Description
Indulge in the rich, deep flavors of homemade Crock Pot Apple Butter perfect for canning. This recipe combines a mix of sweet and tart apples with warm spices, slowly simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. Enjoy the taste of fall all year round with this versatile condiment.
Ingredients
Apples:
- 6 pounds apples (peeled, cored, and chopped—use a mix of sweet and tart varieties)
Sugar Mixture:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Place the chopped apples in a large crock pot.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and deeply caramelized.
- Thicken: Continue cooking uncovered on low for 1–2 more hours to thicken, stirring occasionally.
Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir well to coat the apples evenly.
Use an immersion blender directly in the crock pot to puree the mixture until smooth, or transfer in batches to a blender. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Once the apple butter reaches your desired consistency, ladle it into hot, sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe the rims, apply the lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal. Let cool and store in a cool, dark place.
Notes
- This recipe yields about 6 half-pint jars.
- For a deeper flavor, let it cook longer with the lid slightly ajar.
- Always follow current USDA canning guidelines for safety.
