Ingredients:
- 5 lbs apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Gala, Fuji, and Granny Smith works best)
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
👩â€ðŸ³ Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples:
- Peel, core, and slice or chop the apples into small pieces.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Place the chopped apples into your slow cooker (crockpot).
- Add the apple cider, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Stir well to ensure all the apple pieces are evenly coated with the spices and sugar.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours.
- The apples should become extremely soft and turn a deep, dark brown color.
- Blend until Smooth:
- Use an immersion (stick) blender directly in the slow cooker to puree the mixture until completely smooth and velvety. (Alternatively, carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a standard blender, process until smooth, and return to the crockpot).
- Thicken (Optional):
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, leave the lid slightly propped open with a wooden spoon and continue cooking on LOW for another 30 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cool and Store:
- Allow the apple butter to cool completely.
- Transfer into clean, airtight glass jars.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month, or freeze for up to 1 year.