This apple butter recipe only takes 5 minutes to prepare and is even more delicious than store-bought varieties. It's thick and silky smooth, sweetened with maple syrup and brown sugar, and perfectly spiced.
Wash, core and quarter the apples (Since they are not peeled, make sure to wash them thoroughly before using in this recipe).
In the container of a slow cooker, whisk together water, maple syrup, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, sea salt and vanilla extract.
Then, put the apples in the container and stir to coat with the wet mixture.
Cook on high for 3 hours or until apples are soft.
Transfer mixture to a high-powered blender and blend until smooth (alternately, use an immersion blender to blend the ingredients in the crockpot).
Return the mixture back to the crockpot.
Cook on high, uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, or until thickened. (removing the lid allows water to evaporate out of the mixture and causes it to become thick).
Turn off the crockpot, leave the mixture in the container uncovered to cool completely, stirring occasionally.
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer it to glass jars and store in the refrigerator.
Video
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
Apples. I suggest using organic apples to avoid pesticides, wax coatings, etc. Pick your favorite variety or use a combination of different types of apples. I recommend pink lady, honey crisp, gala, jazz, granny smith, McIntosh, etc. A sweet/tart mixture is my favorite.
Water. I don't suggest making substitutions for water. Although you could use apple juice or apple cider, if desired.
Maple syrup. I love the flavor imparted by maple syrup. You can substitute granulated sugar for the maple syrup.
Light brown sugar. for a richer molasses taste, use dark brown sugar.
Cinnamon/nutmeg/cloves. I included what I believe is the best quantity of mixture of spices for this recipe. You can taste and adjust according to your preferences after the recipe is blended.
Vanilla extract. the seeds of 1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla bean paste are good substitutes for vanilla extract.
Store/freezeStore apple butter in glass jars with lids in the refrigerator for up to 2 months, or in the freezer for up to 1 year. Can the apple butter to make it last even longer.Serving SuggestionsI suggest serving this apple butter as a spread on top of your favorite breakfast recipes.