Ah, apple butter. That smooth, spiced, fall-in-a-jar spread that makes toast feel like it won the breakfast lottery. But here’s the thing — standing over a hot stove for hours stirring a pot of bubbling apples? Yeah, no thanks. That’s why I swear by this Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning recipe, and today I’m going to walk you through it like we’re two friends gossiping in the kitchen.
If you’ve got apples, a slow cooker, and some jars, you’re halfway to having a pantry full of the best apple butter you’ll ever taste. Let’s do this.
Why Crock Pot Apple Butter?
Let’s be real: who actually enjoys babysitting a pot all day? Not me. I’d rather let the Crock Pot do all the heavy lifting while I scroll through memes or binge-watch Netflix.
Here’s why you’ll love this method:
- Hands-off cooking: Throw everything in, set it, forget it.
- No scorching: Because slow cookers don’t have that “I WILL BURN EVERYTHING” personality like stovetops.
- Makes your house smell like heaven: Or at least like an autumn candle exploded.
- Perfect for canning: You can make a big batch and preserve it for later (or for bribing friends and family at holidays 😉).
Ever wondered how people managed before slow cookers? Me too. They probably just cried into their saucepans.
What You’ll Need for Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning
Before you start, gather up these goodies:
- 6-7 pounds of apples (I use a mix of sweet and tart—like Fuji + Granny Smith. You do you.)
- 2-3 cups of sugar (depends how sweet you like it—start lower if you’re unsure.)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup apple cider (optional but delish)
Oh, and you’ll need a slow cooker and some canning jars with lids.
FYI: You can peel your apples if you want silky-smooth butter, but I don’t bother because I’m lazy and my blender handles it just fine.
How to Make Crock Pot Apple Butter
Here’s the step-by-step (because you’re classy and deserve a plan).
Step 1: Chop and Load
Cut your apples into chunks — no need to be fancy — and dump them into the Crock Pot. Sprinkle the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt over the top. Give it all a stir so the apples feel loved.
Step 2: Cook Low & Slow
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Yes, it’s a long time, but remember: you’re free to live your life while it works its magic. Halfway through, give it a stir if you remember. If you forget? No biggie.
Step 3: Blend & Vanilla-ize
Once the apples are soft and caramel-colored, use an immersion blender to puree everything right in the Crock Pot. Or transfer to a blender if that’s your vibe (but careful—hot apples can scald!). Stir in the vanilla.
Step 4: Thicken
Leave the lid slightly ajar and cook on low for another 1-2 hours until it thickens to your liking. It should spread easily but not run.
Pro tip: If it looks like mud and smells like apple pie, you nailed it.
How to Can Your Apple Butter
So now you’ve got this gorgeous apple butter. What’s next? Time to jar it up like the domestic goddess you secretly are.
What You’ll Need for Canning:
- Clean, sterilized jars and lids
- A large pot for boiling water (aka water bath canner)
- Tongs, ladle, and some patience
Canning Steps:
- Ladle hot apple butter into hot, clean jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace.
- Wipe the rims clean, slap on the lids, and screw on the bands just until snug.
- Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if you live on a mountain like a hermit).
- Remove jars and let cool. Check seals after they’ve cooled — the lids shouldn’t pop up and down.
Boom. Shelf-stable apple butter ready to impress everyone at the next family brunch.
Tips & Tricks for Next-Level Apple Butter
Want to level up? Here are a few sneaky tricks I’ve picked up:
- Use apple cider instead of water to really amp up the flavor.
- Play with spices — cardamom or allspice can add a fun twist.
- Add a splash of bourbon before canning for a grown-up version (don’t tell Grandma).
- Don’t skimp on the cook time — the longer it cooks, the deeper and richer the flavor.
- Test thickness by spooning some on a plate — if no liquid seeps out, you’re good to go.
Why Make Apple Butter at All?
Look, you could just buy a jar at the store, but IMO that’s like buying pre-sliced cheese: convenient but kind of soulless. Homemade apple butter tastes better, smells better, and makes you feel like the kind of person who bakes pies just because.
Plus:
- You control the sweetness.
- No weird preservatives.
- Makes great gifts (that people will actually want).
And really, who doesn’t want to smugly tell their coworkers, “Oh, this? Just some homemade apple butter I whipped up.” 😉
FAQs about Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning
Can I use any kind of apple?
Yep! I like to mix sweet and tart for balance, but honestly, anything works. Even the sad, bruised ones hiding at the bottom of the fruit bowl.
Do I really need all that sugar?
Not if you don’t want to. Start with less and taste-test. Apples are already sweet little overachievers.
How long does it last?
If properly canned and sealed? About a year. If you skip canning and just refrigerate? 2-3 weeks. If you eat it by the spoonful every time you walk by? About 3 days. 🙂
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Final Thoughts aboutCrock Pot Apple Butter for Canning
So there you have it: the easiest, tastiest Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning recipe ever. No sweating over a stove. No burned batches. Just you, a slow cooker, and a kitchen that smells like fall exploded in the best way.
Whether you’re hoarding it for yourself or gifting jars like Oprah, you’ll feel like a rockstar. And honestly? You deserve that.
Now grab those apples and get started — because your toast deserves better. And so do you.
Oh, and one last thing: if anyone asks, yes, you can totally tell them it took hours of hard work. Your secret’s safe with me. 😉
TL;DR (For the Skimmers Out There 😉)
- Chop apples + spices → Crock Pot → 8-10 hrs → blend → thicken → jar → done.
- Hands-off, no-fuss, and perfect for canning.
- Makes your kitchen smell better than any candle ever could.
Go ahead — make a batch and let me know if you don’t start eating it straight from the jar. (FYI: No judgment if you do. Been there.)
If you want, I can also help you craft a printable recipe card or a cute gift tag template for your jars. Just say the word.
Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 ½ lbs apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- nstructions:
- Place apples in crock pot.
- Add sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt; stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 9-10 hours, stirring occasionally, until apples are thick and dark brown.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Purée with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Ladle hot apple butter into sterilized jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace.
- Process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
- Adjust sugar based on apple sweetness.
- For a thicker butter, cook uncovered for the last hour.
