Ingredients:
6 lbs apples (about 12 large apples), peeled, cored, and chopped
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1 teaspoon sea salt (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Apples:
Place the peeled, cored, and chopped apples in a large slow cooker.
Add the Spices and Sugar:
In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, ground allspice, and salt.
Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the apples and stir to coat the apples evenly.
Cook the Apples:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 10-12 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft and dark brown. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 hours to achieve the desired consistency.
Blend the Apple Mixture:
Use an immersion blender to puree the apple mixture until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
Add the Vanilla and Caramel:
Stir in the vanilla extract and caramel sauce until well combined.
Cook the Apple Butter:
If the apple butter is still too thin, continue cooking uncovered on low for another 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired thickness.
Cool and Store:
Let the apple butter cool to room temperature.
Transfer to sterilized jars or airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or process in a water bath for longer storage.
Serve:
Serve the salted caramel apple butter on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or use it as a topping for desserts.
For an extra touch, sprinkle a small amount of sea salt on top before serving.