Slow Cooker Apple Butter Recipe – Cinnamon & Coconut Sugar Spice

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Slow Cooker Apple Butter Recipe – Cinnamon & Coconut Sugar Spice

Hey everyone! There’s just something magical about the smell of apples and spices simmering away, isn’t there? This Slow Cooker Apple Butter is exactly that feeling bottled up. I first made this a few years ago when we had a huge apple harvest from a friend’s orchard, and it’s been a fall staple ever since. It’s unbelievably easy, and the house smells incredible while it cooks. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple butter isn’t just delicious; it’s a total lifesaver when you’re short on time but craving something homemade. The slow cooker does all the work for you, transforming simple apples into a rich, spreadable delight. It’s perfect for cozy breakfasts, afternoon snacks, or even as a unique addition to your festive table. Plus, it’s naturally sweetened and packed with warm, comforting spices.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy apple butter:

• 5.5 pounds (approximately 2.5 kg) apples
• 0.25 cup (60ml) water
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Nutmeg powder
• Pinch of Cloves (ground)
• 5 tablespoons (approximately 70g) Coconut Sugar

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients to make sure your apple butter turns out perfectly!

Apples: Choosing the Right Variety

The best apples for apple butter are ones that break down easily and have a good flavour. I love using a mix! Some great options include:

• McIntosh: These get wonderfully soft and have a slightly tart flavour.
• Fuji: Sweet and hold their shape a little better, adding texture.
• Golden Delicious: Mildly sweet and break down beautifully.
• Honeycrisp: A bit more expensive, but worth it for their incredible flavour!

Don’t be afraid to experiment with what you have on hand. A blend of sweet and tart apples creates the most complex flavour.

Coconut Sugar: A Natural Sweetener & Its Benefits

I prefer coconut sugar for its subtle caramel notes and lower glycemic index compared to refined sugar. But feel free to substitute with brown sugar or maple syrup if you prefer! About ¾ cup (150g) of packed brown sugar or ¾ cup (180ml) of maple syrup would work well.

Spices: The Warmth of Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Cloves

These spices are the heart of apple butter! Don’t skimp on them. Freshly grated nutmeg is amazing if you have it, but ground works perfectly fine too. A pinch of cloves goes a long way, so be careful not to overdo it.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some apple butter!

1. First, roughly chop your apples. You don’t need to peel them – the skins add extra flavour and nutrients!
2. Add the chopped apples, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and coconut sugar to your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to make sure the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Cover and cook on low heat for 9-12 hours (overnight is ideal!). This long, slow cooking process is what creates that incredibly rich and concentrated flavour.
4. Once the apples are super soft, use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree them until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids!
5. Return the puree to the slow cooker. Now, taste it! This is where you can adjust the spices or sweetness to your liking. Add a little more cinnamon if you want a warmer flavour, or a touch more coconut sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
6. Cook uncovered on low for another 5-6 hours, stirring occasionally. This helps the apple butter thicken to a lovely, spreadable consistency. It will darken in colour as it cooks.

Expert Tips

• Don’t rush the cooking process. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavour will be.
• Stir occasionally during the final uncovered cooking stage to prevent sticking.
• For a smoother texture, pass the apple butter through a food mill after blending.
• If your apples aren’t very juicy, add another tablespoon or two of water at the beginning.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just double-check your coconut sugar is processed without bone char.
• Spice Level Adjustment: My friend, Priya, loves a little kick, so she adds a pinch of cayenne pepper. It’s surprisingly good!
• Festival Adaptations (Autumn/Fall, Thanksgiving): For Thanksgiving, I sometimes add a splash of apple cider or a teaspoon of vanilla extract for an extra festive touch. My family loves it.

Serving Suggestions

Oh, the possibilities! Here are a few of my favourite ways to enjoy apple butter:

• Spread on toast or bagels
• Swirled into oatmeal or yogurt
• As a filling for thumbprint cookies
• Alongside cheese and crackers
• Brushed onto grilled pork or chicken (trust me!)

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Once cooled, transfer the apple butter to airtight jars and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
• Freeze: Apple butter freezes beautifully! Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What type of apples are best for apple butter?

A mix of sweet and tart apples like McIntosh, Fuji, and Golden Delicious works wonderfully.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of coconut sugar?

Absolutely! Brown sugar or maple syrup are great substitutes.

How can I adjust the spice levels in this recipe?

Start with the amounts listed and taste as you go. Add more cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to suit your preference. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a lovely warmth too!

Can I freeze apple butter?

Yes! Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

How long does apple butter last in the refrigerator?

Up to 2 weeks in an airtight jar.

What can I do if my apple butter is too thin?

Continue cooking it uncovered on low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency.