of fruit and liquid.
How much cider do I need?
The recipe requires 1 cup of cider (or water).
What category of food does this fall into?
It is considered a preserve or a spread, specifically an apple butter.
Are there any fats or cholesterol in this recipe?
Based on the ingredient list, this recipe is naturally fat-free and cholesterol-free.
Can I use ground ginger in this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, ginger would complement the cranberry and apple flavors well if you wish to customize it.
Is this recipe low in sodium?
Yes, there are no high-sodium ingredients added to this fruit-based spread.
How do I know when the cranberries are ready?
Once they are rinsed and stems are removed, they are ready to be slow-cooked until they burst and soften into the butter.
Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Yes, apple juice is a suitable substitute for cider or water as the liquid base.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet and tart fruit profile is usually a big hit with children.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How much cloves should I add?
Only a small amount is needed: 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves.
Can I store this in jars?
Yes, it is a homemade spread that can be stored in glass jars in the refrigerator.