Apple butter, with its rich, spiced apple flavor, is a quintessential fall treat. Imagine slathering it on warm biscuits, swirling it into your morning oatmeal, or gifting it in charming jars to friends and family. Making your own apple butter at home is easier than you might think, especially with this simple slow cooker method, inspired by the ease and approachability of recipes you might find from the Pioneer Woman.
Overhead shot of a jar of apple butter on a white plate surrounded by sliced apples.
For those who cherish the comforting flavors of home-style cooking, apple butter is a must-have. It’s become a beloved staple, reminiscent of autumn days spent at farmers’ markets, overflowing with seasonal bounty. While it’s tempting to buy jars of apple butter, crafting it in your own kitchen unlocks a depth of flavor and satisfaction that store-bought versions simply can’t match. And the best part? It’s incredibly straightforward, perfect for busy home cooks seeking that rewarding homemade touch.
What Exactly is Apple Butter?
Despite its name, apple butter contains no dairy! So, what is it then? Think of it as super-concentrated applesauce. It begins its life as applesauce but undergoes a longer cooking process. This extended cooking time is the magic behind apple butter. It slowly caramelizes the natural sugars in the apples, intensifies the apple flavor, and transforms the color into a deep, rich brown. The final step is pureeing it to a velvety smooth consistency.
The taste is a revelation – an intensely apple-flavored spread, much thicker and smoother than regular applesauce. It’s a versatile condiment that brings a touch of fall warmth to almost anything.
Choosing Your Apples and Spices for the Best Flavor
Selecting the Perfect Apples
One of the joys of homemade apple butter is the freedom to use your favorite apple varieties. Softer apples are particularly well-suited for apple butter because they break down beautifully during the long cooking process, contributing to that wonderfully concentrated flavor we crave. Feel free to use a single type or create a blend for a more complex flavor profile.
Excellent apple choices include:
- Braeburn: Offers a balanced sweet-tart taste.
- Cortland: Known for their slightly tart flavor and tender flesh.
- Fuji: Sweet and crisp, they contribute a lovely sweetness.
- McIntosh: Soft and juicy, they break down easily.
- Golden Delicious: Mild and sweet, perfect for a smooth butter.
- Red Delicious: While often debated for eating fresh, they work well in cooked applications like apple butter.
- Idared: Slightly tart and holds its shape well initially, but softens beautifully when cooked.
- Gala: Sweet and aromatic, adding a fragrant note.
- Granny Smith: If you prefer a tangier apple butter, add Granny Smiths to your mix for a tart edge!
Preparing Your Apples
Preparing the apples is simple. Just peel, core, and roughly chop them. No need for precise cuts – the slow cooker will take care of the rest!
For efficient peeling, a swivel peeler is a handy tool. If you’re an avid apple baker, consider investing in a tabletop apple peeler to streamline the process even further.
The Spice Blend
Aromatic spices are what truly elevate apple butter. A classic combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm, inviting spice profile that complements the apples perfectly. This trio is a must for that quintessential apple butter flavor.
While cinnamon is essential, feel free to experiment with other spices to customize your apple butter. Consider these additions:
- Apple pie spice: A pre-mixed blend for convenience and a touch of extra warmth.
- Allspice: Adds a complex, peppery note.
- Ginger: For a hint of spice and warmth.
Three Easy Ways to Make Apple Butter: Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, and Stovetop
Effortless Slow Cooker Apple Butter (CrockPot)
The slow cooker is arguably the easiest method for making apple butter, truly embodying the set-it-and-forget-it approach often associated with Pioneer Woman recipes. This hands-off method is incredibly convenient.
To make slow cooker apple butter:
- Combine your chopped apples, sugar, and spices in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Cook on low heat for 10 hours.
- Stir in vanilla extract. Break up any remaining large apple chunks.
- Cook for another 2 hours.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the apple butter directly in the slow cooker until smooth. Alternatively, transfer in batches to a regular blender or food processor.
- Let cool and transfer to jars or airtight containers.
Image of sliced apples in a slow cooker, coated with a sugar and spice mixture.
Quick Instant Pot Apple Butter
For faster results, the Instant Pot is your go-to appliance. It significantly reduces the cooking time while still delivering that deep, rich apple butter flavor.
To make Instant Pot apple butter:
- Place apples, sugars, and spices (excluding vanilla) in a 6-quart Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
- Cook on high pressure for 90 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.
- Puree the apple butter using an immersion blender, regular blender, or food processor. If not using an immersion blender, return the pureed apple butter to the Instant Pot.
- Select the “Slow Cook” function and cook on high for 2 hours with the lid partially off (covering half the pot).
- Stir in vanilla extract, let cool slightly, and transfer to containers.
Stovetop Apple Butter
If you prefer the stovetop method, it requires a bit more attention but is still achievable. You’ll need to add some liquid to prevent sticking.
To make stovetop apple butter:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine apples, sugar, spices, and about 1 cup of liquid (apple cider, apple juice, or water).
- Cook uncovered over medium-low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Puree using an immersion blender, food processor, or blender.
- Return to the stove and continue cooking until thickened and deep brown, about 1 more hour, stirring more frequently as it thickens to prevent scorching.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Your Homemade Apple Butter
Apple butter is incredibly versatile, just like many of the flavorful condiments featured in Pioneer Woman recipes. Use it anywhere you would use jam or fruit preserves. Here are some tempting ideas:
- Spread generously on toast, biscuits, and muffins.
- Drizzle over pancakes and waffles for a fall-inspired breakfast.
- Add a dollop to a cheese and cracker platter for a sweet and savory appetizer.
- Stir into oatmeal, yogurt, or ice cream to enhance the flavor.
- Use as a substitute for pumpkin puree or applesauce in baking recipes.
- Glaze chicken or pork chops for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Elevate your grilled cheese sandwich with a layer of apple butter.
- Package in pretty jars, tie with a ribbon, and give as thoughtful homemade gifts.
Image of a jar of apple butter on a white saucer, with a spoonful of apple butter in the foreground and two apples beside the jar.
Storing Your Apple Butter: Refrigerator and Freezer Tips
This homemade apple butter recipe is designed for refrigerator or freezer storage, not for traditional canning. For long-term, shelf-stable storage, it’s best to follow a specific canning recipe.
Once cooled and placed in jars or airtight containers, follow these storage guidelines:
- Refrigerator: Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 year. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Enjoy the taste of fall anytime with this easy and delicious homemade apple butter recipe!
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Homemade Apple Butter Recipe
Yield: 4 pints
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 hours
Total Time: 12 hours 30 minutes
Homemade apple butter in the slow cooker is incredibly easy! Simply combine apples, sugar, and spices, cook until caramelized, puree, and enjoy.
[Star Rating] 4.95 (71 ratings)
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Ingredients
- 6½ pounds apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup (198 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (213 g) light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place apples in a slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Sprinkle over apples and gently stir. Cook on low for 10 hours.
- Stir in vanilla extract, breaking up any large apple chunks. Cover and cook for an additional 2 hours.
- Remove lid and use an immersion blender to puree until smooth or to desired consistency. (Alternatively, puree in batches in a food processor or blender.) For thicker apple butter, continue cooking on low with the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape.
- Let mixture cool, then spoon into jars and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month, or freeze for up to 1 year.
Recipe Notes
- Equipment: 6-quart slow cooker, 6-quart Instant Pot, or Dutch oven for stovetop.
- Blending: Immersion blender, food processor, or traditional blender.
- Apples: Use your favorite variety or a mix. See the post for suggestions.
- Refrigerator Storage: Up to 1 month.
- Freezer Storage: Up to 1 year. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Nutritional information per pint: Calories: 801kcal, Carbohydrates: 207g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 1g, Sodium: 169mg, Potassium: 861mg, Fiber: 18g, Sugar: 180g, Vitamin A: 400IU, Vitamin C: 33.9mg, Calcium: 110mg, Iron: 1.4mg
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Author: [Your Name/Website Name]
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
