Throughout history, apples have been touted as a cure-all for everything from fertility to digestion. With more than 7,500 varieties, there's always a crop in season! Apples are versatile, too. When temperatures drop, there's nothing like the warm, comforting aroma of simmering apple butter to brighten the gloom of a dark winter day. Try this easy crockpot version that doesn't skimp on taste.
Note: McIntosh and Rome Beauty apples (like the single one in the picture) are good choices for this recipe.
Want to try the old-fashioned way? This apple butter bakes in the oven.
This page contains the following solutions.
In a microwave safe bowl, combine apples, maple syrup and cinnamon. Microwave on high for 15 minutes.
Wash, core and quarter apples. It is not necessary to peel them. Place the apples in a large kettle or Dutch oven along with the juice or cider.
Cook apples in cider until tender. Press through a sieve or food mill; measure 3 quarts apple pulp. Cook pulp until thick enough to round up in a spoon.
In 3 qt. microwave container, stir together applesauce, fruit pectin, pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon. Cover container. Microwave power level 10 for 8-10 minutes, stirring after 5 minutes until mixture boils...
Heat apple juice concentrate and apples to boiling in Dutch oven; reduce heat. Simmer uncoverd, about 1 hour, stirring occasionally until apples are very soft.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
How do I thicken apple butter?
Karen from Oxford, Alabama
I put mine in the crockpot and let it cook until it is thick. It takes a while but it works.
Grammy24
I think maybe the apple butter needs to be reduced more...cooked longer.
My crockpot has a removable crock. The easiest way to thicken apple butter is to put it in the crock in a 350º oven without a lid. Stir it occasionally until it is as thick as you like it.
Cornstarch will work, or you can let it thicken with the apple's natural thickener, pectin. Just continue to cook the butter slowly and stir constantly.
Thanks everyone for your advice.
You can try cooking it at a lower heat or in a crock pot. Also try adding some cornstarch.
I've just made two batches this past Fall for the first time--the best way to thicken it is to just put the pot or crockpot at it's lowest heat, UNCOVER (I noticed the other posts don't say this!) and continue cooking, stirring once in awhile. A few hours more cooking will let the water/steam out, which will naturally thicken the apple butter. Good luck!
I cook mine in a roaster in the oven for several hours and it thickens on its own by cooking out the excess liquid.
thank you very much
Thank you Harlean! I haven't had issues with thickness before, but there is always a first time. I also have a crockpot with a removable crock.
Thank you. This makes sense to uncover it.
How long do my apple butter need to cook. I put them in the crock pot yesterday at three o'clock they are soupy should I turn the pot off of low and put on high.
DeedainSeattle, OMG! Thank you that made alot more sense to cook without the lid. My batch has been cooking in my crock pot now for 4 days on low, but than found your post. Thanks again.
I cooked it 8-9 hrs in my crockpot. 'hi 'for 2 hrs, then 8-9 on low.
Hi everyone, so I thought after cooling my apple butter in the fridge it would thicken. I've never made it before.
First time making Apple butter. Used a crock pot method cause I don't have an oven. Made it at 3pm yesterday and been on low seeing all niggt. Still runny..
I would turn the crockpot up to high and see if you can get the mixture to thicken. It must have had too much moisture.
Good luck, I hope it finally turns out.
We have purchased a home with small acreage and orchard, and I wanted to make my own Apple Butter. I have herd there is a way to make it in a crock-pot and freeze it for use later. I would also like to can of freeze Applesauce. If anyone has a recipe for anything you could make, freeze or can with apples, I would appreciate it.
Here's a site I found online for CROCKPOT APPLE BUTTER: Enjoy those apples!!! p076.ezboard.com/
Mary Farmer's
Honey Apple Butter
10 cups peeled, chopped apples
2/3 cup honey
1/2 tspoon allspice
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp nutmeg
can you put the ground up apple pureie in the freezer till needed?""
I need a simple recipe for making apple butter. Thanks.
By Lexy Miller from Champaign, IL
Your readers have been great in helping in the past and now I have another, but simple request. My g'daughter loves home made apple butter. What I need is a good recipe and also what type of apples to use. So readers, please help me to show my g'daughter that G'ma did it again... coming through for her.
LOL
Carol
Lexy, I found this on:cooks.com:
Easy Apple Butter
3 lbs. Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored & finely chopped
1/2 c. apple cider
2 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cloves
Place apples and apple cider in 2 1/2 quart microwave safe bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave on High 15 minutes. Carefully remove plastic wrap and stir in remaining ingredients. Transfer mixture to blender or food processor and process until smooth. Return to microwave-safe bowl and cook, uncovered 10 minutes longer, stirring every 2 to 3 minutes. Store in sealed jars.
An easier one was,
Easy Apple Butter:
8 c. applesauce (either commercially canned or that you make yourself)
5 c. sugar
1/2 c. vinegar
1/2 c. red cinnamon candies
Combine ingredients. Cook, stirring often (to prevent scorching) for 20-30 minutes or until thick.
Fall is the time for making apple butter. Slow cook seasoned apples in a crockpot and then store the flavorful butter in sterilized jars or freeze. This is a delicious treat for the family and can be given as gifts.
While apple butter is a well-know preserved spread, apple pumpkin butter is a deliciously different way to use these fall favorites.
I made this but it came out too liquidy, because I added too much water. I didn't trust when the recipe said only use a couple tablespoons water but it turns out that if you really want apple butter, you should.
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