Are you guys ready for a super easy recipe for apple butter? Hurry up and go pick those apples hanging from your tree! Or if you don’t have apple trees, no problem. This old family recipe works great with store bought apples just as well.
My family loves this apple butter, and I have no doubt yours will too. Plus, it’s a crockpot recipe! It doesn’t get any better than that. Your house will be filled with the scents of fall and your taste buds will do a happy dance.
So, roll up your sleeves, grab those apples and let’s get cooking! Enjoy!
The Best Apples for Apple Butter
Before getting started, let’s talk apples! The variety you pick can greatly impact the flavor and texture of your apple butter. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the perfect apples for your recipe:
Sweet Apples: Varieties like Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious, and Honeycrisp are naturally sweet, which means you may not need to add as much sugar. They cook down to a smooth consistency, making them ideal for a more spreadable apple butter.
Tart Apples: If you prefer a tangier apple butter, Granny Smith apples are a great choice. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the sugar and spices, creating a rich, complex flavor.
Mix It Up: For the best of both worlds, use a blend of sweet and tart apples. Combining varieties like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith will give your apple butter a deeper, more nuanced flavor.
Soft Apples: Varieties like Braeburn, Golden Delicious, McIntosh and Cortland break down easily when cooked, speeding up the cooking process and have a smoother texture.
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong apple to use – it’s all about your personal taste. Feel free to experiment with different varieties to find the perfect balance for your apple butter!
Crockpot Apple Butter Ingredients
Apples, peeled and finely chopped
4 C. Sugar
4 tsp. Cinnamon
¼ tsp. Ground Cloves
¼ tsp. Salt
Directions:
Prep Your Apples: Start by peeling and finely chopping your apples. The more apples you use, the more apple butter you’ll end up with. So, fill that crockpot up! It’s okay if the lid doesn’t fit perfectly at first, the apples will shrink down as they cook.
Add the Good Stuff: Sprinkle the sugar, cinnamon, cloves and salt evenly over the apples. Don't worry if it looks like a lot of sugar – it helps balance the tartness of the apples and creates that smooth, rich texture we love in apple butter.
Cook: Cover and cook on high for 1 hour. Then, turn the crockpot to low and let the magic happen. Cook all day, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick, dark and smells amazing. The longer it cooks, the more concentrated and flavorful it becomes.
Jar It Up: Once your apple butter has reached the perfect consistency, you have two storage options. You can freeze it in small jars or go the traditional route and use a hot water bath to can it. Either way, you’ll have delicious apple butter ready whenever the craving hits.
Pro Tip: Use different apple varieties for a unique flavor profile. A mix of sweet and tart apples will give your apple butter a more complex taste!
Ways to Enjoy Apple Butter
Now that you’ve got a fresh batch of apple butter, it’s time to enjoy it! Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
Spread it on warm toast, biscuits or muffins.
Stir it into oatmeal or yogurt for a sweet fall treat.
Use it as a glaze for pork chops or chicken for a savory-sweet twist.
Mix it into baked goods like cakes, bread or even homemade cinnamon rolls.
Trust me, this apple butter will become a family favorite, whether you’re serving it at a holiday breakfast or just enjoying a cozy snack at home.
Happy cooking, and feel free to tag me on Instagram when your taste buds do a happy dance!
Until next time,
–The Wing Lady
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