Healthy Apple Butter Recipe

Introduction

This healthy apple butter is a deliciously smooth and fragrant spread made from sweet apples and warm spices. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s a naturally sweet treat perfect for toast, oatmeal, or as a flavorful ingredient in recipes.

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples (choose a sweet variety like Gala or Honeycrisp)
• 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

1. Step 1: Core and slice the apples, leaving the peel on, and place them in a large slow cooker or crock-pot.
2. Step 2: Add the apple cider vinegar (or water), ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
3. Step 3: When the apples are very soft and the liquid has reduced, turn off the slow cooker. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, transfer carefully to a blender and blend until completely smooth.
4. Step 4: Turn the slow cooker to high and cook the pureed apple mixture uncovered for 1 to 2 hours. This thickens and caramelizes the apple butter.
5. Step 5: Once the apple butter has reached your desired consistency, turn off the slow cooker and let it cool for 30 minutes. Transfer to airtight containers or jars.
6. Step 6: Allow the apple butter to cool completely before refrigerating.

Tips & Variations

• For a chunkier texture, pulse the apples less when pureeing, leaving some small pieces.
• Try adding a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey if you prefer a sweeter apple butter.
• Experiment with adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
• Use different apple varieties for varied sweetness and tartness.

Storage

Store the apple butter in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it for up to one year. Thaw frozen apple butter in the fridge and stir well before using. It reheats nicely on the stovetop or microwave if you prefer it warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I need to peel the apples?

No, you don’t need to peel the apples. Keeping the peel on adds nutrients and helps with the texture and color of the apple butter.

Can I make apple butter without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the apples on the stovetop in a heavy pot over low heat. Stir regularly and cook until the apples are soft and the mixture thickens, which may take a bit more attention than using a slow cooker.

Healthy Apple Butter Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 125 reviews

This healthy apple butter recipe uses naturally sweet apples and warming spices, slow-cooked to develop deep, rich flavors without added sugars. It’s an easy way to enjoy a deliciously smooth and spreadable fruit spread perfect for toast, yogurt, or baking.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 2 cups of apple butter 1x
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Fruits

• 6 medium apples (choose a sweet variety like Gala or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced, unpeeled

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, leaving the skins on for extra fiber and nutrients.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the sliced apples into a large slow cooker or crock-pot. Add the apple cider vinegar or water and all the spices including cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir to mix everything evenly.
3. Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours. During this time, the apples will soften, the liquid will reduce, and the mixture will darken, releasing a wonderful aroma.
4. Puree the Apples: Turn off the slow cooker and use an immersion blender to puree the soft apples until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the apple mixture carefully to a blender and blend thoroughly to achieve a smooth consistency.
5. Thicken the Apple Butter: Turn the slow cooker back on to high, uncovered, and cook the pureed apples for an additional 1 to 2 hours. This step helps to thicken the apple butter and develop deeper caramelized flavors.
6. Cool and Store: Turn off the slow cooker and let the apple butter cool for about 30 minutes. Transfer it into airtight containers or jars, and let it cool completely before refrigerating. The apple butter keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or can be frozen for up to a year.

Notes

• Unpeeled apples add natural pectin which helps thicken the apple butter.
• Adjust spice amounts according to your taste preferences.
• Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.
• Ensure the apple butter is completely cooled before sealing jars to avoid condensation.
• Use apple cider vinegar to add a mild tang and help with preservation, or substitute with water if preferred.

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