By Caramel Apple Butter Recipe | Rich and Smooth is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Caramel Apple Butter Recipe | Rich and Smooth captures the essence of meals while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Caramel Apple Butter Recipe | Rich and Smooth becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
4 lbs (1.8 kg) apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120ml) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
PREPARATION STEPS
Prepare the Apples:
Peel, core, and slice the apples into even-sized pieces. Place them in a slow cooker.
Add the Spices and Sugar:
Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt to the slow cooker with the apples. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
Cook the Apples:
Cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours (or on high for 4-5 hours), stirring occasionally, until the apples are completely soft and dark brown.
Blend the Apple Butter:
Once the apples are cooked and tender, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to blend the apples into a smooth consistency
If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Add the Caramel:
Stir in the vanilla extract and caramel sauce until well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spice if needed.
Cook to Thicken:
Continue cooking the apple butter on low heat, uncovered, for an additional 1-2 hours until it reaches the desired thickness.
Cool and Store:
Let the caramel apple butter cool to room temperature. Transfer it to sterilized jars and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer storage.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 8-10 hours 15 minutes
Servings: Makes about 4 cups
Calories per Tablespoon: ~30-40 kcal
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~300 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
