If Cozy Were a Recipe: this would be it 🍎 🍏 🧈
* 6 pounds apples (about 18–24 medium-sized apples)
* 2 cups sweet apple juice (see notes)
* 1-2 tbsp lemon juice
* 1 cups granulated sugar
* 2 cups brown sugar
* 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
* ½ teaspoon ground cloves
* 1 tsp nutmeg
* ½ teaspoon ground allspice
* 1/2 tbsp vanilla
1. Prepare the apples: Wash the apples well. Core and peel the apples, then quarter or slice them. As you’re prepping the apples, toss the prepared apples into a bowl with 4 cups of filtered water and 1-2 tbsp lemon juice.
2. Set crockpot to low: Once all the apples have been prepared and soaked, spoon out the apples and toss into your crockpot.
3. Combine ingredients: Add 2 cups of the water your apples were soaking in (NOTE: this is the apple juice), granulated sugar, brown sugar, and all spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice) to the slow cooker with the apples.
4. Cook: Cook the apple mixture on high for 4–6 hours, or on low for 8–10 hours, until the apples are very soft and the mixture is fragrant.
5. Purée: Use an immersion blender to purée the apple mixture until it is smooth and the desired consistency and return to the crockpot. Or transfer the mixture in batches to a blender to purée, then return it to the slow cooker.
6. Thicken: Cook the pureed mixture uncovered on high for 1–2 hours. This will allow excess moisture to evaporate and help the apple butter thicken. The apple butter is ready when it is dark in color and a spoonful mounds on a spoon. After it has thickened to your liking, add vanilla or vanilla bean and mix thoroughly.
7. Prepare for canning: Wash and rinse your canning jars and lids. Keep them hot until you are ready to fill them.
8. Fill the jars: Ladle the hot apple butter into the hot jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Use a bubble remover to release any trapped air bubbles.
9. Wipe rims and secure lids: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp towel to remove any residue. Center a new lid on each jar, and screw on the band fingertip-tight.
10. Process the jars: Place the filled jars on the rack in your boiling water canner. Ensure the jars are covered by at least 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the canner, and process pint jars for 15 minutes or half-pint jars for 10 minutes.
11. Cool and seal: After processing, turn off the heat and let the jars stand in the hot water for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the jars and place them on a towel-lined counter to cool for 12–24 hours. Do not disturb them while they cool. You should hear a popping sound as they seal.
12. Check seals: Once the jars have cooled completely, check the seals by pressing the center of each lid. If the lid does not flex, it is sealed. For any unsealed jars, store them in the refrigerator and use within a few weeks.
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If you are a fan of slow-cooked, deeply flavorful fall recipes, this crockpot apple butter is the perfect addition to your seasonal cooking repertoire. Using about 6 pounds of fresh apples, this recipe transforms simple ingredients like sweet apple juice, lemon juice, brown and granulated sugars, and warm spices such as ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice into a rich, aromatic apple butter that will fill your kitchen with the essence of autumn. Slow cooking the apple mixture for 8 to 10 hours on low heat allows the apples to break down completely, releasing their natural sweetness and melding perfectly with the spices. The purée process after cooking ensures a smooth and creamy texture, while the additional 1 to 2 hours of cooking uncovered helps thicken the butter to the ideal consistency — look for a dark color and a spreadable, moundable texture on your spoon. Adding vanilla or vanilla bean at the end brings another layer of depth and sweetness to this comforting spread. Not only is this apple butter delicious on toast or biscuits, but it's also versatile: try it as a flavorful topping for oatmeal, pancakes, or even swirled into yogurt. The recipe also includes a detailed canning process, making it easy for home cooks to preserve their apple butter for months. Proper sterilization of jars, careful filling with hot apple butter, and water bath processing ensures safe and long-lasting preservation. Listening for the satisfying 'pop' seal assures you your jars are airtight and ready to enjoy in the coming weeks or months. This recipe is ideal for anyone wanting to embrace the cozy vibes of fall with a homemade holiday staple. It is an excellent way to use up a bushel of apples and create a shareable treat that brings warmth and comfort to family and friends. Plus, canning your own apple butter helps reduce food waste and gives you control over the sweetness and spice levels, making this truly your own cozy recipe. For those interested in fall cooking, canning recipes, or Thanksgiving preparations, this crockpot apple butter recipe ticks all the boxes and requires minimal hands-on time. Simply prepare the apples, mix in your spices and sugars, and let your crockpot do the work while you enjoy the seasonal aromas filling your home.