Our homemade apple butter, first featured in Betty Crocker's Big Red Cookbook in 2000, has been a favorite for more than two decades. Over the years, we’ve heard how much our community loves their slow cookers, so we’ve adapted this recipe for a hands-off, easy slow cooker version. While the original stovetop method remains a classic (check out our tips section for stovetop apple butter recipe directions), the slow cooker version offers a rich, spiced spread with minimal effort. Paulam4 shares, “Absolutely wonderful! And bonus is that the house smelled just as good as this apple butter tasted...... What a treat! This is SUCH a keeper.” Whether you're using apples from the farmer's market or your backyard tree, this recipe creates a delicious spread for everything from biscuits to desserts—and fills your home with the comforting scent of autumn.
Here are the apple butter ingredients you'll need to make this recipe.
Fresh Apples: The star of the recipe. Tart or sweet-tart cooking apples, such as Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Golden Delicious, are ideal because they soften well when cooked and provide a balanced flavor. You can also use a combination of these apples for a more complex blend.
Apple Juice: Apple cider or water are good alternatives if you don’t have apple juice. For a "spirited" twist, use 1/4 cup of apple brandy and 1/4 cup apple juice or cider.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar was tested for the recipe, but you can also use dark brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like taste.
Spices: We found the perfect blend of cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves to give this apple butter recipe its signature spicy warmth.
Lemon Juice: This helps offset the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
This easy apple butter recipe doesn’t require much—here's what you'll need.
Slow Cooker: Through our years of testing, we found the 5- to 6-quart size works best—it gives the apples room to cook and makes it easier to mash once they’re soft.
Apple Corer: Quickly removes the cores of the apples. A paring knife can also be used to cut the apples into quarters and then cut out the cores.
Potato Masher: A handheld tool with a flat or mesh head that mashes apples quickly. Use a large fork or spoon for a chunkier texture.
Other Cookware You’ll Need: Vegetable peeler, cutting board, chef’s knife, dry and liquid measuring cups, measuring spoons, and a mixing spoon.
Here’s how to make apple butter.
Peeling the apples helps create a smoother texture. Cutting them into quarters helps them soften more quickly.
The key to thick, flavorful homemade apple butter is cooking low and slow. This allows the natural sugars to caramelize, giving it a rich color and spreadable texture. Just set it and let the slow cooker do the work.
Keep the lid on during cooking—each time you lift the lid, heat escapes and adds about 15 minutes to the cook time. Once softened, use a potato masher to mash up and down until smooth.
Apple butter needs a long cook time to thicken. Once cooked, cool in the slow cooker before refrigerating. Stirring occasionally as it cools helps lower the temperature faster.
This apple butter recipe is incredibly versatile, both as a spread and in recipes. Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy it.
As a Spread or Stir-In: Spread it on toast, English muffins, or pancakes, or swirl it into oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies.
In Baking: Try it in quick breads, cakes, or stir into frostings for a subtle apple-cinnamon sweetness.
Savory Dishes: Use as a glaze for roasted meats like pork or chicken, or pair it with sweet potatoes.
Looking for more apple recipes? After making this easy apple butter recipe, explore our collection of syrup, sauce, and cider recipes to make the most of apple season.
Here are the best ways we’ve tested to store your easy apple butter recipe.
Store cooled apple butter in glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids for up to 3 weeks.
Store in freezer-safe containers, leaving some room at the top to allow for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Remove the apple butter container from the freezer and let thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Stir well before serving.
Before enjoying this apple butter recipe that’s been stored, give it a quick check. If you notice any off smells, changes in texture, or signs of mold, it’s best to play it safe and discard it. When in doubt, throw it out!
Wash and peel the apples using a vegetable peeler or a sharp paring knife. Core the apples, then cut them lengthwise into quarters (about 12 cups total).
Spray a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Spoon apple quarters and remaining ingredients into slow cooker and mix to thoroughly coat.
Cover and cook on the Low heat setting for 8 to 10 hours, or until the apples are very tender. To check tenderness, pierce the apples with the tip of a knife—if it slides easily through the apple quarters, they’re ready.
Once the apples are tender, use a potato masher or a large fork to mash them until smooth.
Cook uncovered on Low heat setting 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until mixture is very thick. Cool about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Spoon apple butter into glass or plastic containers. Cover and store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks.
Stovetop apple butter recipe directions: Increase apple juice to 1 1/4 cups. In a 4-quart Dutch oven or saucepan, mix all ingredients. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 1 hour. Mash apples with a potato masher. Simmer uncovered for about 1 hour longer, until the mixture is very thick. Cool for about 2 hours. Follow storage directions for the slow-cooker recipe.
Package your apple butter recipe in small glass jars with a pretty ribbon and tag for a thoughtful homemade gift. Add a personal touch by writing the recipe on the tag and be sure to include a note to refrigerate the apple butter for freshness.
| Food Component / Nutrient | Amount | % , Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | % Value Not Available |
| Sodium | 0mg | % Value Not Available |
| Total Carbohydrate | 9g | % Value Not Available |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | % Value Not Available |
| Protein | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Iron | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Vitamin C | Value Not Available | 2% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | ||
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