Slow Cooker Apple Butter: A Sweet and Simple Canning Recipe
Apple butter is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be enjoyed on toast, pancakes, or even as a glaze for pork. Making apple butter from scratch is surprisingly easy, especially with the help of a slow cooker!
This recipe will guide you through the process of making apple butter in your slow cooker, along with instructions for canning your homemade goodness to enjoy throughout the year.
Ingredients:
- 8 pounds of apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 12-14 medium apples)
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of sugar (adjust to your desired sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
Equipment:
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
- Large pot for water bath canning
- Jar lifter
- Canning jars (pint or half-pint size)
- New lids and rings for jars
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Wooden spoon
- Funnel
- Clean dish towels
- Pot holder
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples: Wash, peel, core, and chop the apples into roughly 1-inch pieces.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the chopped apples, water, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on Low: Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until the apples are completely softened and the mixture has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Process Apple Butter: Once the apple butter is cooked, use an immersion blender or a potato masher to break down any remaining chunks. You can also strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve for a smoother texture.
5. Prepare Jars: Wash and sterilize the canning jars, lids, and rings. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place the jars in the boiling water for 10 minutes to sterilize.
6. Fill Jars: Using a funnel, carefully pour the hot apple butter into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace at the top.
7. Process in Water Bath: Place the filled jars in the boiling water bath, making sure the water covers the jars by at least 1 inch. Process the jars for 20 minutes (for pint jars) or 25 minutes (for half-pint jars) at a rolling boil.
8. Remove and Cool: Carefully remove the jars from the water bath using a jar lifter and place them on a clean dish towel to cool completely. You should hear a distinct "popping" sound as the lids seal.
9. Store and Enjoy: Once the jars have cooled completely, check the lids to ensure they are sealed. Store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Tips:
- For a thicker apple butter, you can simmer the mixture for an additional hour or two after it has been cooked.
- If you don't have a slow cooker, you can make apple butter in a large pot on the stovetop. Just cook the mixture on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- You can experiment with different spices, such as ginger, cardamom, or allspice, to create your own unique apple butter flavor.
- Enjoy your homemade apple butter on toast, pancakes, waffles, biscuits, or even as a glaze for meats.
Enjoy the delicious taste of homemade apple butter, knowing that you made it with love!
