There’s something magical about homemade fruit spreads, isn’t there? That moment when you slather a warm piece of toast with something you made yourself – nothing beats it. My slow cooker cherry apple butter became our family’s favorite by accident one summer when I had a glut of cherries and apples from the farmer’s market. The sweet-tart combo had everyone begging for jars to take home! What I love most is how effortlessly it comes together – just toss everything in the slow cooker and let time work its magic. The result? A velvety smooth spread that’s perfect on everything from pancakes to oatmeal, with no artificial anything – just pure, cozy sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cherry Apple Butter
Oh my goodness, where do I even start? This cherry apple butter is basically cheating at homemade goodness – but in the best possible way. Here’s why I’m obsessed:
It practically makes itself – Dump everything in the crockpot before work, stir occasionally, and come home to your kitchen smelling like a cozy autumn day. No babysitting required!
The perfect balance – Tart apples and sweet cherries create this magical flavor that’s not too sugary. My kids gobble it up, but so do my health-conscious friends.
Endless uses – Beyond toast (though, wow), swirl it into yogurt, dollop on pancakes, or – my secret – smear it on a grilled cheese sandwich for a sweet-savory twist that’ll blow your mind.
Trust me, once you try this hands-off method, you’ll never buy store-bought fruit spreads again!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cherry Apple Butter
Gathering these simple ingredients is half the battle – and trust me, the payoff is huge! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups tart apples, peeled and chopped (I swear by Granny Smiths – their zing balances the sweetness perfectly)
- 2 cups pitted cherries, fresh or frozen (no need to thaw if frozen – the slow cooker works its magic either way)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (pack it in there good – this isn’t the time to be shy!)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (the cozy backbone of this whole operation)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (just enough to whisper “hello” without overpowering)
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves (a tiny pinch makes all the difference)
- 1/4 cup water (just enough to get things steaming without making soup)
See? Nothing fancy – just honest ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Now let’s get cooking!
The Simple Tools You’ll Need
Don’t worry—you probably have most of this stuff already! Here’s your quick checklist:
- Slow cooker (any size works, but a 4-6 quart is perfect)
- Immersion blender (or regular blender—just be careful with hot mixtures!)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Clean jars or airtight containers for storing your glorious creation
That’s it! No fancy gadgets needed—just the basics to make magic happen.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cherry Apple Butter
Alright, let’s dive into the magic! This recipe couldn’t be simpler—just set it and (mostly) forget it. The slow cooker does all the hard work while you go about your day.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
First, toss everything into your slow cooker—apples, cherries, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and water. No fancy layering needed here—just dump it all in and give it a quick stir to mix the spices evenly. The sugar will melt into the fruit as it cooks, creating this gorgeous syrup that coats everything.
Step 2: Slow Cook Until Soft
Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 6 hours—stirring occasionally if you’re around (but don’t stress if you forget!). The apples and cherries will soften into this jammy, fragrant mess that smells like heaven. At the 6-hour mark, everything should be fork-tender and swimming in syrupy juices.
Step 3: Blend to Smooth Consistency
Now, grab your immersion blender and carefully blend the mixture until smooth. Hot tip: If you’re using a regular blender, let the mixture cool slightly first—trust me, blending hot fruit is a messy disaster waiting to happen! Blend until you’ve got that velvety texture you crave.
Step 4: Thicken and Cool
Pop the lid off your slow cooker and cook for 1 more hour on low—this helps thicken the butter to that perfect spreadable consistency. Once done, let it cool completely before transferring to jars. The butter will thicken even more as it cools, so don’t panic if it seems a little loose at first!
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Cherry Apple Butter
After making this recipe more times than I can count, here are my foolproof tips for cherry apple butter success:
Adjust sweetness last – Taste after cooking and blend in extra sugar if needed. The fruit’s natural sugars concentrate as it cooks!
Tart apples are key – Granny Smiths or Honeycrisps give that perfect sweet-tart balance. Sweeter apples can taste flat.
Watch the thickness – If it’s too thin after blending, just cook uncovered longer. Too thick? Stir in a splash of apple juice.
Double the batch – Trust me, you’ll want extra! It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Variations and Substitutions
Oh, the possibilities! This cherry apple butter recipe is wonderfully flexible—here are my favorite twists:
Sweetener swaps: Try honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different flavor profile. Reduce slightly since they’re sweeter!
Spice it up: A splash of vanilla extract or pinch of cardamom adds lovely depth. My cousin adds orange zest for a citrusy kick.
Dietary needs: Use coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option, or skip sweeteners entirely if your fruit is super ripe. Just adjust cooking time—it might thicken faster!
The beauty? You really can’t mess this up. Make it yours!
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Cherry Apple Butter
Oh, the places this glorious spread can go! Beyond the obvious toast scenario (though let’s be real – it’s amazing on thick sourdough), here are my favorite ways to use it:
Breakfast superstar – Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt, drizzle over pancakes, or spoon onto warm biscuits. My kids love it on their morning waffles!
Cheese plate magic – Pair with sharp cheddar or brie for an instant fancy appetizer. The sweet-tart combo cuts through rich cheeses beautifully.
Unexpected twists – Glaze roasted pork, mix into muffin batter, or – don’t laugh – try a dollop on vanilla ice cream. You’ll thank me later!
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the beautiful part – this cherry apple butter keeps like a dream! Store it in clean jars or airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 weeks (if it lasts that long!). For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months – just leave a little headspace in the jar for expansion. Want to reheat? A quick zap in the microwave or gentle warm-up on the stove brings back that fresh-made goodness. Pro tip: stir in a splash of apple juice if it thickens too much in the fridge!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop per tablespoon (approximate, since fruit sweetness varies): about 35 calories, 9g carbs, and 1g fiber. Remember – these estimates change based on your exact ingredients and sugar adjustments!
Frequently Asked Questions
Over the years, I’ve gotten so many great questions about this cherry apple butter recipe. Here are the ones that pop up most often!
Can I use frozen cherries?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work beautifully – just toss them in straight from the freezer. No need to thaw first – the slow cooker will handle it. Actually, frozen cherries often give a more intense flavor since they’re typically picked at peak ripeness!
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
You sure can! For stovetop cherry apple butter, simmer everything in a heavy-bottomed pot over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. It’ll take about 2-3 hours versus 6-7, but keep a closer eye on it. The slower the cook, the deeper the flavor develops!
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Oh yes! This cherry apple butter freezes like a dream. Just pour cooled butter into freezer-safe containers, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace for expansion. It’ll keep beautifully for 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy that homemade goodness again!
How long does it last in the fridge?
Properly stored in clean, airtight jars, it keeps for about 2 weeks refrigerated. If it lasts that long in your house – mine never does! Just look for any mold and give it a sniff test if you’re unsure.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Definitely! The sugar amount is flexible based on your fruit’s sweetness and your taste. Start with less – you can always stir in more after cooking if needed. Some batches hardly need any sugar at all!
I’d love to see your cherry apple butter triumphs! Tag me @homemadehappy on Instagram so I can cheer you on—nothing makes me happier than seeing this recipe in your kitchen!
PrintSlow Cooker Cherry Apple Butter – The Irresistible 6-Hour Secret
A smooth, naturally sweet spread made with cherries and apples. Perfect for toast, pancakes, or yogurt.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 mins
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups apples, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups pitted cherries
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Place apples, cherries, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and water in a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Blend mixture until smooth with an immersion blender.
- Cook uncovered for 1 more hour to thicken.
- Let cool and store in jars.
Notes
- Use tart apples for best flavor.
- Adjust sugar to taste.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
