This is a recipe straight from my childhood.
I loved to visit my grandparent’s house for this very reason. Okay, this wasn’t the only reason but it sure was the icing on the cake. My Aunt Pat made the most fantastic apple butter and when we would visit my grandparents they usually had a jar or two that she had brought over.
My sister and I would go straight over to the toaster, stick a few pieces of bread in, and just stare at that box {which was sometimes temperamental} until the timer went off. We scrambled to slather it with butter and then spread on the apple butter.
Pure bliss.
I could easily eat two three four pieces.
Ingredients
- 5 1/2 lbs apples, peeled and finely chopped
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 2-3 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Place the apples in a large bowl. In a separate bowl combine the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Pour over the apples and mix well. Pour the apples into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 1 hour. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 9-11 hours or until thickened and dark brown. Stir occasionally increasing frequency as it thickens. If desired, stir with a wire whisk or hand blender to take any lumps out. Uncover and cook on low for 1 more hour.
- Spoon into freezer containers, leaving 1/2" head-space. Refrigerate or freeze for future use.
Notes
My aunt was the master of all apple butter and her notes for this recipe were as follows:
"I cook with the lid off until it gets thick and then use a potato masher to take any lumps out. I put on to cook in the AM and cook all night and most of the next day."
My aunt was the master of all apple butter and her notes for this recipe were as follows:
“I cook with the lid off until it gets thick and then use a potato masher to take any lumps out. I put on to cook in the AM and cook all night and most of the next day.”
Who am I to argue. I didn’t cook it quite that long but it was pretty close. I also had to cut the recipe in half because I have yet to upgrade to a larger crockpot which is now on my list just for this recipe! It is so worth it.
It’s nice to have little helpers…
but it’s not necessary!
Yum! I made apple butter and peach butter last year in the crockpot, it just smelled up the house so nicely all day and all night!
Ooo, peach butter!? I definitely need to give that a try!
Awesome! I love apple butter. I love most fruit butter spreads but apple is my fave. Thanks for sharing a family recipe!
Crystal
Memphis, TN
Thank you, Crystal! I hope you enjoy it as much as our family does!
Oh, I am totally making some of this. I want to go crazy with the apples this year!!
I just found out my grandmother has loads of apples ready for picking so I may be heading over there this week and making another batch, or two, or three! Woohoo!
My family loves a dollop of apple butter on cottage cheese!
I’ve never thought to try it on cottage cheese but that actually seems like it could be a really good combination! After all, it is cheese and fruit! Thanks, Nancy!
Your little helpers are darling…
So many great ways to use apple butter & great licked off a spoon too!
Have you joined us at Project Lunch Box yet? This post would be a great link up
http://su.pr/221xT1
Thank you. Marla! I love having my little “helpers” in the kitchen. Great job on Project Lunch Box! What a fantastic idea. I will definitely be linking up and perhaps thinking of a few more recipes to share! Thanks!
Love that this is done in the slow cooker! Looks great
And I love your little helpers! Too cute.
Thanks, Rachel! I love using my slow cooker during the fall/winter. Set it and forget it! The only problem is I’m hungry all day long because the wonderful fumes filling the house!
I took a linguistics class is college and “apple butter” was said to be the most pleasing word combo in the English language. I believe it! I just hear the words and my heart is lifted. This looks fantastic!
Oh, I believe it, Sommer! I feel the same way when I hear those words! Thank you!
This looks awesome!!
Thank you, Kristin! I hope you get to try it but once you do there is no turning back!
apple butter is one of my favorite things to make when the local apples start to pop up, I especially love the sweet memories tied to yours. Thanks for coming by my blog!
Thank you, Jen! Food tied with a memory always seems to taste better. This one definitely holds a special place in my heart!
I’ve never tried making Apple Butter before, but I’ve been thinking about it; it doesn’t sound too difficult.
I love the cute little helpers that you have!
Thank you, Patty! It’s not difficult at all and it is so delicious!
Oh goodness…..I want to make this right now! Kicking myself for not buying more apples the other day at the orchard. ROAD TRIP!!
Yum!!
Fresh apples are ALWAYS a good reason for a road trip especially if they are going to make this! Enjoy!
My granny made pear butter. I miss having it. After reading this recipe, I may have to make some different kinds of fruit butter, i.e. apple, peach, ect. Thanks for sharing!!!
Jennifer C.
Amarillo, TX