Effortless Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Transform a surplus of old apples into a sweet, velvety apple butter with minimal effort. This recipe requires no peeling or coring, maximizing flavor and minimizing waste. The slow cooker does most of the work, gently transforming apples into a delicious spread perfect for pancakes, toast, or as a unique accompaniment to savory dishes. You’ll maintain the natural sweetness and tonic balance with spices that enhance rather than overpower. The simplicity of the process means more time enjoying the results and less time preparing.
32
Servings
25
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
apples
6-12 (washed and quartered)
allspice
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
clove
1/8-1/4 teaspoon (ground)
cinnamon
1/2-3/4 teaspoon (ground)
Instructions
1
1. Evaluate the number of apples you have and choose a slow cooker size that fits them best. Note: Don't dismiss apples with wrinkled skins; often, they are perfectly good inside. Braeburn and Gala, in particular, can look weathered but still be excellent.
2
2. Thoroughly wash the apples. Quarter and place them into the slow cooker. Remove stems, any loose seeds, and cut out the 'flower' parts opposite the stems.
3
3. Turn the slow cooker to high. If some apples do not fit initially, add them later once the first batch has softened and reduced a bit. Cook on high for 1-2 hours.
4
4. Add any remaining apples, ensuring they are submerged. Continue to cook on high for another 1-2 hours until all apples are soft and mushy.
5
5. Once cooked, transfer a portion of the apples into a food mill over a large bowl. Process to separate the skins and seeds from the applesauce. Repeat until all apples are milled. Clean the food mill promptly to prevent staining.
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6. Optionally, blend the applesauce with a stick blender for a smoother consistency.
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7. Return the applesauce to the slow cooker. Add spices: 1/4 tsp allspice, 1/8-1/4 tsp clove, 1/2-3/4 tsp cinnamon. Stir well to combine.
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8. Set the slow cooker to low and continue cooking for 8-12 hours until thick and rich in color, stirring occasionally.
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9. Taste and adjust spices as needed. Continue to cook uncovered for an additional 2-4 hours to thicken further.
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10. Once cooked, blend again for a silky texture if desired.
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11. Let cool before storing in jars or serving. Enjoy on breakfast items or as a flavorful addition to savory dishes.
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
6.5g
Carbs
0g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Effortless Slow Cooker Apple Butter?
Effortless Slow Cooker Apple Butter is a sweet, velvety spread made by slowly cooking whole apples with spices until they reach a rich, thick consistency.
Do I need to peel the apples for this recipe?
No, this recipe requires no peeling, which helps maximize flavor and minimize preparation time.
Do I need to core the apples?
No, you do not need to core the apples. You simply quarter them and remove the stems and the flower part before cooking.
Can I use wrinkled or old apples?
Yes, wrinkled skins often hide perfectly good fruit inside. This recipe is a great way to use up a surplus of older apples.
Which apple varieties are recommended?
Braeburn and Gala apples are specifically mentioned as varieties that can look weathered on the outside but remain excellent for apple butter.
How do I prepare the apples for the slow cooker?
Thoroughly wash the apples, quarter them, remove the stems and loose seeds, and cut out the flower parts opposite the stems.
What size slow cooker should I use?
Choose a slow cooker size that best fits the number of apples you have available.
What if all my apples do not fit in the slow cooker at once?
If they don't fit initially, add the remaining apples later once the first batch has softened and reduced in volume.
What is the initial cooking setting?
Turn the slow cooker to high for the first stages of softening the apples.
How long is the initial cooking time?
The apples should cook on high for a total of 2-4 hours until they are soft and mushy.
How are the skins and seeds removed?
The cooked apples are processed through a food mill, which separates the skins and seeds from the smooth applesauce.
Is there a tip for cleaning the food mill?
Yes, you should clean the food mill promptly after use to prevent the apple remains from staining the tool.
How do I achieve a smoother consistency?
You can optionally blend the milled applesauce with a stick blender for a silkier texture.
What spices are added to the apple butter?
The recipe uses ground allspice, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon.
How much cinnamon should I use?
Use between 1/2 and 3/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon depending on your preference.
How much allspice is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice.
How much clove should I add?
Add between 1/8 and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves.
When do I add the spices?
Add the spices after the apples have been milled and returned to the slow cooker.
What is the second slow cooker setting for thickening?
Set the slow cooker to low after adding the spices for the long-duration thickening process.
How long does the apple butter cook on low?
Cook on low for 8 to 12 hours until the mixture is thick and rich in color.
Should I stir the apple butter while it cooks?
Yes, you should stir the mixture occasionally during the 8-12 hour cooking period.
How can I make the apple butter even thicker?
Continue to cook the mixture uncovered for an additional 2-4 hours to allow more moisture to evaporate.
Can I blend the butter a second time?
Yes, once fully cooked, you can blend it again for a final silky texture if desired.
How should I store the finished apple butter?
Let the apple butter cool completely before transferring it into jars for storage.
What can I serve with apple butter?
It is perfect for pancakes, toast, or as a unique accompaniment to savory dishes.
Is there any sugar added to this recipe?
The recipe relies on the natural sweetness of the apples and the warmth of the spices without adding extra sugar.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe produces approximately 32 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 25 calories per serving.
What is the fiber content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 1.25 grams of fiber.
Does this recipe contain fat or protein?
No, this apple butter recipe contains 0g of fat and 0g of protein.