I make several batches of this simple and delicious apple butter to freeze in jars. You can adjust the sugar to taste, depending on the sweetness of the apples used.

All Day Apple Butter is a delicious and comforting spread that is made by slow-cooking apples with a combination of sugar and spices. This traditional recipe has been enjoyed for generations and is often associated with cozy autumn days and homemade goodness.

The history of apple butter can be traced back to colonial America, where it was commonly made as a way to preserve the abundant apple harvest. It was a popular method of using and preserving apples before the days of refrigeration. Families would spend hours simmering apples in large copper kettles over an open fire, stirring them until they reached a thick and smooth consistency. The slow cooking process allowed the natural sugars in the apples to caramelize, resulting in a rich and flavorful spread.

To make All Day Apple Butter, peeled and finely chopped apples are placed in a slow cooker. A mixture of sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt is then poured over the apples, and everything is thoroughly mixed. The slow cooker is covered and cooked on high for one hour to kickstart the cooking process.

After the initial hour, the heat is reduced to low, and the mixture is left to simmer for a long duration of 9 to 11 hours. This slow cooking allows the apples to break down and thicken, resulting in a deep brown color and a rich, concentrated flavor. It is important to stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking, especially as it thickens.

In the final hour of cooking, the slow cooker is left uncovered to allow the apple butter to further reduce and intensify in flavor. At this point, the mixture can be optionally smoothed out using a wire whisk, creating a silky texture.

Once the All Day Apple Butter has reached the desired consistency, it is spooned into freezer containers, leaving a small headspace to accommodate expansion during freezing. The apple butter can be refrigerated for immediate use or stored in the freezer for longer-term preservation.

All Day Apple Butter is a versatile spread that can be enjoyed on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or as a filling for pastries. Its sweet and spiced flavors capture the essence of fall and make for a delightful addition to any breakfast or snack.

PREP: 20 MIN.

COOK: 11 HOURS

MAKES: 4 PINTS

INGREDIENTS

• 5½ pounds apples, peeled and finely chopped
• 4 cups sugar
• 2 to 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place the chopped apples in a 3-quart slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Pour the mixture over the apples in the slow cooker and mix well.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1 hour.
4. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for 9-11 hours, or until the apple butter has thickened and darkened in color, stirring occasionally.
5. Uncover the slow cooker and cook on low for an additional 1 hour.
6. If desired, use a wire whisk to stir the apple butter until smooth.
7. Spoon the apple butter into freezer containers, leaving ½-inch headspace. Cover and refrigerate or freeze for later use.

Enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of homemade All Day Apple Butter spread on your favorite baked goods or simply enjoy it by the spoonful. This slow-cooked treat captures the essence of fall and is sure to become a family favorite.