Healthy Apple Butter in a Slow Cooker

Abby Marlow

This healthy apple butter is naturally sweetened with apples and warm spices. It's slow-cooked to a thick, caramelized spread—perfect for toast, oatmeal, or gifting in jars. A cozy, beginner-friendly recipe with zero added sugar.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 7

Total Time 7 15

Course Condiment, Spreads

Cuisine American

Servings 3 cups

Calories 35 kcal

Ingredients

6 medium Gala or Honeycrisp apples cored and sliced (unpeeled)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or water
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

Place the cored and sliced apples into a large slow cooker (skins on).
Add apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours, until apples are very soft and dark in color.
Turn off the slow cooker and blend the mixture using an immersion blender (or transfer to a standard blender) until smooth.
Turn the slow cooker to high and cook uncovered for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thick and caramelized.
Turn off heat and let the apple butter cool for 30 minutes.
Transfer to jars or containers and cool completely before refrigerating.
Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 1 year.

Notes

For thicker texture, extend uncovered cooking time. To add a twist, stir in a tablespoon of maple syrup or vanilla at the end. This healthy apple butter makes a great homemade gift!

Keyword crockpot apple butter, healthy apple butter, homemade fruit spread, slow cooker apple butter, sugar free apple butter