Ingredients
6 lb. mixed apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 12 apples)
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 c. granulated sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
Preparation
Step 1Add all ingredients to a bowl of a crockpot and toss to combine. Cover and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours or until apples are deeply golden and falling apart. Step 2Using an immersion blender or regular blender, blend apples until smooth. If using a regular blender, pause to remove lid every so often to let steam escape. Step 3Pour apple butter into jars and let cool to room temperature. Cover and store in refrigerator. It will keep for a few weeks.
Any of your favorite apples will work to make apple butter. Sweeter apples will make a sweeter butter and we love mixing sweet and tart apples together. This is also what red delicious apples were made for. They aren’t very crisp so they break down well. Throw a couple in if you have them along with a few sweeter apples. While it will be tempting to cook your apple butter on high for less time we don’t recommend it. Cooking it on low for a much longer time allows the butter to thicken. If you are in a pinch and need a shorter cook time, you can cook it on high for 6 hours, but expect a looser apple butter. It will still be every bit as delicious! This apple butter should be kept in the fridge and will be good in there for a week. Should you not devour it that week, it can be kept in the freezer for up to 8 months in an air tight container. Have you made this yet? Let us know what you think in the comments below! Editor’s Note: The introduction to this recipe was updated on July 30, 2021 to include more information about the dish.
