Grandma's Spiced Apple Butter
Experience the warmth of autumn with this delightful Grandma's Spiced Apple Butter recipe! Over the years, this simple recipe has become a beloved favorite in many households. As the fresh apples cook down in your slow cooker or crock pot, they transform into a rich, velvety spread that resembles applesauce. Infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves, this apple butter not only turns a lovely deep hue but also boasts a comforting sweetness that’s perfect for spreading on toast, pancakes, or even as a topping for desserts. Once sealed in jars, it makes for a wonderful gift or a delicious treat to enjoy all winter long!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Apples
Enough to overfill slow cooker (around 12-15 medium apples) (Peeled, cored, and sliced)
Vinegar
1/2 cup (None)
White sugar
3 cups (None)
Brown sugar
1 cup (None)
Ground cinnamon
3 teaspoons (None)
Ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
Peel, core, and slice enough apples to fill a 4-quart slow cooker so full that the lid will not close.
2
Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar over the apples in the slow cooker.
3
Cover and cook on low for 18 hours. If your crock pot cooks faster, you can set it on high for about 10 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4
Once the apples have cooked down and softened completely, add in 3 cups of white sugar, 1 cup of brown sugar, 3 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves.
5
Blend the mixture in batches with a blender or an immersion blender until you achieve a smooth consistency that resembles apple butter.
6
Return the blended mixture to the crock pot and cook on low for an additional 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
7
Once done, carefully spoon the apple butter into clean, sterilized jars, seal them tightly, and allow to cool before storing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandma's Spiced Apple Butter?
Grandma's Spiced Apple Butter is a rich, velvety fruit spread made by slow-cooking apples with cinnamon, cloves, and sugar until they reach a deep, concentrated flavor.
What kind of apples should I use?
You can use any variety of apples, though a mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji or Granny Smith often yields the best flavor profile.
How many apples are needed for this recipe?
You will need enough apples to overfill a 4-quart slow cooker, which typically translates to approximately 12 to 15 medium-sized apples.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the apples should be peeled, cored, and sliced before being added to the slow cooker.
What is the purpose of adding vinegar?
Vinegar provides a necessary acidity that balances the sweetness of the sugar and helps preserve the color and texture of the apples.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
The initial cooking phase takes about 18 hours on the low setting to ensure the apples are completely softened.
Can I cook the apple butter on high instead of low?
Yes, you can set the slow cooker to high for approximately 10 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
When do I add the sugar and spices?
The sugar, cinnamon, and cloves are added after the apples have cooked for the initial 18 hours and have been softened.
What spices are used in this apple butter?
This recipe features 3 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves for an aromatic autumn flavor.
What types of sugar are used?
The recipe calls for a combination of 3 cups of white sugar and 1 cup of brown sugar.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency?
Once the apples are cooked and the sugar is added, blend the mixture in batches using a standard blender or an immersion blender until smooth.
Is an immersion blender required for this recipe?
While an immersion blender is very convenient, a regular countertop blender works just as well to create a smooth texture.
How long is the second cooking phase?
After blending and adding spices, the apple butter should cook on low for an additional 4 hours.
How should I store the finished apple butter?
Spoon the mixture into clean, sterilized jars and seal them tightly. Allow them to cool before storing in a cool place or the refrigerator.
How long does this apple butter last?
When properly sealed and stored in sterilized jars, this apple butter can be enjoyed all winter long.
Can I freeze apple butter?
Yes, apple butter can be stored in freezer-safe containers and frozen for several months.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe, including apples, vinegar, sugar, and spices, are naturally gluten-free.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains no animal products or by-products.
What are some serving suggestions for apple butter?
It is delicious spread on toast, pancakes, or waffles, and it can also be used as a topping for yogurt or desserts.
Can I give this as a gift?
Absolutely! Homemade apple butter in decorative jars makes a thoughtful and delicious gift for holidays or special occasions.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe is estimated to provide approximately 6 servings, depending on the amount used per portion.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A 4-quart slow cooker or crock pot is the ideal size for the amount of ingredients listed in this recipe.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
You can adjust the sugar to your preference, though it may affect the final thickness and preservation of the butter.
Why is my apple butter not as dark as I expected?
The deep hue develops during the long slow-cooking process and the caramelization of the brown sugar; ensure you don't cut the cooking time short.
Can I add other spices like ginger or nutmeg?
Yes, you can customize the flavor profile by adding small amounts of ground ginger, nutmeg, or allspice.
What if the lid won't close when I first fill the slow cooker?
That is normal; as the apples begin to cook, they will release moisture and shrink, allowing the lid to settle properly.
Do I need to stir the apples frequently?
On the low setting, frequent stirring is not required, but you should stir it occasionally during the high setting or the final 4-hour cook.
Is apple butter the same as applesauce?
No, apple butter is cooked much longer than applesauce, resulting in a thicker, smoother, and more concentrated spread.
Do I need to sterilize the jars before filling?
Yes, using clean and sterilized jars is essential for safe storage and to prevent spoilage.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
While this recipe is optimized for a slow cooker, it can be made on a stove over very low heat with frequent stirring to prevent sticking.