Indulge in the rich, spiced decadence of California Crock Pot Dandy Brandy Apple Butter, a homemade spread that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors with a luxurious hint of brandy. This slow-cooked recipe transforms fresh apples into a velvety, caramel-hued butter infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The addition of vanilla and a splash of brandy elevates its flavor profile, making it uniquely irresistible. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a hands-off cooking process in the Crock Pot, this recipe is a stress-free way to enjoy the cozy essence of fall all year round. Spread it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or use it as a topping for dessertsβthis apple butter is as versatile as it is delicious. Perfect for gifting or savoring at home, this small-batch gem can be stored in the fridge or preserved for longer with canning.
Start by washing, peeling, coring, and chopping your apples into small chunks until you have 8 cups of prepared apples.
In a Crock Pot, combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.
Stir the mixture well to ensure the apples are evenly coated with the sugars and spices.
Cover the Crock Pot with the lid but leave it slightly ajar to allow steam to escape during cooking.
Cook on low heat for 10 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. As the mixture cooks, the apples will break down and become darker in color.
Once the cooking time is complete, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture in the Crock Pot until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender, puree, and then return it to the Crock Pot.
Stir in the vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and brandy. Mix until fully incorporated.
Cook uncovered on low heat for an additional 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the apple butter to thicken further.
Once done, allow the apple butter to cool slightly before ladling it into sterilized jars. Leave 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar, and seal tightly.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or process the jars in a water bath canner for long-term storage.
Calories |
2843 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.4 g | 6% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 90 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 707.5 g | 257% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 49.0 g | 175% | |
| Total Sugars | 641.5 g | ||
| Protein | 6.4 g | 13% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 372 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 4.2 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 2435 mg | 52% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.