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The Best Slow Cooker Apple Butter Recipe (No Peeling Required)

Close-up of a slice of spiced cake generously topped with glistening homemade apple butter.

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Make rich, spiced apple butter easily in your slow cooker. This simple recipe requires no peeling and yields a smooth, flavorful spread perfect for fall or year-round enjoyment.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 pounds apples (about 15 medium), any variety, cored and quartered
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Instructions

  1. Place the apple quarters, apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice into the basin of your slow cooker.
  2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours. The apples should be very soft.
  3. Carefully transfer the cooked apple mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a small amount of water or cider until you reach your desired texture.
  4. Return the smooth mixture to the slow cooker. Remove the lid and set the slow cooker to high. Cook for another 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, to allow excess moisture to evaporate and thicken the apple butter.
  5. Once thickened, remove from the slow cooker. If you plan to can the apple butter, proceed with hot water bath canning instructions now. If freezing or refrigerating, let it cool completely before storing.

Notes

  • For a no-sugar-added version, omit the brown sugar and rely on the natural sweetness of the apples. You may need to cook longer to achieve the desired thickness.
  • If you want a thicker, old-fashioned apple butter, cook it uncovered on the stovetop over medium-low heat after blending until it reduces significantly. Stir often to prevent scorching.
  • This homemade apple butter freezes well for up to 6 months. Store cooled apple butter in freezer-safe containers.

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