Slow Cooker Apple Butter For Canning

CLARA

6 min read

·

Jul 10, 2024

36

Share

Slow Cooker Apple Butter for Canning: A Sweet and Easy Recipe

Apple butter, a smooth and flavorful spread made from cooked apples, is a delicious treat enjoyed on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or even as a glaze for pork. Making your own apple butter is surprisingly simple, especially with the help of a slow cooker. This method allows you to create a rich and complex flavor without needing to stand over a stove all day. Plus, you can easily preserve your apple butter for future enjoyment by canning it.

Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:

• 8 pounds of apples (such as Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, or a combination)
• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup of sugar (adjust to your taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves (optional)

Equipment:

• Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
• Large pot for water bath canning
• Canning jars (pint or half-pint size)
• Jar lids and rings
• Ladle
• Funnel
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Food mill or potato masher (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Wash and core the apples. Cut them into roughly 1-inch pieces.
2. Place the apples and water in the slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the apples are very soft and mushy.

Step 2: Blend the Apple Mixture

1. Once the apples are cooked, use a food mill or potato masher to break down the chunks.
2. Alternatively, you can blend the apple mixture in a food processor or use an immersion blender until it reaches a desired consistency.
3. Add the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (optional) to the apple mixture. Stir well to combine.

Step 3: Simmer and Cook Down

1. Set the slow cooker to high and simmer for an additional 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Continue to cook until the apple butter reaches a desired thickness. The mixture should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Prepare the Canning Jars

1. Wash the jars, lids, and rings in hot, soapy water. Rinse well and sterilize the jars by boiling them in a large pot of water for 10 minutes.
2. Place the lids in a separate pot of boiling water for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Can the Apple Butter

1. Carefully remove the jars and lids from the boiling water using tongs. Allow them to drain on a clean towel.
2. Using a funnel, ladle the hot apple butter into the hot jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
3. Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.
4. Place a hot lid on each jar and screw on the rings until they are fingertip tight.
5. Place the jars in a large pot filled with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch.
6. Bring the water to a boil and process the jars for 20 minutes (for pint jars) or 15 minutes (for half-pint jars).
7. Once the processing time is complete, carefully remove the jars from the water bath using tongs and set them on a clean towel to cool completely. You should hear a popping sound as the lids seal.

Step 6: Store the Apple Butter

1. Once the jars have cooled completely, check to make sure the lids have sealed properly. If the lid is indented in the center, the jar is sealed and can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Enjoy your homemade apple butter on toast, biscuits, or any other tasty treat you desire!