Easy crockpot apple butter recipe made with applesauce, apple cider, cinnamon, cloves and allspice.
My sister sent me her dear friend’s easy crockpot apple butter recipe andI knew I had to give it a try. I have vivid memories of watching apple butter be made in a large pot outside our elementary school each and every year. What a treat it was at the end of the day when we got to experience homemade apple butter! Now, I can enjoy those flavors each and every year!
Here’s Why this is The Best Apple Butter
- It’s made with canned unsweetened applesauce which means you can make it any time of year.
- This recipe makes your house smell amazing.
- It makes enough to last you through the fall and then some.
- You can freezer can it to enjoy for months and months.
To make this easy crockpot apple butter with applesauce recipe you will need:
- unsweetened applesauce
- sugar
- apple cider
- cinnamon
- ground cloves
- ground allspice
How to Make Apple Butter In A Crockpot
Add all the ingredients to a medium sized crockpot. Stir and set on high uncovered for 8 hours. You can let it go longer if you like it thicker or for a shorter amount of time if you like it less thick.
After 8 hours my apple butter was nice and thick and delicious. Don’t be afraid to taste!
I turned off the crockpot and let it cool for awhile. After it was cool to the touch, I place the apple butter into 8 ounce jelly jars.
And that’s it! It’s so easy to make this apple butter and it makes a perfect gift. After they were cooled down, I placed a lid on the jars and placed them in a freezer. You can freeze them for up to a year.
Crockpot Apple Butter Tips
What do you eat apple butter with? We enjoy apple butter on a slice of thick toasted bread.
Apple Butter vs Applesauce. What’s the difference? Apple sauce and apple butter are very similar in ingredients. However, apple butter is cooked for much longer leaving a much thicker concentrated resulted that can easily be spread on bread, muffins and other baked goods.
How do you know when apple butter is done? Apple butter will get thick and dark in color. Use a spoon to remove some apple butter. When you turn the spoon upside down and the apple butter remains in place, you know that the apple butter is done.
How long does apple butter last in the refrigerator? Apple butter will stay good in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Making this recipe not only made my home smell amazing, but because I could purchase the applesauce at the store, I was able to make it right when I wanted to. We’ve got lots of jars in our freezer and I’m looking forward to crockpot apple butter all year long!
More Apple Recipes
- Homemade Apple Strudel Recipe
- Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
- Apple Dumplings Recipe
- Canning Homemade Applesauce
Apple Butter from Applesauce
Ingredients
- 8 Cups unsweetened applesauce
- 2 1/2 Cups granulated sugar
- 1 3/4 Cups apple cider
- 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium-sized slow cooker. Mix well.
- Cook on high, uncovered, for 8 hours. (Less or more time based on thickness desired.)
- After it reaches your desired thickness, turn off the slow cooker and let cool.
- Add to storage jars with lid. Place in the freezer and freeze for up to one year. Keep refrigerated when thawed.
Comments & Reviews
Show the essential elements. Excellent.
could you use same amount of brown sugar instead of white
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
You need the acidity of the apple cider to create the traditional taste of Apple Butter. I would not recommend changing the ingredients. 🙂
How much will this recipe make?
How many 1/2 Pints / Pints?
This recipe will make 6 1/2 pints or 3 pints of apple butter.
If you wanted to water bath. How long?
Hi! I can’t speak to how long. I would check the Ball preserving resources to get an idea of what to do to preserve the apple butter.
What if you don’t have apple cider
I would recommend making the recipe as shared for the best results. 🙂
Why do you cook uncovered in the crockpot? I have it on right now. It smells awesome.
Hi. You need to cook it uncovered so the extra water can evaporate and the apple butter will thicken. Enjoy!
If you seal the jars, why would you need to freeze it?
You will need to freeze it if you don’t put it in a water bath. Of course, the refrigerator is fine for a week but after that it need to be frozen or put in a water bath for canning.
How long in hot water bath?
I usually freeze and use it up for gifts right away. However, if you want to water bath it, I would recommend following these instructions from the National Center for Home Food Preservation.
Cam I use apple juice instead of apple cider
I wouldn’t. The acidity of the apple cider makes a big difference in this recipe. 🙂
How can you find apple cider all yr long it is not vinegar or is it apple juice won’t work even unsweetened juice
I was able to find it in December but it can be tough to find other times of the year. I’ve never tried it with sweetened juice to know if that would work. 🙂