Healthy Apple Butter Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- Prepare Apples: Core and slice the apples, leaving the skins on for extra fiber and nutrients.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Keywords: apple butter, healthy apple butter, slow cooker apple butter, no added sugar apple spread, autumn recipes, cinnamon apple butter
Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/healthy-apple-butter-recipe/
