Preserving the flavors of fall has never been easier with this Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning recipe. Packed with warm spices and natural sweetness, this rich apple butter is perfect for spreading on toast, stirring into oatmeal, or gifting to loved ones. Slow-cooked to perfection, it delivers deep, caramelized apple flavors that capture the essence of autumn.
Ingredients:
6 pounds apples (McIntosh, Cortland, or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Prepare the Apples:
Place the peeled, cored, and chopped apples into a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add Sweeteners and Spices:
Mix the sugars, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl. Pour over the apples and stir to coat.
Cook the Mixture:
Cook on low for 10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and dark brown.
Blend to Desired Consistency:
Use an immersion blender to create a smooth texture, or leave it chunky for a more rustic style.
Continue Cooking Uncovered:
Cook for another 1-2 hours without the lid, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Add Vanilla:
Stir in the vanilla extract during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Prepare for Canning:
Sterilize jars and lids by boiling them for at least 10 minutes.
Fill the Jars:
Spoon the hot apple butter into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Remove air bubbles and wipe the rims clean.
Seal and Process:
Secure the lids and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude).
Cool and Store:
Let jars cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours. Ensure lids are sealed properly and store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Serving Tips:
Spread on Breakfast Treats: Use apple butter as a spread on warm biscuits, muffins, or toast. It pairs wonderfully with scones or pancakes for a sweet breakfast treat.
Stir into Yogurt or Oatmeal: Add a spoonful of apple butter to your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a cozy, spiced flavor.
Use as a Baking Filling: Incorporate apple butter into pies, tarts, or as a filling for cakes and pastries for extra richness.
Serve with Cheese: Apple butter complements sharp cheeses like cheddar or brie, making it a perfect addition to a cheese board.
Pair with Roasted Meats: Brush apple butter over roasted pork or chicken for a sweet and savory glaze.
Storage Tips:
Cool and Seal: After canning, let the jars cool completely before storing. Ensure the seals are tight, and the lids do not flex when pressed.
Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Keep sealed jars of apple butter in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. This helps preserve the flavor and quality.
Refrigerate After Opening: Once opened, store the jar in the refrigerator. Apple butter will last for about 1 month in the fridge once opened.
Properly Sealed Jars Last a Year: If jars are sealed correctly, they can be stored for up to 1 year.
Check for Seal Integrity: If any jars do not seal properly, refrigerate and use them within 3 weeks.
Freeze for Extended Storage: If you have extra apple butter, freeze it in airtight containers for up to 6 months for long-term storage. Simply thaw before using.
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FAQs:
Can I use any type of apples for apple butter?
Yes, you can use any type of apples for apple butter, but the best options are those that balance sweetness and tartness, such as McIntosh, Cortland, or Granny Smith apples. A mix of sweet and tart apples will give your apple butter a rich, complex flavor.
How can I make my apple butter thicker?
To thicken your apple butter, continue cooking it uncovered for 1-2 hours after blending. This allows excess moisture to evaporate, helping the apple butter reach your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
How do I know if my canning jars are properly sealed?
After processing the jars in the water bath, let them cool completely. Check the seals by pressing down in the center of the lid; it should not flex up and down. If the lid stays down, the jar is properly sealed. If it pops back up, refrigerate the jar and use it within a few weeks.
Can I adjust the sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet apple butter, reduce the amount of granulated sugar or brown sugar. Keep in mind that reducing sugar may affect the texture and preservation, so ensure you are using enough sugar for proper thickening and canning safety.
Conclusion:
This Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning recipe is a timeless way to preserve fall’s bounty. With minimal effort, you’ll have jars of deliciously spiced apple butter ready to enjoy or share as thoughtful gifts. Try it today and savor the cozy flavors of autumn!
📖 Recipe:
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Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning
- Total Time: 12.5-13.5 hours
- Yield: About 5 pints
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crock Pot Apple Butter for Canning is a rich, spiced spread made with apples, sugar, and warm spices. Perfect for preserving the flavors of fall, this easy slow cooker recipe yields a smooth, velvety apple butter that’s ideal for spreading on toast, muffins, or using as a baking filling. Canned apple butter makes a thoughtful homemade gift or a pantry staple for all year-round enjoyment. Enjoy the warm flavors of autumn with minimal effort!
Ingredients
6 pounds apples (such as McIntosh, Cortland, or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Place the peeled, cored, and chopped apples into a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add Sweeteners and Spices: In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. Pour over the apples and stir to coat.
- Cook the Mixture: Cover and cook on low for 10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and dark brown.
- Blend to Desired Consistency: Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture. For chunkier apple butter, skip this step or blend partially.
- Continue Cooking Uncovered: Cook for 1-2 more hours uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your desired consistency.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in vanilla extract during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Prepare for Canning: Sterilize jars and lids by boiling them for 10 minutes.
- Fill the Jars: Ladle hot apple butter into jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace.
- Seal and Process: Secure the lids and process in a water bath for 10 minutes.
- Cool and Store: Let jars cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours, then store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Notes
Apple Variety: A mix of sweet and tart apples gives the best flavor.
Texture: Adjust the smoothness by blending to your desired consistency.
Altitude Adjustments: Increase processing time for higher altitudes according to USDA guidelines.
Storage: Unopened jars last for up to 1 year; opened jars should be refrigerated and used within 1 month.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-13 hours
- Category: Condiments Canning Fall Recipes
- Method: Slow Cooker Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 5 pints
- Calories: Approximately 25 kcal per tablespoon
