Crock Pot Apple Butter is one of the easiest things to make.  It cooks for a while, but the prep and actual “work” is next to nill.  This was my first time making apple butter, and I’m so thankful to all my Facebook friends that shared their favorite recipes with me.  I experimented a little, followed my instincts, and here’s what I did for Crock Pot Apple Butter.

Ingredients:

• 20-22 medium-sized apples
• 2 cups of unfiltered apple juice
• 1 small lemon squeezed for juice or 2 tbs fresh lemon juice (helps with preserving)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon or 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 2 1/2 cups of sugar (I used organic succanat)

Directions:

Step One: Start out in the morning and cut, peel and core your apples.  This is the only “real work” you have to do.

Step Two: Fill your crock pot with apples.

Step Two: Add in 2 cups of unfiltered apple juice (I used RW Knudsen’s organic one – on sale BOGO at Kroger this week!).

Step Three: Put the lid on and cook on high for the day, and turn to medium at night.  Grab lunch, hang out with the kids, and enjoy the smell!  By the way, you won’t have to light candles or use room fragrance for several days! Mmm….

Step Four: The next morning stir it up and add in the rest of your ingredients.  As you’re doing this, try not to let the drool from your mouth get into the pot. Put the lid back on and continue cooking on high.  You can stir it frequently if you want to let more of the aroma out like I did, but stirring only on occasion is what’s needed.

Step Five: Later that evening, take the lid off and let all the extra liquid cook off (a few hours).  If it’s nice and thick and glossy, then it’s done!  Pull out the cinnamon sticks, and transfer it to a container for canning, freezing or refrigeration.

Makes 1 quart.  Ours went straight from the pot to our mouths, and in the fridge went the leftovers! It is so yummy, I doubt it will last long around here.

Apples are cheap and in season right now, and you can find some great deals at the farmer’s market.  So grab some deals, and make some easy Crock Pot Apple Butter!

Not in the mood to make your own homemade crock pot apple butter? Here’s how to freeze apples, so that you can store your apples for upcoming smoothies, pies, apple and oats breakfast pudding and more! And if you’re really feeling adventurous, make your own apple juice!