A slow cooked, cinnamon kissed spread that tastes like autumn in a jar.

Caramel Kettle Apple Butter is the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen feel like a small town diner on a crisp weekend morning. Warm apples melt down into a sweet, spiced spread with a hint of caramel flavor from the brown sugar. It is the perfect way to dress up toast, swirl into oatmeal, or spoon into dessert recipes for a little extra magic. With the slow cooker doing the work, this recipe keeps things simple while delivering something that feels special every time you open the jar.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple slow cooker recipe
• Rich caramel apple flavor
• Spread, swirl, or dip
• Kid friendly
• Great for gifting during the season
• Naturally gluten free
• Perfect for breakfast or dessert
• Made with everyday ingredients

Ingredient Notes

• Apples: Any variety works. Honeycrisp or Fuji give the sweetest flavor, Granny Smith adds a little tart contrast.
• Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar helps create the caramel flavor.
• Spices: Cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg build that signature apple butter taste.
• Vanilla: Stirred in at the end for a warm finish.

Before You Bake

Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes. Peeling helps the apple butter blend into a smooth, silky texture. Pre peeled apple slices are an easy shortcut.

Can I cook this on high to make it faster?
Low and slow gives the apples time to caramelize and deepen in flavor. High heat can cause scorching and a thinner consistency.

How thick should apple butter be?
It should be thicker than applesauce and spreadable like jam. If yours is thin, cook it uncovered for 30 to 60 minutes until it thickens.

Caramel Kettle Apple Butter

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 pounds peeled, cored, and sliced apples. You can use store bought pre sliced apples to skip prep.
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to your slow cooker. Stir to coat.
2. Cover and cook on low for 10 hours, stirring every couple of hours.
3. Uncover. Add the vanilla extract. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth and glossy.
4. Let it continue to cook uncovered for 30 to 60 minutes if you want a thicker consistency.
5. Cool and transfer to jars or airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator.

Serving ideas

• Spread on warm biscuits, swirl into yogurt or oatmeal, spoon over vanilla ice cream, or use as a dip for pretzels.

FAQ

What are the best apples for apple butter?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or a mix of sweet and tart apples gives the best flavor. Granny Smith adds a bright contrast.

How long does apple butter last?
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I use a blender instead of an immersion blender?
Yes. Let the apple mixture cool slightly and blend in small batches until smooth.

Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce the brown sugar by up to half. The texture may be slightly looser and the flavor less caramel forward.

Is this recipe safe for canning?
This version has not been tested for canning safety. For shelf stable canning, follow a USDA reviewed recipe and process times.

Sprinkle of Fun

Host a breakfast taste test where the menu changes every weekend. One week it is waffles, toast, and biscuits. The next week it could be pancakes, muffins, or even apple butter grilled cheese. Everyone gets to drizzle, dip, and vote for their favorite way to enjoy Caramel Kettle Apple Butter. It turns a simple spread into a fun little tradition your family looks forward to.