There's something comforting about a slow simmered spread like this Caramel Apple Butter. It's rich, warmly spiced, and makes the perfect topping for toast, pancakes, or even a spoonful right out of the jar.
This recipe reminds me of fall days in upstate New York when the house filled the sweet scent of apples and cinnamon. It's a simple recipe that transforms everyday apples into something special, much like my Mom's Apple Pie Filling in a Jar that has become a family favorite for years.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Slow simmered: the slow cooker does all the work, deepening the flavor and texture.
Perfectly spiced: cinnamon and cloves add cozy warmth to every bite.
Caramel twist: melty caramel bits stirred in at the end make this apple butter extra indulgent.
Versatile spread: delicious on biscuits toast, or swirled into yogurt or oatmeal.
Key Ingredients for Spiced Apple Butter
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and instructions.
- Apples: the heart of the recipe, bringing natural sweetness and soft texture once cooked down.
- Sugar: balances the tartness of the apples and gives the butter its glossy finish.
- Cinnamon and cloves: warm spices that highlight the fall flavor profile.
- Vanilla extract: adds a smooth, sweet depth to the spread.
- Caramel bits: stirred in at the end for a rich caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with apples.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use brown sugar instead of granulated for a deeper molasses note.
- Swap apple pie spice for the cinnamon and cloves to simplify.
- Replace caramel bits with ½ cup of caramel sauce stirred in at the end.
Variations on Caramel Apple Butter
- Maple version: stir in 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup instead of the caramel bits for extra sweetness.
- Chunky style: skip blending at the end and enjoy it with a rustic, chunky texture.
- Spiked spread: add a splash of bourbon, spiced rum, or Fireball liquor for a grown-up twist.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Apple Butter
- Vent the lid: keep the lid off during the last hour so the mixture thickens.
- Taste and adjust: apples vary in sweetness so add more sugar or spice if needed.
- Blend if you like: for a smoother spread, use an immersion blender after cooking.
How To Store
Refrigerate your apple butter in airtight jars for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in smaller containers for up to 3 months.
Serve With...
Spread this slow cooker caramel apple butter on Homemade Fluffy Biscuits, spoon over Applesauce Muffins, or swirl it into a bowl of hot oatmeal. It is also as a spread inside my Apple Butter Pecan Sticky Buns.
More Easy Apple Recipes
If you love fall fruit recipes, try my Apple Hand Pies made in the air fryer, or my Classic Homemade Apple Pie. Salted caramel fans will love this Salted Caramel Apple Cake with Toasted Walnuts and this Apple Upside Down Cake is a delicious fall take on a classic.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Butter
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Ingredients
- 3 pounds apples peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoons ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup caramel bits
Instructions
- Place apples in large dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until apples start to break down, then simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in remaining ingredients except for the caramel bits, then transfer to slow cooker. Cook on low setting for 8-10 hours.
- During the last hour, stir in the caramel bits. Do not replace cover slow cooker, rather let it cook the last hour with the lid off.
- Once the apple butter has cooled, place in refrigerator to cool. You can now eat it as is, or you can blend it to make the consistency more smooth and buttery.
Chey says
Wow! Soooooo delicious! Everything smells so amazing when cooking! 🙂 Can you tell me if this recipe and be canned for shelf stable caramel apple butter? Thank you for sharing! I feel so lucky to have found your site and recipes! 🙂
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Chey, yes, you could can this. Just follow the process for sterilizing jars and lids and put the hot apple butter in the hot water bath canner and cover with hot water. Once it comes to a boil, allow it to boil for 15 minutes. So happy you enjoyed the recipe! Shelby
Chey says
Totally missed giving the 5 Star rating! Actually needs an additional couple of more stars, as is! I'm definitely going to can the next batch! Thanks for the canning info and again, for sharing your delicious recipes! 🙂
Beverly Hawley says
Can you use apple sauce to make this instead of cooking apples. By heating up the apple sauce then putting the carmels in?
Shelby Law Ruttan says
You need the low slow heat to melt the caramel without burning. I'm not going to say you couldn't try it, but I have never done it and can't say how it would work.
Amy says
This apple butter looks so good! I want to spread it all over biscuits for breakfast! And I bet it would be yummy on ice cream too!
Liz @ Books n' Cooks says
Slow cooker is def my favorite way to make apple butter. Never thought to add caramel thought. Love it! Going to stash this and your recipe for caramel apple butter sticky butter away for a rainy weekend. Both sound amazing!
Carlee says
Oh my goodness, it looks so luscious and wonderful. I already want to put it on everything! This is definitely happening asap!
Wendy Klik says
Love the addition of caramel to this apple butter. Great idea!!
Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids says
I love that you add the caramel bits to give it a little something extra!
Ellen says
I love this is made in the slow cooker. This would be delicious on homemade biscuits.