Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Butter
No Comments Apr 06, 2024
Updated Jun 10, 2024
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I’m thrilled to share with you my recipe for Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Butter, a delicious blend of green and red apples, warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, with a hint of salt and a drizzle of rich caramel. Trust me, once you try this caramel apple butter, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
If you like the taste of apple butter, you should also try my Slow Cooker Blueberry Butter and Slow Cooker Apple Butter (classic recipe).
Table of Contents
Why This Caramel Apple Butter Recipe Works
Let’s talk about why this recipe is a game-changer, adding caramel instead of sugar adds a layer of flavor that you can replicate. All you need are simple ingredients all of which are tossed into your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
Plus, this caramel apple butter is so versatile. Spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, dollop it onto ice cream, or even use it as a glaze for meats. It adds a delightful sweetness and depth of flavor to just about anything.
Traditionally, apple butter is made for spreading on toast or biscuits, but with this salted caramel apple butter, the possibilities are endless! We even use this apple butter in our slow cooker apple butter little smokies.
Recipe Ingredients
- Apples: A mix of green and red apples gives this apple butter its balanced flavor and beautiful color.
- Seasonings: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove add warmth and depth to the apple mixture.
- Salt and Caramel: A dash of salt enhances the flavors, while Ghirardelli caramel adds a nice richness. If you want to make your own sauce, we love this homemade caramel recipe. (see full recipe in the recipe card below)
Step-by-Step Directions
Step One – Add the sliced apples to the crock pot.
Step Two – Sprinkle in the cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
Step Three – Stir the apples in the seasonings until well coated. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours.
Step Four – You can use an immersion blender right in the slow cooker.
Step Five – After you blend the apples, add the caramel, taste and add more if desired.
Step Six – If you want a thicker apple butter, you can turn the slow cooker to low, and simmer without the lid on for about an hour. Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve
- Spread a generous layer atop freshly cooked pancakes or waffles for a sweet breakfast treat. Or just on a piece of toast or english muffin is yummy!
- Serve alongside a cheese platter as a sweet accompaniment to sharp cheddar or creamy brie.
- Spread onto one slice of bread before assembling your grilled cheese sandwich for a sweet and savory twist.
- Add a dollop to your homemade BBQ sauce for a touch of sweetness. You can even use this in savory recipes such as slow cooker apple butter pork chops or slow cooker apple butter meatballs.
- Ladle hot apple butter over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a double sweet treat.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use homemade or store-bought caramel sauce instead of Ghirardelli caramel.
Store any leftover apple butter in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer-term storage.
While any variety of apples will work, I recommend using a mix of Granny Smith and sweeter apples like Gala or Fuji for the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
This recipe was not developed for canning for canning recipe need a special acidity level. Though you can freeze the extras in jars, just be sure to leave an inch of room for expansion during freezing.
More Slow Cooker Butter and Jam Recipes
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Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Butter
Ingredients
- 4 lbs. apples, I use a mixture of fuji and granny smith
- 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp. ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp. ground cloves
- 2 dashes salt
- 1 cup caramel, (wait to add, I use Ghirardelli)
Instructions
- Slice, core, and peel apples. I cut mine into 1/2-inch slices.
- Add the sliced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves to the slow cooker. Stir.
- Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours.
- When the cooking time is up, you have two choices to blend up the apple butter. You can add the contents to a blender, place the lid on an pulverize until smooth. Or you can use an immersion blender right in the slow cooker.
- After you blend the apples, add the caramel, taste and add more if desired.
- If you want a thicker apple butter, you can turn the slow cooker to low, and simmer without the lid on for about an hour.
- Spoon the apple butter into jars and place lids on.
- You can store the apple butter in the fridge or freezer. If you are freezing leave an inch of room.
Sarah’s Notes
- Store any leftover apple butter in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer-term storage.
- While any variety of apples will work, I recommend using a mix of Granny Smith and sweeter apples like Gala or Fuji for the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
