Crock-Pot Apple Butter With A Cinnamon Candy Twist

Apple butter is a delicious, thick, spreadable apple pie-like treat that is perfect for the fall season. It is made by slow-cooking apples with sugar and spices until the mixture turns a deep brown colour and becomes thick and spreadable. While apple butter can be made on a stovetop, using a crock pot or slow cooker is the easiest way to make this tasty treat.

One unique way to make apple butter is by adding red-hot candies to the mixture. This gives the apple butter a cinnamon-like kick and an extra depth of flavour. To make crock pot apple butter with red hots, simply combine applesauce, red hots, and spices in a crock pot and cook on high for 12-18 hours, or until the mixture turns dark brown and thickens. This can also be made on the stovetop, but it requires more careful watching to prevent burning.

Choosing the right apples

When it comes to choosing the right apples for your crockpot apple butter, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, soft apples are generally the best option as they cook down faster and result in a smoother texture. If you're after a sweeter apple butter, opt for varieties like Fuji, Gala, Red Delicious, or Honeycrisp. These apples are not very crisp, so they break down easily, making them ideal for a sweeter spread.

However, if you prefer a more balanced flavour, a mix of sweet and tart apples is the way to go. In this case, you could pair the sweeter apples with tart varieties such as Braeburn, Cortland, or Idared. Braeburn apples, in particular, are a great choice as they are a cross between sweeter and tarter varieties, giving you the best of both worlds. Cortland apples, on the other hand, offer a tender texture and a sweet-tart flavour that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.

If you're looking for a less common option, Gravenstein apples are a lesser-known variety that is particularly tart, making them excellent for baking and giving your apple butter a unique flavour. Ultimately, while some apples may work better than others, any type of apple can be used to make apple butter. So, if you have a favourite variety or want to experiment with different flavours, go for it!

Preparing the apples

• Select the right apples: The type of apples you choose will impact the flavour of your apple butter. Sweeter apples will result in sweeter butter, but a mix of sweet and tart apples can also be delicious. Some recommended varieties include Red Delicious, Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, and Ambrosia.
• Wash and dry the apples: Before starting, make sure your apples are clean. Rinse them under running water and dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Peel the apples: Removing the peels is an important step as it ensures a smooth texture for your apple butter. Use a sharp vegetable peeler or paring knife to carefully peel each apple.
• Core and chop the apples: Remove the cores from the apples and discard them. Then, chop the apples into small, even-sized pieces. The size of the pieces isn't crucial, but try to keep them relatively uniform to ensure even cooking.
• Measure the apples: You'll need about 5-6 pounds of apples, or approximately 12-18 apples, depending on their size. Adjust the amount if you're making a larger or smaller batch.
• Place the apples in the slow cooker: Once your apples are prepared, put them into your slow cooker or crock pot. If you're using a recipe that calls for additional ingredients like sugar or spices, add those now as well.
• Cook the apples: Follow the instructions in your chosen recipe for cooking the apples. Typically, you'll cook them on low for an extended period, such as 10-12 hours, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and deeply golden.

Cooking the apples

To make apple butter, you'll need to cook the apples low and slow. This will intensify the flavor and give it a caramelized color.

First, you'll need to peel, core, and chop your apples. You can use any apples you like, but softer varieties lend themselves well to apple butter as they break down more easily. Red Delicious, Fuji, Gala, and Honeycrisp apples are all good options.

Place the apples in your slow cooker and add your sugar and spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves are all popular choices, but you can experiment with other options like ginger or apple pie spice. Mix everything together, ensuring the apples are well-coated.

Cover and cook on high for about an hour, then reduce the heat to low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and turns a deep brown color. This can take anywhere from 9 to 12 hours.

If you want a completely smooth apple butter, you can use an immersion blender to puree the mixture. Otherwise, you can use a whisk to smooth it out a bit.

At this point, you can add a teaspoon or two of vanilla extract and stir it in. Continue cooking, uncovered, for another hour or so.

Your apple butter is now ready to be spooned into jars and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Enjoy!

Blending the apples

To blend the apples, you can use an immersion blender, food processor, or traditional blender. If you are using a traditional blender, you will need to pause to remove the lid every so often to let the steam escape. Blend the apples until they are completely smooth or reach your desired consistency. If you want a thicker apple butter, you can continue to cook the apple butter on low with the lid of the slow cooker slightly ajar so that steam can escape.

Allow the mixture to cool, then spoon it into jars and store it in the refrigerator for up to a month or freeze it for up to a year.

Storing the apple butter

Storing your apple butter correctly is essential to maintaining its flavour and texture. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to ensuring your apple butter stays fresh and delicious.

Step 1: Prepare Your Storage Containers

First, you need to select the right storage containers. Glass jars with airtight lids are the best option for storing apple butter, as they provide an effective seal and prevent air from entering. Always ensure your containers are clean and dry before use. If you are using glass jars, sanitise them by boiling them in water for a few minutes to ensure they are free from bacteria.

Step 2: Cool the Apple Butter

Allow the apple butter to cool completely before transferring it to your storage containers. This is an important step as it prevents condensation from forming, which can promote the growth of bacteria or mould.

Step 3: Fill and Seal the Containers

Using a clean spoon or ladle, carefully transfer the cooled apple butter into your containers, leaving a little space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing or canning. Ensure the lids or caps are tightly sealed. If you are canning your apple butter, follow the instructions for proper sealing.

Step 4: Label the Containers

It is important to label your containers with the date of preparation, especially if you have made your own apple butter. This will help you keep track of how long it has been stored and ensure you use it within the recommended timeframe.

Step 5: Choose Your Storage Method

The type of apple butter and your personal preference will determine the best storage method. If you have canned apple butter, store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place at room temperature. For homemade apple butter or opened store-bought apple butter, refrigeration is recommended.

Step 6: Store in the Refrigerator or Freezer

Place your containers in the refrigerator, ideally towards the back where the temperature is more consistent. Keep your apple butter away from strong-smelling foods to prevent the absorption of unwanted flavours.

If you want to store your apple butter for longer, you can freeze it. Use freezer-safe containers or zip-top freezer bags, label them with the date, and store them in the freezer. Frozen apple butter can usually be stored for up to six months to a year.

Tips for Storing Apple Butter

• Always follow specific storage guidelines provided with your apple butter recipe or product.
• Choose the right containers to maximise shelf life and quality.
• Ensure cleanliness to prevent contamination and spoilage.
• Store in a cool, dark place to maintain quality and flavours.
• Label and date the containers to keep track of storage time.
• Avoid temperature fluctuations, which can affect the quality and consistency of the spread.
• Minimise exposure to air when transferring to storage containers to prevent oxidation and spoilage.
• Practice good hygiene by always using clean utensils when handling apple butter.
• Rotate and use older batches first to ensure you are consuming the apple butter at its freshest.

Apple butter has a relatively long shelf life when stored correctly. Homemade apple butter can last for up to six months in the refrigerator, while commercially produced apple butter typically lasts for around one month. Frozen apple butter can be stored for up to six months to a year.

Frequently asked questions