I had grand plans this fall. I knew I’d be making the drive to Maryland in mid-November to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family, and I knew I’d be getting pretty pregnant by then {aka I’d need to stop a lot}. Charlottesville, which is almost exactly half way between my two destinations, also happens to be the home of a pick your own apple orchard.
I grew up somewhat near a pick your own farm and loved going up every season to pick whatever fruit or vegetable was ripe. Apples are one of my favorite things to pick because they’re a) delicious and b) the waxy coating from the grocery store varieties gives me the skeevy jeevies.
Breaking up the drive with a stop at the apple orchard sounded like the perfect solution: a chance to get outside and walk around, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and load up on bushels and bushels of apples.
There was only one kink in my plan. Apple season ended in October. Gah!
So grocery store apples it is this year. But that didn’t stop me from stocking up. I had visions of apples dancing in my head for months. First and foremost on the list: apple butter. {Apple pie was a close second.}
I love apple butter. Had I known all these years how easy and insanely delicious homemade apple butter is, I’d probably have turned into a big giant puddle of the stuff by now.
Let me summarize the process for you:
Cut up apples.
Dump in crockpot.
Walk away for a few hours.
Stick an immersion blender in the pot for a couple seconds.
Add some juice and spices.
Walk away for a few more hours.
The end.
Seriously. Again, slow cooker to the rescue– it does all the work while I go about my business. Meanwhile the house fills with the most delicious, irresistible apple and spice aromas.
And now I’ve unleashed a monster. I foresee many a apple butter concoctions in my future: cranberry…plum…pumpkin…chipotle…pear…
Maybe I should finally learn how to can. Although judging by the rate I went through this batch, I won’t need to. I put it on everything in sight- English muffins with peanut butter, apple pancakes, oatmeal…heck I even ate it by the spoonful.
Easy Crockpot Apple Butter {No Added Sugar}
by with a Side of Sneakers
Ingredients
- 7-8 apples {I used Gala & Fuji}
- 1 cup no sugar added juice {I used cranberry pomegranate}
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cloves
Instructions
Dice apples- leave skins on.
Put apple in crock pot, cover, and cook on high ~4 hours.
Add in juice & spices. Feel free to adjust spices to taste.
Cook another 4 hrs on high. When it looks like apple sauce, use immersion blender to puree apples.
Continue cooking with lid slightly ajar until apples have thickened and darkened {aka caramelized}.
Note: all slow cookers are different- keep an eye on yours as you may need more or less time, or to use high or low heat.
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You can bet I’ll know to get my butt to the apple orchard before October next year.
Related
Anna @ On Anna's Plateon December 1, 2011 at 10:02 am
This would be a great holiday gift!!Reply
Macon December 1, 2011 at 10:15 am
All I can say is yum!Reply
Carolina Johnon December 1, 2011 at 10:16 am
That looks fantastic. I think we'll be giving out apple butter for christmas presents this year, so it's quite a timely publication! Thanks!Reply
Katie @ Healthy Heddlestonon December 1, 2011 at 10:16 am
This might sound stupid, but how does this differ from applesauce? (I've never eaten apple butter and just assumed there was butter in it too, hehe).Reply
Katie @ Healthy Heddlestonon December 1, 2011 at 10:17 am
Okay I'm still trying to figure it out -- how does it look thicker than applesauce yet there was juice added to it? I know, I'm lame. I've also never used an immersion blender.Reply
Heatheron December 2, 2011 at 7:41 am
It's thicker and richer than applesauce, so it's spreadable and a more intense flavor. It usually has more spices too. It's thicker because it cooks for a lot longer. When you leave the lid cracked, the liquid starts to evaporate and the apple sugars start to caramelize and thicken it. It's so so good, you need to try some. :) I think I've used my immersion blender a grand total of twice. ;)Reply
jenon December 21, 2011 at 12:04 pm
I make applesauce and apple butter in my crock. The apple butter has sugar and brown sugar plus the apples and cinnamon. I don't use sugar at all in my applesauce - just apples in the crock for a few hours.Reply
Gina @ Running to the Kitchenon December 1, 2011 at 3:47 pm
I haev big plans for mason jars with apple and pear butters and homemade cookies for holiday gifts this year :)Reply
Sophie @ LoveLiveAndLearnon December 4, 2011 at 6:23 am
Oh wow. That looks so delicious!When I get back for uni I just might have to make some apple butter now :-)I love the stuff but I never realised just how easy it is to make!Reply
Lauraon December 6, 2011 at 1:46 pm
Looks delicious! I have a batch in my slow cooker right now. Just wondering, how long does it usually last in the fridge?Reply
Heatheron December 6, 2011 at 11:20 pm
A couple weeks for sure-- I'm not sure about after that since it never lasts that long. ;) You could also can it and it'd last a really long time...Reply
hännahon December 9, 2011 at 1:16 am
Wow, this looks so good and easy! I've been needing a little inspiration for how to spice up my oatmeal and this looks like it could do the trick. What types of apples do you recommend?Reply
Heatheron December 9, 2011 at 4:04 pm
Anything that will break down easily- I love using Gala & Fuji (those are also some of my fave to eat plain)!Reply
