Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Healthy Homemade Apple Butter Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 33 reviews

This healthy homemade apple butter is made in the slow cooker without any added sugar, using sweet apples and warm spices. It’s a naturally sweet, smooth spread perfect for toast, oatmeal, or as a flavorful addition to various dishes.

  • Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

Fruits

  • 6 medium apples, choose a sweet variety like Gala or Honeycrisp, cored and sliced (not peeled)

Liquids

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, or water

Spices & Flavorings

  • 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare Apples: Core and slice the apples without peeling them. Place them into a large slow cooker or crock-pot.
  2. Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the apple cider vinegar or water and add the ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir all ingredients together to combine evenly.
  3. Cook Apples: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on low heat for 5 to 6 hours. During this time, the liquid will gradually reduce and the apples will become very soft, dark in color, and fragrant.
  4. Puree the Apples: Turn the slow cooker off. Use an immersion blender directly in the cooker to puree the apple mixture until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the cooked apples to a blender and blend until completely smooth.
  5. Thicken the Apple Butter: Turn the slow cooker on high, leaving it uncovered. Cook the pureed apple butter for 1 to 2 hours to help it thicken and caramelize slightly for rich flavor.
  6. Cool and Store: Once the apple butter has reached your desired consistency, turn off the slow cooker and allow it to cool for 30 minutes. Transfer the cooled apple butter into airtight containers or jars, and let it cool completely before refrigerating.
  7. Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to a year to retain freshness and flavor.

Notes

  • Choose naturally sweet apple varieties such as Gala or Honeycrisp for the best flavor without added sugar.
  • Do not peel the apples; the skin adds nutrients and helps deepen the color.
  • Using apple cider vinegar adds a subtle tang and helps preserve the apple butter.
  • An immersion blender is convenient for pureeing directly in the slow cooker; if unavailable, a countertop blender works well.
  • Cooking the apple butter uncovered on high at the end enhances caramelization and thickens the texture.
  • Let the apple butter cool completely before sealing containers to avoid condensation that may spoil it.
  • Freezing portions is ideal for long-term storage and easy use later.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours
  • Category: Spread
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/healthy-homemade-apple-butter-recipe/