Sweet Spiced Crock Pot Apple Butter

The Sweet Spiced Crock Pot Apple Butter recipe brings back warm memories of fall days spent apple picking with family. I can still feel the cool breeze and hear the crunch of leaves beneath my feet as we filled our baskets with juicy, ripe apples. There’s something magical about transforming those sweet fruits into a velvety, spiced apple butter. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about creating something special to share with loved ones, a treat that warms both the heart and the home. Every spoonful of this apple butter feels like a hug, a reminder of cozy evenings spent in the kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and cloves filling the air. Whether you spread it on warm toast or use it as a filling in pastries, this apple butter is a delicious way to celebrate autumn.

What Goes Into Sweet Spiced Crock Pot Apple Butter

Making Sweet Spiced Crock Pot Apple Butter is all about using quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The star of this dish is, of course, the apples, which provide the natural sweetness and rich texture. Coupled with the warm spices like cloves, allspice, and cinnamon, you’ll create a flavor profile that’s both comforting and delicious. Each ingredient works together to enhance the overall taste, making this apple butter a true delight.

• 4 pounds apples: I prefer a mix of sweet apples like Gala, McIntosh, and Braeburn, quartered, to create a rich and sweet flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups orange juice: This adds a zesty brightness that balances the sweetness of the apples.
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves: The warm, spicy notes of cloves enhance the richness of the butter.
• 1 tablespoon whole allspice: Adds depth and a hint of sweetness that complements the apples perfectly.
• 1 5-inch cinnamon stick: Infuses the apple butter with that classic, beloved cinnamon flavor.
• 2 cups sugar: Adjust according to the sweetness of your apples; this is to taste.
• Food mill or sieve: Essential for processing the apples into a smooth butter.
• Crock Pot/slow cooker: The perfect tool for creating this deliciously slow-cooked spread.

How to Cook Sweet Spiced Crock Pot Apple Butter

Cooking Sweet Spiced Crock Pot Apple Butter is as easy as it gets! You’ll find the process to be straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a delicious apple butter that you’ll want to share.

1. Start by washing and quartering the apples. This step is crucial to ensure that they are clean and ready for cooking. Make sure to keep the skins on, as they will add extra flavor during the cooking process.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix the orange juice, cloves, allspice, and the cinnamon stick. Stir until combined and let the mixture heat up until it starts to bubble gently.
3. Add the quartered apples to the saucepan and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and allow the mixture to simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and stir occasionally until the apples are softened through.
4. After simmering, remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool for a bit. This will prevent any burns while processing. You can process the mixture through a food mill or push it through a sieve to separate the peels, seeds, and spices.
5. Pour the processed apple mixture into your Crock Pot. This will be the base for your apple butter. Prop the lid of the Crock Pot using chopsticks or knives to allow steam to escape. This is an important step as it helps the apple butter to cook down properly.
6. Heat the Crock Pot on high for one hour. This initial high heat helps to kickstart the cooking process.
7. After an hour, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 8 to 10 hours. Stir occasionally, but don’t worry if you miss a few stirs. Just make sure it doesn’t burn. The apple butter should develop a nice, smooth consistency and a beautiful brown color.
8. Once it reaches your desired thickness, stir in the sugar. You might need a little more or less depending on the sweetness of your apples. Allow it to cook on low for another half hour, letting the sugar dissolve completely.
9. Finally, pour your lovely apple butter into jars and enjoy! If canning, leave a quarter-inch headspace and process jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes to seal properly.

Tips and Variations

Making Sweet Spiced Crock Pot Apple Butter can be a delightful experience, and I have a few tips to ensure your success!

• Storage: Keep any leftover apple butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing.
• Freezing: You can freeze apple butter! Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and it should last up to six months.
• Pairing: This apple butter goes great with pancakes, waffles, or even as a glaze on roasted meats. Try using it in a grilled cheese sandwich for a unique twist!
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with spices. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.
• Thickness Adjustment: If your apple butter is too thick, you can always mix in a little water or juice until you reach your desired consistency.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve warm over vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert or add it to your favorite yogurt for a sweet breakfast.

Best Served With

This scrumptious apple butter is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with many dishes. Here are some delightful ideas:

• Toast: Spread it generously on warm, toasted bread or bagels for breakfast.
• Pancakes and Waffles: Drizzle over pancakes or waffles for a sweet start to your day.
• Cheese Boards: It complements sharp cheeses beautifully; add it to your next charcuterie board.
• Meats: Use it as a glaze on roasted meats like chicken or pork, adding a sweet and savory element.
• Pastries: Incorporate it into pastries or serve it alongside scones for an afternoon treat.
• Gifts: It’s perfect for gifting during the holidays; jar it up and add a personal label for a thoughtful present.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Sweet Spiced Crock Pot Apple Butter is a charming recipe that captures the essence of fall in every jar. It’s not just about spreading it on toast; it’s about creating memories and sharing warmth with others. I encourage you to try this recipe and indulge in the delightful flavors it offers. You might just find yourself making it a seasonal tradition!

Sweet Spiced Crock Pot Apple Butter

Craving a comforting spread? The Sweet Spiced Crock Pot Apple Butter is the ultimate fall treat, perfect for toast or pastries. With a delightful blend of apples and warm spices, this easy recipe will fill your home with sweet aromas. Dive into a jar of homemade goodness tonight!

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 pounds apples (I use a variety of apples and like to keep them on the sweet side, like Gala, McIntosh and Braeburn, quartered)
• 1.5 cups orange juice
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon whole allspice
• 1 5-inch cinnamon stick
• 2 cups sugar (to taste)
• Food mill or sieve
• Crock Pot/slow cooker

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Slow Cooker
• Food Processor
• Saucepan
• Frying pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Peeler

Method

 

1. Start by washing and quartering the apples. This step is crucial to ensure that they are clean and ready for cooking. Make sure to keep the skins on, as they will add extra flavor during the cooking process.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix the orange juice, cloves, allspice, and the cinnamon stick. Stir until combined and let the mixture heat up until it starts to bubble gently.
3. Add the quartered apples to the saucepan and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and allow the mixture to simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and stir occasionally until the apples are softened through.
4. After simmering, remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool for a bit. This will prevent any burns while processing. You can process the mixture through a food mill or push it through a sieve to separate the peels, seeds, and spices.
5. Pour the processed apple mixture into your Crock Pot. This will be the base for your apple butter. Prop the lid of the Crock Pot using chopsticks or knives to allow steam to escape. This is an important step as it helps the apple butter to cook down properly.
6. Heat the Crock Pot on high for one hour. This initial high heat helps to kickstart the cooking process.
7. After an hour, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 8 to 10 hours. Stir occasionally, but don’t worry if you miss a few stirs. Just make sure it doesn’t burn. The apple butter should develop a nice, smooth consistency and a beautiful brown color.
8. Once it reaches your desired thickness, stir in the sugar. You might need a little more or less depending on the sweetness of your apples. Allow it to cook on low for another half hour, letting the sugar dissolve completely.
9. Finally, pour your lovely apple butter into jars and enjoy! If canning, leave a quarter-inch headspace and process jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes to seal properly.

Notes

Extra tips or suggestions here.

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Meet Brooke Davis

I’m all about cozy, comforting food made with fresh, local ingredients. I develop most of our weeknight dinners and heartier main dishes. My specialty is taking a classic comfort food and giving it a bright, California twist. We all cook and test together, but I’m usually the one in charge of the main event and making sure every recipe is perfect.