Last year I made spicy apple butter via the slow cooker… it was so good I made it this year too. But I also made applesauce, which is essentially the same ingredients and cooking method but the cooking time is much shorter.
Slow cook 3 hours = applesauce
Slow cook 10 hours = apple butter
Notice the color and consistency difference between the butter and sauce (photo above)?
This recipe is very forgiving, play with your spices. Last year I used cinnamon and all spice. Since all spice was no where to be found in my cupboard, I used my old friend ground cloves and it was delicious.
If your apples are sweet, skip the sugar, you won’t need it!
My boys could not get enough of this. It became dessert every night while it lasted.. which wasn’t long in this house. Yum.
Recipe: Chunky Applesauce
Summary: slow cooker method
Ingredients
- 12 Apples, peeled and cored and sliced
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Throw everything into your slow cooker.
- Cook 3 hours on Low.
- Store in a sealed container in your fridge for about 7-10 days, or can it. Makes about 6 cups, depending on the size of your apples.
Preparation time: 15 minute(s)
Cooking time: 3 hour(s)
Yummm! I usually steam apples for applesauce, which is quick, but I wonder what slow cooking like this does for them. It looks fantastic!
I always make it this way so I couldn’t really tell you the difference 🙂 Set it and forget it!
Hi! I found your recipe pinned on Pinterest and was so happy! I have it in the slow cooker at the moment. Thanks bushels! 🙂
Love comments like this Gaylyn! Thanks for taking the time to let me know and I hope you enjoy your applesauce!
I saw someone had made your apple butter on Pinterest and I decided not to waste the apples off my tree. I don’t think we are going to get to apple butter because the applesauce is sooooo addictive. I didn’t add water as my apples are really juice and I would never be one to brag about applesauce, but this stuff is out of this world! (Maybe the last cup will be allowed to turn to butter – but I don’t know!)
Jacqueline, so happy you liked the recipe and your apple tree apples went to good use! Wish I had some applesauce right now…