Slow Cooker Apple Chutney is a sweet, spiced chutney that is easy to make in your slow cooker. There are no onions in this chutney but it still has a distinctive rich savoury flavour that pairs perfectly with grilled meat, cheese and cold cuts.

Why should I make Slow Cooker Apple Chutney?

Everyone needs an apple chutney recipe in their repertoire. It’s a great way to use a glut of apples if you or your neighbours have an apple tree. But apples are also available all year round so you can easily make a batch of this chutney no matter the season.

It you are unable to eat onions or you just don’t like them, then chutney is often off the menu as most recipes contain onions. This recipe contains garlic powder to give a savoury note, but there are no onions.

Why make chutney in my slow cooker?

I make this chutney in my slow cooker for sheer convenience. All the ingredients go into the slow cooker and then you just have to leave it until it is thick and it’s ready to go into the jars.

I use a 6.5 litre Morphy Richards Sear and Stew slow cooker but please bear in mind that not all slow cookers are the same. If your chutney is still too wet after the time stated in the recipe, then you might have to put it on HIGH for a time to get the right consistency. If you are in a hurry, you can finish the chutney off on the stove.

What ingredients do I need to make Slow Cooker Apple Chutney?

You need a combination of fresh and dried fruit, spices, sugar and vinegar. All of these are readily available in supermarkets and you may already have some in your larder and fridge. Here is what you need:

Apples
Sugar
Raisins
Garlic Powder
Mixed Spice
Cayenne Pepper
Salt
Vinegar
Ginger preserved in syrup

A full list of quantities and cup conversions is located in the recipe card at the bottom of this article.

What kind of apples should I use?

You can use any kind of apples to make this chutney. I prefer to use sharp tasting apples in because the sharpness contrasts with the sweet dried fruit. Apples such as Bramley Seedling and Granny Smith are both sharp apples and would work well.

What kind of sugar do I need for the apple chutney?

I use soft light brown sugar for the chutney. Light brown sugar adds an extra caramel sweetness to the chutney but still allows the flavour of the apples to come through.

Can I substitute white sugar?

if you don’t have light brown sugar then you can use white granulated sugar. I don’t recommend dark brown sugar for this recipe as it’s flavour is more intense and will overpower the other ingredients.

I don’t have any raisins, can I use sultanas?

Sultanas or ‘golden raisins’ are a good substitute for raisins and will work well in the chutney. If you don’t have either of these then you might want to check out my recipe for Slow Cooker Date and Apple Chutney and my Apple and Apricot Chutney. As these both use different dried fruits with apples.

Why should I use garlic powder rather than fresh garlic?

Garlic powder is widely available in supermarkets and other stores. I use it for convenience but also because fresh garlic can sometimes react to slow cooking and turn a strange green-blue colour.

If you prefer to use fresh garlic then make sure that you crush it finely and cook it in a little oil before adding to your slow cooker. This should prevent any colour changes.

What is mixed spice?

Mixed Spice is readily available in UK supermarkets and baking suppliers. It is a combination of the following ground spices:

allspice
cinnamon
nutmeg
mace
cloves
coriander
ginger

If you can’t source ready-made mixed spice you can make your own.

What is cayenne pepper?

Ground cayenne pepper is a medium hot chilli spice powder that adds a little kick to your chutney. If you don’t have any cayenne pepper you can leave it out of the recipe or substitute another type of ground chilli, but do be careful of the heat level.

What kind of vinegar should I use to make Slow Cooker Apple Chutney?

You can use most types of vinegar for this chutney. It’s traditional to use brown malt vinegar but cider vinegar or wine vinegar will work equally well. You can also use my homemade Spiced Pickling Vinegar which is really quick an easy to make and let’s you decide which spices and how much spice you want to add.

However, do not use ‘non-brewed condiment’ as this ‘vinegar’ may be fine for your fish and chips but it’s not suitable for preserving.

What is ginger preserved in syrup?

This is fresh ginger root that has been peeled, boiled and soaked in sugar syrup. It is sweet and sticky and adds a really delicious warmth to the chutney. Stem ginger preserved in syrup is easily available in the baking section of the supermarket.

How many jars of apple chutney does this recipe make?

You will make five to six jars of apple chutney with this recipe. A lot depends on the size of your jars. If I plan to give some as gifts I often put some in smaller jars than I would for our own larder.

Can I make a larger batch of Slow Cooker Date and Apple Chutney?

I don’t recommend making a larger batch of this chutney in your slow cooker as the timing is likely to change and I have not tested it. If you need more then it is better to make another batch.

How soon can I serve the chutney?

You can eat this chutney immediately, but it will be a little sharp as the vinegar won’t have mellowed. Most homemade chutney improves after two to three months as the flavours combine. After one month the chutney will have a more balanced flavour and it will improve even more after 3 months.

How should I store the chutney?

Store the jars of chutney in a cool place, preferably out of sunlight. Slow Cooker Apple Chutney will keep for up to 12 months unopened. Once you open the jar, store it in the fridge where it will keep for about 3 months.

How do I sterilise the glass jars?

Find out why you should sterilise your glass jars and about the different methods you can use to sterilise bottles and jars in this article.

Do I need to water bath the jars of chutney?

I don’t water bath my chutney, jams or jellies. It is not common practice to water bath preserves in the UK. Sterilise your jars correctly and store as recommended and there is no need to water bath this Slow Cooker Apple Chutney.

Vegetarian

This chutney is suitable for a vegetarian diet.

Gluten Free

Slow Cooker Apple Chutney is suitalbe for a GF diet, however please do check that the spices and other ready made ingredients do not contain gluten and meet your dietary requirements.

For more information regarding any dietary information provided on this website, please refer to my Nutritional Disclaimer.

How should I serve Slow Cooker Apple Chutney?

Slow Cooker Apple Chutney is a versatile condiment that brings a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavour to a variety of dishes. Here are some different ways to serve it:

Pair apple chutney with an assortment of British cheeses such as mature cheddar, Stilton, or Wensleydale.
It goes well with traditional pork pies and a selection of fresh fruits for an impressive Ploughman’s lunch platter.
Serve the chutney with sliced ham, roast beef, turkey, or cold cuts.
Apple chutney pairs beautifully with roast pork, pork chops, or sausages, enhancing the savoury flavours with its sweet and tangy notes.
Add a spoonful to cheese or ham sandwiches, or try it in a toastie with cheddar for a warming, flavourful lunch.
Incorporate apple chutney on the side of your curry dishes to provide a cooling, fruity contrast to spicy mains.
Serve it alongside vegetarian dishes such as nut roasts, grilled halloumi, or roasted vegetables to add a burst of flavour.
Spread a little chutney on beef, lamb, or veggie burgers for a gourmet twist.

Give as a gift!

Slow Cooker Apple Chutney also makes a great gift. Use pretty jars and add a fabric cover for the lid tied with a ribbon, if liked.