'Amish Orchard Spread' is what we call this one! My Amish friend Sarah swears by it, and now I’m always making jars to gift to family.

There's something magical about the aroma of apples and spices filling your home, especially as the leaves start to turn. Amish apple butter is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a crisp fall day. It's a traditional spread that has been cherished for generations, and making it in a slow cooker means you can enjoy this rich, spiced apple spread without having to stand over a stove all day. It's perfect for busy folks like us who want to enjoy homemade goodness with minimal fuss.

Amish apple butter is incredibly versatile. Spread it on warm toast or biscuits for a comforting breakfast, or swirl it into oatmeal for a sweet and spicy kick. It also pairs beautifully with cheese and crackers for a simple yet elegant appetizer. You can even use it as a glaze for pork or chicken to add a hint of sweetness and spice to your dinner.

Servings: Makes about 4 cups

6 pounds of apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Place the sliced apples in a slow cooker.

In a bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

Pour the sugar mixture over the apples and stir to coat them evenly.

Cover and cook on low for 10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft.

Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches.

Stir in the vanilla extract.

Continue cooking uncovered on low for an additional 1-2 hours, or until the apple butter reaches your desired thickness.

Let it cool, then transfer to jars and store in the refrigerator.

For a twist, try adding a splash of apple cider or apple juice for extra depth of flavor. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar to taste. You can also experiment with different spices like allspice or ginger for a unique flavor profile. For a smoother texture, strain the apple butter through a fine mesh sieve after blending.