This delectable spread is packed with warming spices and an irresistible caramelized flavor.
Prep Time30 minutesmins
Cook Time12 hourshrs
Total Time12 hourshrs30 minutesmins
Keyword: gluten free, vegan, vegetarian
Servings: 7cups
Author: Alanna Peterson
Equipment
Slow cooker
Ingredients
5poundsapples
1cupgranulated sugar
1cupbrown sugar, lightly packed
2teaspoonsground cinnamon
1/4teaspoonground cloves
1/4teaspoonsalt
1tablespoonpure vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean, optional
Instructions
Peel, core, and slice all the apples.
Place peeled apples into slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredients.
Cook for ~1 hour on high, then turn down to low and cook for 8-10 hours or overnight.
Uncover and stir, then continue to cook uncovered on high for about 1 hour more, or until thick enough that a wooden spoon can stand up in it.
The apple butter will still be a bit chunky. If you'd like, you can puree it (an immersion blender works great for this job).
Ladle into jars. The apple butter can be canned by processing in a water bath for 10 minutes. It also keeps indefinitely in the freezer and for several months in the fridge.
Notes
If you have one, an apple corer-peeler-slicer will save you a lot of time on prep for this recipe!