A Cultivated Nest

Helping You Manage Your Home and Life on a Budget

A Simple Pleasure

By

I love being able to use apples that I grew to make homemade apple butter!

homemade oat bread
Having homemade apple butter on homemade bread is definitely something I consider A Simple Pleasure! I’ve been enjoying trying out different bread recipes too.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to Amazon and/or Etsy, which means that I may earn a small commission from some of the links in this post. Please see our Disclosure Page for more information.

tray
That’s been my breakfast of choice the past few mornings. Which I’ve been having outside on the screened porch. It’s really the only time we can go out there these days since the heat index makes it feel like 105!

This is my basic recipe for Crock Pot Apple Butter.

Ingredients

  • 5/6 lbs of apples cored and sliced
  • 4 Cups of sugar (adjust to taste as it depends on the sweetness of the apples and how sweet you like things)
  • 2-3 Tsp. Cinnamon
  • 1/2 Tsp. Ground Cloves
  • 1/4 Tsp. Salt

Directions:

Put all the apples in your crock pot. Combine all the other ingredients in a bowl and pour over the apples, stir. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour then reduce to low and cook about 8-10 hours. Stir occasionally and mash your apples with a potato masher to get a smooth consistency. Taste to adjust the sugar. Your apple butter should be dark brown and thick when done. Makes 3-4 quarts.

You can place this in hot sterilized jars and use the water bath method, but I just make one jar to use immediately and the rest I freeze. It’s supposed to keep for about 3 weeks in the fridge but honestly, it never keeps for longer than a week in my house because everyone eats it up!
apples
This basket of apples (I don’t spray them – they may look splotchy but they’re fine) made just enough for one jar and one that I put in the freezer and I only used about 2 cups of sugar. I don’t peel my apples because I normally use organic ones, but if you use conventionally grown apples, I would peel those (I don’t peel my apples for apple pie either but I know some people don’t care for the texture of the peel).

crock pot apple butter recipe

Yummy! Hope you try the Crock Pot Apple Butter. I don’t know what I’d do without my crock pot!

 

Comments

  1. LaurieS says

    I love apple butter and I've marked the recipe to try later when the homegrown apples at the farmers market. Hopefully I'll be able to use my own apples next year. Our tree is still young. This year we only had four apples and two have already been taken by squirrels.

  3. Vee says

    Such a beautiful tray you set. I'm glad that you find some time for your porch. I know that it'll get lots of time this fall. Thanks, too, for the crockpot recipe for apple butter. That's the only way I'm making any any time soon.

  6. Julie Harward says

    That looks easy and I'm sure it is super delicious too! All your images are so pretty and the bread looks great too! 😀

  7. Maura @ Lilac Lane Cottage says

    Hi Manuela,
    It's been a long time since I've made Apple Butter but now that we've moved to the farm and have a big old apple tree I'm going to make up a batch as soon as I can. I'll freeze some too so that I'll have them for pies later…and of course a fresh hot apple pie before I freeze them all..yum. I love your cross stitched table cloth and your bread basket! Have fun canning and enjoy your day….Maura 🙂

  8. Julie says

    Manuela, Thanks SOOO much for sharing the recipes for your yummy looking photos… I am going to make BOTH!!! Can't wait… What kind of apples are those, golden or granny smith is what they look like in the pic…so I wasn't sure whether you use a sweeter or tart apple. And so you are saying that after you have finished cooking the butter, that you simply put some in a jar for the frig, and some in a container for the freezer?? No need to sterilize or do "canning" techniques???
    That would be SO easy if so…
    Thanks for sharing and giving us the tutorial and recipe…
    Hugs to you…LOOKING (eyes searching!!!) for a box…
    Hang on!!! 🙂 🙂

  9. Darlene says

    Oh, I absolutely LOVE apple butter….YUM yours looks delicious! I have never tried to make it but it sounds easy enough.♥

  10. Darlene says

    Oh, I absolutely LOVE apple butter….YUM yours looks delicious! I have never tried to make it but it sounds easy enough.♥

  11. Melissa Miller says

    Manuela it does look delish! How wonderful to grow your own food. I'll try it one day.

    Thanks for coming by and for the other as well. It's great to see your name added. *Smiles*

    I'm about to post and announce my giveaway winner. ~Melissa 🙂

  12. Sweet Cottage Dreams says

    Oh boy, this all looks very delicious! Such a lovely presentation, too! Manuela, thank you for sharing. I will certainly give these recipes a try. Nothing beats homemade goodies!

    xo
    becky

  13. Jennifer says

    It looks so delicious, Manuela! I love apple butte and your crock pot recipe looks so easy. I have been so consumed with peaches that I haven't even thought about apples. Now I am anxious for them to be ready!

    Hope you guys are keeping cool. This weather has been unreal!

  14. ChRiS says

    love apple butter on cottage cheese yummy…….do you use a certin type apple? i may try your recipe looks eze…..and how much does this recipe make? thxs!!

  15. june@craftyniche says

    Oh, this recipe looks yummy! We love jams/jellies here so I will file this away to try sometime. Cascadian Farms raspberry jam is delicious!! We buy organic apples so I'll leave the peel on.

  16. GRAMS says

    Soo yummy. I am in love with your plates and flatware. I'm a nut for red. Where did you get them?

  17. Donna says

    Yum! I love apple butter. I just might have to try your recipe. Sounds so easy!

    Hugs,
    Donna

  21. Always Nesting says

    I just highlighted and saved the recipe in my recipes folder. The apple butter looks delicious and oh so easy!!

    When you freeze it, about how long does it keep in the freezer? I've been curious about freezer jams lately when a neighbor brought me the most delicious jam ever, and she said it's freezer jam and easy to make. Thanks for sharing this recipe.

  22. Happy@Home says

    This sounds like a delicious breakfast. Thanks for sharing your recipes. Your photos are just beautiful too.

  24. ~Lavender Dreamer~ says

    I love apple butter…and clear apple jelly! I can just taste it! ♥

  26. Angie says

    Sounds and looks delicious! Love the way it is so beautifully displayed on the tray and with the vase of flowers.

  27. Cindy (Applestone Cottage) says

    I love apple butter too Manuela and that looks like a good one! And you always make everything look so beautiful! The pics are awesome!
    Cindy

  28. HeathahLee says

    Oh, heavens! That sounds so easy and delicious! I love my crock pot, too! I will definitely have to try that recipe!

  29. Penny @ The Comforts of Home/Lavender Hill Studio says

    That sounds wonderful!! I might try that this fall when I go to the apple orchard.
    Hugs,
    Penny

  30. trish says

    Oh delicious! :o)
    I wonder if I could do the same recipe using pears instead. We learned recently that we have a pear tree on our property and it is loaded! :o)
    Have a great remainder of your week!
    Sincerely ~ Tricia

  31. diXymiss says

    Mmmm, looks so good! I'll have to file this recipe away for future use. We just planted two apple trees this spring (Fuji and Honeycrisp) and don't eXpect any fruit for another year or two. Can't wait for our first crop!

    PS: Love that darling bread basket.

  32. Diane Costanza says

    Manuela, That apple butter recipe is a keeper. My son would love it!

    Thanks for sharing it,
    Diane

  33. Debbie says

    That presentation alone makes me want to try it. I love apple butter but have never made it myself. I am like you in that I love the peel on the apple. Around here, though, I have to peel it.

  34. Jennifer says

    That looks so good!!!! I love apple butter! Esp. Cracker Barrel apple butter! Yum! Now I'm hungry girl!

  36. Jenni says

    Hi Manuela~

    Have I told you how much I enjoy your pictures? They are always so full of color, and these are no exception! 🙂 I am so excited about this crock pot apple butter recipe, too! My mom made apple butter when I was growing up, but I didn't know you could make it in a crock pot! I am definitely going to try this, at least by the fall! 🙂

    I hope you have been able to stay cool! It sounds very, very hot where you are! 🙂

    Blessings,
    Jenni

  37. sewingseeds4U says

    What a beautiful post. What kind of apples produce so well in your climate? I'd love to plant a tree but I thought you needed cold climate for apples.

  38. Paula says

    You have totally inspired me to make some apple butter. I'm going to stop by my favorite orchard today to get fresh apples. I got a bag of an early variety on Sunday and they are really good! I like to eat peanut butter and apple butter sandwiches for lunch during the school year.

  39. Lallee says

    Manuela, my father-in-law LOVES apple butter. I must make this for him! Thank you for the recipe. I love that it can be cooked in the crock pot! Thank you for sharing!

  40. Happier Than a Pig in Mud says

    I made pear butter like this one year, very good and so easy in the crock pot! I need to find some home grown apples!

  41. Linda (Nina's Nest) says

    Hi Manuela, I have an apple tree, too, and I posted on it today and mentioned you. Don't you just love fresh, homegrown apples for making goodies! Linda

  42. Gumbo Lily says

    Let's eat! I'm ready to sit up to that pretty breakfast tray and chow down.

    Jody

  43. Richella says

    Your apple butter sounds wonderful! And so does your bread. I just love your recipes, which brings me to a question: do you have a source for crock-pot recipes? You say that you don't know what you'd do without yours. I know that I could use mine much more than I do, but to tell the truth I don't know much about how to use it! Any recommendations?

  44. My Cozy Cubby says

    What a fun and pretty setting! The bread looks yummy! Love homemade bread, but I've never made jellly. Might just have to try it in the crockpot!

    Pamela

  45. Blessedmom's Simple Home says

    I've made apple sauce but not apple butter, and I love apple butter. Thanks for the crock pot recipe. It sounds wonderful my friend!
    Blessings,
    Marcia

  46. Plain and Joyful Living says

    Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. We have three apple trees on our small homestead and don't spray either but we love to bake with them.
    Warm wishes, Tonya

  49. nannykim says

    I don't usually use sugar. I love your tray!! It has been very hot here in sc too!

  50. Kathleen Grace says

    What a lovely idea, I want to try this soon! Do you strain the peels out?

  52. Cindy says

    Hi Manuela,
    I just happen to have a box of apples from my tree sitting on my back porch!!! I am so excited to see your recipe. I love apple butter and I think I will make this today. Thanks SO MUCH!!!
    Hugs, Cindy S

  53. Storybook Woods says

    What a lovely afternoon treat. I agree and crock pot is a cooks best friend xoxoxo Clarice

  55. laurie @ bargain hunting says

    I will be trying this Manuela. I LOVE using my crock pot, especially during this hot weather, since it doesn't heat up the whole kitchen. Thank you for sharing this. laurie

  56. Miss Janice says

    I'm happy to read the stamped-plate project and the chalkboard paint project…love them both and must do! You are such a clever girl!

  57. Christina says

    Oh, love the apples. Natural and good for you. I wouldn't want to spray them either.

    I will have to try this recipe one day. Yum.

A Simple Pleasure

By

homegrown strawberries
Home grown strawberries!

colander
I picked some today to make a strawberry-rhubarb crisp.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to Amazon and/or Etsy, which means that I may earn a small commission from some of the links in this post. Please see our Disclosure Page for more information.

strawberrypatch
But you know what? They taste so incredibly delicious plain and warmed by the sun. 

French lavender in a crate
That I’m going to have a little bowl of them just as they are! Au naturale!

strawberry bed

This is my strawberry bed. The pots on the sticks are so I don’t poke my eye out when I go to remove the netting!

netting

As you can see, once the berries start to turn red we have to net them or the pesky birds come and take nibbles out of them!

Yummyberries

I really want to encourage you to grow your own! They grow in pots if you don’t have a space outside. I read that they grow well in those Topsy Turvy planters too!

Believe me, a store bought strawberry doesn’t taste anything like a homegrown one!

As always, thanks for visiting today. I hope you all have wonderful weekends!

Comments

  1. Tennis Girl says

    Manuela,
    Your strawberries look great. Enjoy!
    Robin
    p.s. love that little Sweet Home planter, too.

  2. Shelia says

    Hi Manuela!
    Oh, what gorgeous strawberries! I'm sure they taste as good as they look. This is one of my favorite foods!
    Have a great weekend, Dear One.
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia 😉

  3. kim says

    How wonderful to have your own home grown strawberries. We tried to grow some when we first moved in, but did not net them and the rabbits got them. Maybe we will try again and use some netting.

  4. Penny @ The Comforts of Home/Lavender Hill Studio says

    I am hoping to have Mr. Comforts of Home build one more bed this fall…and we will use that for strawberries. Your's look so beautiful!

    We buy strawberries from a road side stand several times a week during strawberry season. I never buy grocery store strawberries…
    Hugs,
    Penny

  5. Becky K. says

    Oh, I so love strawberries…and rhubarb! We pick our berries from a farm down the road. You are so right about sun-warmed berries. They are simply the BEST.

    Becky K.

  6. Happy@Home says

    Your strawberries look so yummy. I haven't tried to grow them because I thought the birds would get to them. The netting idea is a good one and nice to see that it works well too. I think I am going to have to give it a try now. Your photos are beautiful.

  7. Julie says

    Great strawberry bed, Manuela! You're right–there's NOTHING like a sweet, sun-warmed strawberry from the garden! Have you tried Alpine strawberries–amazing!

    Hope you have a beautiful day!

  8. Roses and Lilacs says

    Good morning Manuela. My strawberry plants are blooming like crazy. I hope in a few weeks to have some nice berries too.
    Marnie

  9. vintage girl at heart says

    Mmmm I bet they are so GOOD!!
    Nothing like fersh picked home grown warmed by the sun!!
    Enjoy!!
    Blessings!!
    Love your little table vignette!!

  11. Donna says

    Manuela,
    I one time we had a strawberry patch, however this year I have planted several plants in large pots and they have strawberries about to turn red! You are so right they taste better home grown!
    Blessings,
    Donna

  12. Darlene says

    OOOOoooo I LOVE the look of your strawberry bed!!!! I haven't ever tried growing them but now I REALLY want to!! I bet they are delicious. I usually get my strawberries from the Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings and yes, they are delicious!!!!!

  14. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    I may just try them, Manuela! I was going to do a tomato plant in one of those topsy turvy things {no one else eats tomatoes at my house so one plant is plenty}. Fresh strawberries for the picking right outside the back door would be wonderful!

  15. Leann says

    They look bursting with sweetness! We go to a local farm to pick our own. Then I make jam – yummo!

    Enjoy!
    Leann

  16. julie says

    I am so happy you posted about this. We tried planting strawberry plants a few years ago and everything was eaten (not by us!) before we could pick them. We decided to try again and last week planted four plants. Now I know to place the screen over them. Thank you! We may at last get to eat our own strawberries.

  17. dana says

    We used to grow strawberries at home when I was a kid. You are so right…you just can't beat the taste of homegrowns!! Your photos are great! dana

  18. Richella says

    I think a freshly picked strawberry is one of the very best-tasting things in the whole world. But I never would have thought of growing my own. Maybe I'll give it a try next spring–you've inspired me!

  19. Mrs.Rabe says

    Ours aren't quite ready to be harvested yet, but I can hardly wait!

    I love homegrown strawberries! Of course we still buy them locally or go to a pick your own as well, because our beds are not big enough to satisfy our strawberry love!

    With jam to make, fresh picked to eat, sugared berries for cake and whipped cream…well you get the idea!

    Enjoy those lovely berries!

  20. homesteader says

    That just made me happy looking at those strawberries. That is awesome that you grew them yourself! I am currently plotting a raised bed at our apartment, our growing season is just beginning here at the Pacific NW coast!

  21. Laurie Anne says

    Your beautiful bowl of berries look scrumptious and you're right, store bought doesn't taste as good as homegrown.
    Enjoy your berries! and your weekend! xo

  23. mizdarlin says

    Thanks for the netting reminder…used to grow them terraced on the side of a hill, now reduced to a balcony pot of them..but lots of birds here to take advantage, so I'll be getting netting soon!
    Gorgeous pics!

  24. Damaris says

    Mmm…YUMMY!! The pictures are BEAUTIFUL!! I love the colors of the colander!! XXOO

  25. Connie says

    Yuuuuum! Isn't it funny how the simple things in life are so gooooood, sugar?!
    xoxo,
    Connie

  26. Jennifer says

    Your berries look fabulous! This is the first year I have tried to grow my own, but I have yet to have one as my kids go and pick them right off the vines! I just love your gardens!

  27. Eileen@My Evergreen Place says

    Your strawberries look delicious! It reminds me of growing up when we had raspberry bushes. We would go out and pick them right off the bushes, eating them as we did. No need for a bowl that way! :0)

  28. Julie says

    I'm going to get the plants this weekend to put in the Topsy Turvy my son gave me for Mothers Day! Here's Hoping for yummy strawberries as good lookin as yours! Hugs..

  29. Bonita says

    We just got home from picking fresh strawberries at a farm! Love them! I want to grow my own one day too. Do you recommend any particular type?

  30. Linda says

    OH Manuela- this post was actually mouthwatering…brought back the taste of a just picked, warm strawberry! Thanks!

  31. Barb~Bella Vista says

    Manuela, they look so yummy. There's nothing like a juicy, red, ripe strawberry. Enjoy!

    Barb

  32. Laura says

    I'd love to try homegrown strawberries. It would be great to have a strawberry patch. Your strawberries look beautiful!

  33. Melissa Miller says

    Yum! Strawberries have become my new favorite fruit! Yours look really delicious Manuela.

    Have a good weekend. ~Melissa 🙂

  34. Kim@Seasons of My Heart says

    Your strawberries look delic!! Here in MN…they won't be ready until the middle/end of June. BOO

    Each 10 or 20 for me please. 🙂

  36. CarLe Etc. says

    Love your post…Beautiful strawberries,I just planted some plants and rhubarb too,but I live in Il. afraid mine won't look that good this year…haha. You mentioned a strawberry-rhubarb recipe,wondering if you could send me that or post it…thanks…love your blog.
    Blessings
    Carolyn

  37. Linda says

    I just love Strawberries! They are so yummy.

    All of these pictures really make my mouth water. (:>)

    You sure have an eye for beautiful things…just the bowl of strawberries has a simple beauty!

    Have a good day.

    Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

  38. Love the Decor! says

    i just love this time of year with all of the fresh fruit in season. Especially the strawberries!
    Have a great weekend Manuela!

  39. Storybook Woods says

    A perfect strawberry needs nothing. It is too early here for them but I am looking forward xoxox Clarice

  40. Flat Creek Farm says

    Yum! Beautiful, delicious home-grown strawberries. I'm off to raid my mom's strawberry bed ASAP! I love your strawberry bed set-up. Maybe, just maybe, I could handle caring for a bed that size. Thanks for sharing your berries! -Tammy

  43. Our really empty nest says

    Manuela, Your strawberries are gorgeous! We planted several plants last year and are having problems with ants eating our ripe berries, any hints to helping us, and can i ask how many years have you had your patch? Thanks, Sue

  44. HeathahLee says

    Love me some strawberries! Your pictures make me want some NOW! LOL!

    Have a great weekend!

  45. Susie Q says

    Oh Manuela! They look as delicious as they taste…well, as I imagine they taste!! What a sweet treat to have them growing in your very own yard!

    Have a sweet weekend!!

    Love,
    Sue

  46. The Working Home Keeper says

    We just went to pick strawberries at a local, organic farm on Mother's Day. I would really like to try to grow my own. I've read the plants don't produce until the second year. Is that true?

    Mary Ellen

  47. Happier Than a Pig in Mud says

    How wonderful! Mine are a couple weeks away yet, but I look forward to them. Great pics too!

  48. Nadine says

    Yum!
    We enjoyed strawberry shortcake today. Sadly not from homegrown, they are not quite ready yet! 🙂

    Blessings!
    ~Nadine

  49. Valerie @ itsonly100pounds says

    Oh, those strawberries look wonderful! I think I'll go buy a plant this weekend!

  50. Debbie @ ribbonwoodcottage.blogspot.com says

    Hi Sweet Friend! Love those strawberries…I agree with you that freshly grown berries are best. Just like fresh eggs, homemade bread….mmmmmm…
    We are getting ready to plant…have to wait till after chance of frost…just last night! I'm just itching to plant! Hahaha
    Have a blessed weekend. And I loved your other posts on your home and the beautiful red pots and beautiful flowers!
    Blessings,
    Debbie

  51. Julie Harward says

    I love them…could eat them constantly! I planted 76 plants once and the hub tilled them all up!
    PS…that bread recipe does not need gluten added…please don't do that to it! Just let it rise..takes about 35 min. to rise up! 😀

  52. Vee says

    They do look delicious and even more so in that lovely blue colander! Enjoy them, Manuela, for you deserve them after all your gardening efforts.

  53. Brenda says

    You have some very pretty berries. We just have blooms right now. Last year we had over 100 quarts of berries. We share a lot because there is just the 2 of us here.

  54. Mimi Sue says

    They look so yummy! You're so right nothing like a homegrown strawberry. Mimi

  55. jenjen says

    Ohhh, you are so right. Homegrown strawberries are so delightful! Yum!

    XOOXO
    Jen

  56. Kathleen Grace says

    We just planted berries last summer and they are blooming now. I can't wait for our own fresh strawberries:>)

  57. Terri and Bob says

    I used to have a huge strawberry bed and Bob just hated it. I didn't even mind feeding the birds! I am now buying my Missouri strawberries at the Farmer's Market. Maybe Bob would like it better if I used a net like you!

  58. Melanie says

    You always give me so much hope that I can grow anything:) If we move back down south to SC, I am going to try my hand at some things like you have.

    Happy weekend!

  59. Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita says

    Those look so good! And lucky for me, I did buy some so I don't have to crave them all day – I know they're not the same, but they'll have to do for now, or I'll have to come for a visit! lol!

  60. Donna says

    Your strawberries look delicious! I've been enjoying mine from the garden too. You're right….nothing like that home grown taste!

    Hugs,
    Donna

  61. A Gardner's Cottage says

    Hey Manuela,

    Mmmmmmmmmm those strawberries look wonderful and you are right nothing beats a homegrown strawberry!

    Did you get your trees planted? I must say I am a little jealous about the lemon tree.

    Have a great week end!
    ~Nancy~

  62. ~Lavender Dreamer~ says

    There's nothing as good as a home grown strawberry! Enjoy your harvest!

  63. Kristi says

    HI Manuela! I am new here, although I think I have been here before, your name sounds SO familiar! Anyway, I lOVE your blog and we have VERY similiar taste because I absolutely love your home!
    And I couldn't agree more with you about the strawberries!!! Homegrown are the BEST hands down! I have raised beds like you do (square foot gardening) and love it! So east and wonderful! Look forward to seeing more of you blog 🙂
    Kristi

  64. Jenni @ nest to keep says

    Hi Manuela~
    Your strawberries do look delicious! I have never tried to grow my own; maybe someday I will try to! 🙂 I always love seeing your garden, and what you are growing in it!

    I hope you are having a beautiful weekend!

  65. manitoba stitches says

    I love your blog. You are so lucky to already have strawberries. I just bought my plants- how many did you start with? I have picked up 12 June bearing- enough?

  66. Cindy says

    I don't have a place to grow strawberries, but I do grow rhubarb and mix it with frozen strawberries and wa-la~ a delicious crisp. I made one for us last Wednesday and one for our Pastor and his family. It was SO good!
    I also noticed the recipe for bread, I shall have to try that recipe, I love making bread and that looks interesting.

  67. Brenda@Cozy Little House says

    Here I eat strawberries on my cereal every morning. Yet I have scarcely thought of buying some plants to grow my own!
    Brenda

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