I recently discovered a brilliant Slow Cooker Apple Butter recipe. Fresh apples steep in a blend of aromatic spices for hours before turning into a smooth, luscious spread that surprises with every dollop. I invite you to explore this unique natural creation and experience pure delight in my kitchen today.

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I recently experimented with a slow cooker apple butter recipe that totally surprised me. I grabbed about six medium apples (washed, cored, and quartered so there’s no need to peel) and threw them into my crockpot with 1/2 cup water and a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to kick things off.

Then, I added a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a pinch of ground cloves, and a bit of ground ginger along with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. I wasn’t sure what to expect but as the hours passed, the apples transformed into a thick, creamy spread that’s naturally sweet and sugar-free.

It quickly became my go-to spread for toast and even a cool twist for my pancake mornings. I love that its vegan, paleo, and allergy-friendly too.

If you like experimenting with slow cooker recipes and enjoy a bit of a surprise in the kitchen, this one will definitely win you over. Enjoy giving it a try!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this apple butter recipe because it’s super easy and saves me time. I dont have to peel the apples which makes prep a breeze and means i can just focus on letting the slow cooker do its thing. I also love how the spices mix with the apples to create this amazing, warm flavor that always reminds me of cozy fall days. Its naturally sweet and sugar-free, so i feel good about eating it, and i love that it works great as a spread on toast or even in my baking. Plus, the whole thing is gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly, so it’s a hit with everyone in my family.

Ingredients

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Apples: Fiber rich fruits that add natural sweetness, tart flavor, and vital vitamins.
Lemon Juice: Bright, sour kick that prevents browning and balances the apple’s sweetness.
Cinnamon: Warm spice that enhances aroma and infuses a comforting, mildly sweet taste.
Ground Ginger: Zesty note that adds spice and a touch of pungent warmth.
Ground Cloves: Intensely aromatic, they warm the blend with subtle spice and earthy hints.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor, balancing sweetness and spice for a well-rounded taste.
Water: Provides moisture for slow cooking and ensures a smooth, luscious consistency.
Overall: Each ingredient contributes to a balanced, hearty, and nutritious apple butter delight.

Ingredient Quantities

6 medium apples (washed, cored, and quartered – no need to peel)

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Make this

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1. Start by washing, coring, and quartering your apples into roughly equal pieces – you don’t have to peel them.

2. Place all your apple pieces into the slow cooker.

3. Pour in the water and add the lemon juice.

4. Sprinkle in the cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and salt over the apples.

5. Give everything a gentle stir so the spices are evenly distributed.

6. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on low for about 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 6 hours.

7. After the cooking time, the apples should be very soft and mushy; use an immersion blender (or transfer in batches to a blender) to puree the mixture until it’s smooth.

8. If it looks too runny for your taste, let it cook a little longer uncovered to thicken up.

9. Taste your apple butter and adjust any spices if needed before serving or storing.

Equipment Needed

1. Slow cooker with its lid
2. Cutting board
3. Sharp knife for washing, coring, and quartering apples
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Spoon or spatula for stirring the mixture
6. Immersion blender or regular blender (if you need to puree in batches)

FAQ

Q: Do I really need to peel the apples?

A: No, there's no need to peel them. Just wash, core, and quarter the apples and you're good to go.

Q: What kind of apples work best for this recipe?

A: You can use any medium apples you like, but tart types like Granny Smith add a nice tang while sweeter varieties make it richer.

Q: How long does it take to get the apple butter to the right consistency?

A: It usually takes about 6 to 8 hours on low in your slow cooker until the apples are soft and blend well.

Q: Can I adjust the spices if I don't like a particular flavor?

A: Yep, feel free to play around with the spices. If you're not a fan of cloves or ginger, you can reduce them a little, but try not to skip them entirely for best flavor.

Q: What are the storing options after making this?

A: You can keep the apple butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze portions for later use.

Slow Cooker Apple Butter (No Peeling Required!) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If u dont have 6 medium apples, you can mix them with pears for a different flavor twist.
If you’re short on water, try using apple cider or unsweetened tea as a substitute.
Out of fresh lemon juice? A splash of apple cider vinegar (about half as much) works pretty well.
No ground cinnamon? You can use nutmeg or even a pumpkin spice blend, though it might alter the flavor a bit.
If u cant find ground ginger, use 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger instead.

Pro Tips

1. Try mixing up different types of apples if you can, like using both tart and sweet ones to add a more complex flavor. I found it makes a big difference in the final taste.

2. Keep an eye on the cook time especially if you’re on high heat. Sometimes the apples will get mushier faster than expected so checking in a bit early can help avoid overcooking.

3. A cool trick is to stir the mixture really well before you blend it so that all the spices get evenly distributed. It saves you from ending up with some parts way more spiced than others.

4. If you like a thicker apple butter, leave the lid off for the last hour or so to let some of the extra liquid evaporate. It might seem simple, but it really changes up the texture for the better.

Slow Cooker Apple Butter (No Peeling Required!) Recipe

Recipe by Toni Baldesera

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

kcal

Equipment: 1. Slow cooker with its lid
2. Cutting board
3. Sharp knife for washing, coring, and quartering apples
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Spoon or spatula for stirring the mixture
6. Immersion blender or regular blender (if you need to puree in batches)

Ingredients

6 medium apples (washed, cored, and quartered – no need to peel)
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Start by washing, coring, and quartering your apples into roughly equal pieces – you don’t have to peel them.
Place all your apple pieces into the slow cooker.
Pour in the water and add the lemon juice.
Sprinkle in the cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and salt over the apples.
Give everything a gentle stir so the spices are evenly distributed.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on low for about 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 6 hours.
After the cooking time, the apples should be very soft and mushy; use an immersion blender (or transfer in batches to a blender) to puree the mixture until it’s smooth.
If it looks too runny for your taste, let it cook a little longer uncovered to thicken up.
Taste your apple butter and adjust any spices if needed before serving or storing.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.