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Homemade Slow Cooker Maple Apple Butter

Homemade Slow Cooker Maple Apple Butter
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Homemade Slow Cooker Maple Apple Butter is a rich, velvety spread made from tart and sweet apples simmered slowly with pure maple syrup and warm spices. This naturally sweetened apple butter is perfect for cozy breakfasts, enhancing baked goods, or gifting to loved ones. The slow cooking process unlocks deep flavors and creates a smooth, comforting texture with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit and Sweetener

  • 6 cups mixed apples (such as Granny Smith and Fuji), peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Spices and Flavorings

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Peel Apples: Wash, peel, core, and chop your apples into small pieces to ensure they soften evenly during slow cooking.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt into the slow cooker and stir thoroughly to mix.
  3. Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, stirring every few hours if possible, until the mixture has thickened and darkened in color.
  4. Blend Until Smooth: Use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker or transfer to a regular blender and puree until your desired smoothness or texture is reached.
  5. Reduce to Thicken: Cook uncovered on low for another 30-60 minutes to reduce excess liquid and concentrate flavor, stirring occasionally.
  6. Cool and Store: Let the apple butter cool completely before transferring to clean jars for storage or gifting.

Notes

  • Use mixed apples: Combining tart and sweet apples delivers complex and balanced flavor.
  • Stir occasionally: Prevent scorching by stirring every few hours during cooking when possible.
  • Use fresh spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg produce the most vibrant spice notes.
  • Thicken off the heat: Finish thickening the apple butter with the lid off for best texture and flavor.
  • Sterilize jars: Always use sterilized jars to extend shelf life when storing homemade apple butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple butter, slow cooker, maple syrup, autumn spread, homemade preserves, gluten free, vegan, fall recipe

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/homemade-slow-cooker-maple-apple-butter/