Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe

If you have ever wanted to capture the cozy essence of fall and preserve it for year-round enjoyment, this Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine rich, velvety apple butter infused with warm spices slowly cooked to perfection in your crock pot, then sealed into jars that keep that homemade magic intact. It’s sweet, spiced, and completely irresistible—a treasure for toast lovers, bakers, and anyone craving that nostalgic taste of autumn mornings. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never want store-bought apple butter again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whipping up this apple butter requires just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each adds its own special touch, from the natural sweetness and body of the apples to the irresistible warmth from a blend of spices.

• 6 pounds apples (McIntosh, Cortland, or Granny Smith): These varieties provide a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, essential for rich apple butter.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Adds the right level of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully while cooking.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: Brings a deep molasses flavor that enhances the complexity of the butter.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice giving the apple butter its warm, inviting aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Offers a subtle pungency that deepens the overall spice profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice: Adds a nuanced, layered flavor that complements the cinnamon and cloves.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A pinch of this rounds out the spice mix with a delicate nutty sweetness.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the natural flavors.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Stirred in at the end to add a smooth, floral finish.

How to Make Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples

Begin by peeling, coring, and chopping your apples into roughly uniform pieces. Using a mix like McIntosh, Cortland, or Granny Smith gives your apple butter a beautiful blend of sweetness and tartness that will dance on your taste buds.

Step 2: Mix the Spices and Sugars

In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. Pour this fragrant mixture over your prepared apples in the crock pot, then stir to coat each juicy apple piece so the flavors meld from the very beginning.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your crock pot to low and cook everything covered for about 10 hours. Stir occasionally to keep all that enchantingly soft apple mixture from sticking to the sides. You’ll notice the color deepen into a rich brown and the aroma fill your kitchen with pure comfort.

Step 4: Puree the Apple Mixture

Once the apples are tender and luscious, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you enjoy a chunkier texture, feel free to blend partially or skip this step—it’s all about your personal preference!

Step 5: Thicken the Apple Butter

Cook the apple puree uncovered for an additional 1 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and watch as it thickens to your desired consistency, becoming delectably spreadable and rich.

Step 6: Add the Vanilla Glow

During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the vanilla extract. This final touch adds a subtle sweetness and depth that makes the apple butter truly special.

Step 7: Sterilize Your Jars

While the apple butter finishes, prepare your canning jars and lids by boiling them for 10 minutes to sterilize. This step ensures your apple butter will stay fresh and safe for up to a year.

Step 8: Jar the Hot Apple Butter

Carefully ladle the hot apple butter into your sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4 inch headspace at the top to allow for proper sealing during processing.

Step 9: Water Bath Processing

Secure the lids on the jars and process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This sealing process locks in freshness, flavor, and that wonderful homemade goodness.

Step 10: Cool and Store

Let your jars cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours, then store in a cool, dark place. Your jars will be delicious and ready to enjoy anytime within a year.

How to Serve Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe

Garnishes

Serving apple butter gets a little more fun when you add garnishes. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a few slivers of toasted almonds can add texture and deepen the spice notes. A dollop of whipped cream or a swirl of cream cheese can transform simple toast into a decadent treat.

Side Dishes

Apple butter pairs wonderfully with breakfast favorites like pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal, adding a natural sweetness and spicy comfort. It also complements savory sides such as roasted pork or glazed carrots beautifully, balancing the meal with its fruity warmth.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, serve your apple butter in small bowls alongside an assortment of artisan breads, crackers, and sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or goat cheese. You can also swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal bowls for an instant upgrade or even use as a filling in homemade pastries.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any apple butter leftover after canning, keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. It will last for several weeks, making it easy to enjoy daily spoonfuls without rushing through it.

Freezing

For the freezer, transfer apple butter into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. Frozen apple butter retains its flavor and texture well for up to six months, so you can stock up on your homemade goodness anytime.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or thawed apple butter gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm and spreadable. Avoid overheating to maintain its silky texture and vibrant flavor.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apples for this recipe?

While you can use almost any apple, a mix of tart and sweet apples like McIntosh, Cortland, and Granny Smith works best to provide a balanced flavor and natural pectin for thickening.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling the apples creates a smoother apple butter, but if you prefer a more rustic texture or want extra fiber, you can skip peeling. Just be aware the texture and color might be a bit different.

Is this recipe safe for canning at home?

Yes! This Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe includes the proper steps for sterilizing jars and processing them in a water bath, making it safe and reliable for home canning.

How long does homemade apple butter last in the pantry?

When properly canned and stored in a cool, dark place, your apple butter can last up to one year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a few weeks.

Can I make apple butter without a crock pot?

Absolutely! While the slow cooker makes it incredibly hands-off and simple, you can make apple butter on the stovetop in a heavy pot, just be prepared to stir more frequently.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly rewarding about crafting your own Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe—it’s like bottling up a hug from fall itself. With a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll create jars of sweet, spiced magic that brighten your breakfasts and bake into your favorite treats. Trust me, once you make this, your kitchen and heart will thank you again and again. Go ahead and give it a try; your taste buds are in for a delightful treat.

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