Name: Slow Cooker Apple Butter with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 h
Total time: 10 h 50 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 6 pounds apples (mix of sweet and tart, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped; Optional: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; Pinch of salt

Indulge in the rich, velvety texture of homemade slow cooker apple butter, infused with warm brown sugar and aromatic cinnamon. This delightful spread captures the essence of fall, perfect for toast, biscuits, or gifting. Easy to make, it fills your home with cozy, inviting aromas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker apple butter recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of fall. The combination of sweet apples, rich brown sugar, and warm cinnamon creates a spread that’s both nostalgic and versatile. Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade treat is free of preservatives, letting the natural flavors shine. The slow cooker does all the hard work, simmering the ingredients into a thick, luscious consistency while you go about your day. It’s perfect for spreading on warm toast, stirring into oatmeal, or even using as a glaze for roasted meats. Plus, the recipe is forgiving—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, you’ll love how simple it is to create something so delicious. The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like a cozy autumn haven!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Choose the Right Apples: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
Peel with Ease: Use a vegetable peeler to save time, or leave some skin on for a rustic texture.
Stir Occasionally: While the slow cooker is low-maintenance, stirring every few hours helps ensure even cooking.
Test Consistency: Spoon a bit of apple butter onto a plate; if no liquid pools around it, it’s ready.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste midway and add more brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter batch.
Use a Liner: A slow cooker liner makes cleanup a breeze, especially with sticky apple butter.
Blend Smoothly: An immersion blender gives a silky texture, but a regular blender works too—just cool slightly first.
Cook Low and Slow: Resist cranking up the heat; low settings preserve the deep flavors.

Yield: 5 cups

Slow Cooker Apple Butter with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon

Slow cooker apple butter with brown sugar and cinnamon—rich, velvety, and perfect for spreading on toast or gifting.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 10 hours

Additional Time 30 minutes

Total Time 10 hours 50 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons lemon juice
6 pounds apples (mix of sweet and tart, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped
Optional: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and chopping your apples into small chunks. A mix of sweet and tart varieties gives the best flavor, so grab some Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for that perfect balance.
Load the Slow Cooker: Toss the chopped apples into your slow cooker. Sprinkle in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle the lemon juice (and apple cider vinegar, if using) over the top.
Mix It Up: Give everything a good stir to coat the apples evenly with the spices and sugar. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Set and Forget: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally if you’re around. The apples will break down into a soft, fragrant mush.
Check the Magic: After 8 hours, check the consistency. The apples should be very soft and dark. If they’re still chunky, give them another hour or two.
Blend to Perfection: Use an immersion blender right in the slow cooker to blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend less or skip this step. For a regular blender, let the mixture cool slightly first.
Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract for a warm, luxurious note. Taste and adjust sweetness with more brown sugar if needed.
Cook a Bit More: If the apple butter seems too thin, cook uncovered on low for another 30-60 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally.
Cool and Jar: Let the apple butter cool slightly, then transfer to clean, airtight jars or containers. It’s ready to spread or store!
Enjoy and Share: Slather this heavenly apple butter on toast, biscuits, or pancakes, or gift jars to friends for a cozy, homemade treat.

Notes

Always sterilize jars if canning to ensure safety and longevity.
The apple butter thickens as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems slightly runny when hot.
Double the recipe for gifting, but don’t overcrowd the slow cooker—cook in batches if needed.
Taste-test before jarring to tweak spices or sweetness to your liking.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 431Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 44mgCarbohydrates 113gFiber 14gSugar 92gProtein 2g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

The star of this recipe is fresh apples—about 6 pounds, ideally a mix of sweet varieties like Fuji or Gala and tart ones like Granny Smith to create a well-rounded flavor. Brown sugar adds a molasses-like depth, enhancing the apples’ natural sweetness without overpowering them. Cinnamon brings warmth and spice, while a pinch of nutmeg and cloves amplifies the cozy, autumnal vibe. Lemon juice is crucial for balancing sweetness and adding a slight tang, also helping to preserve the vibrant color. A splash of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors, giving the apple butter a luxurious, dessert-like quality. If you’re feeling adventurous, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar can add a subtle zing, though it’s optional.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is highly adaptable to suit your tastes or pantry. Swap brown sugar for maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile—maple adds a woodsy note, while honey brings floral undertones. If cinnamon isn’t your favorite, try cardamom or allspice for a unique twist. For a boozy kick, stir in a tablespoon of bourbon or apple brandy near the end of cooking. If you’re avoiding sugar, use a natural sweetener like stevia, but adjust to taste as it’s more concentrated. For a chunkier texture, skip blending or only partially blend. You can also experiment with apple types—Golden Delicious for sweeter results or McIntosh for a softer cook. For a vegan-friendly version, ensure your sugar is unprocessed, as some brands use bone char.

Storage Options

Store your apple butter in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months—leave some headspace for expansion. If canning, process in a water bath for 10 minutes to store at room temperature for up to a year. Always use clean, sterilized jars to prevent spoilage. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a month for best flavor.