Slow Cooker Apple Butter

What is it about homemade gifts that make them some of the best? Maybe it’s because the gift-giver made it with love, care and time just for you? Maybe it’s because it often comes from the kitchen, and who doesn’t love receiving yummy food?

Whatever it is, this slow cooker apple butter is yet another way you can spread the love with friends and family in the form of a homemade gift. Your slow cooker will do most of the work and fill your entire home with the most amazing autumn scents – baked apple, cinnamon and brown sugar. All you have to do is package it up and give it away! Just be sure to save a jar (or two) for yourself, to stir into oatmeal or add to baked goods. 

To make the apple butter, you’ll need about five pounds of apples. I used Galas for this recipe, but other apples that work well in this recipe include Golden Delicious and McIntosh. Please note that varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp won’t work well for this recipe because they don’t break down as well while cooking.

Step 1: Peel, core and slice each apple.

Step 2: Grate apples in a food processor, then transfer to a slow cooker.

Step 3: Stir in some sugar, salt and a cinnamon stick.

Step 4: Cover and cook on high for about 4 hours.

Step 5: Transfer the mixture back to the food processor and puree until smooth (be sure to remove the cinnamon stick first!). Return everything to the slow cooker and cook another 4 hours uncovered, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: When the butter is done, it should be thick and a deeper brown color.

Step 7: Let the butter cool, then spoon it into sealable jars. Decorate jars with twine and tags and give to loved ones as a yummy, heartfelt, homemade gift.