Spray 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Add all ingredients. Stir to combine.
Step
2
Cover; cook on High heat setting 3 hours.
Step
3
Uncover; cook on High heat setting 1 to 2 hours longer, stirring occasionally, until mixture has thickened. Turn off heat; let cool 15 minutes.
Step
4
In blender or food processor, puree mixture (in batches, if needed) until smooth.
Step
5
Cool completely. Transfer apple butter to jars; seal tightly. Store in refrigerator.
For a more basic version of slow-cooker apple butter, just remove the gingers and add one cinnamon stick to the apple mixture at the beginning of the cooking process. Remove the stick before pureeing.
Be sure to let the apple butter cool at least 15 minutes before blending. Do not fill blender more than halfway (work in batches). Remove cap from hole in blender lid, and to avoid splattering, cover it with dish towel while blending.
