Healthy Apple Butter
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
7 hrs
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Servings
1 1/2 cups
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Calories
51 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
American
Healthy Apple Butter
Description
This Healthy Apple Butter recipe transforms six medium sweet apples into a velvety fruit spread using a slow cooker. The apples are cored and sliced but left unpeeled, then combined with apple cider vinegar or water and warm spices—cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Cooking the mixture on low for 5-6 hours softens the apples while concentrating their sweetness and flavor.
After pureeing the fruit to a smooth texture, the apple butter is reheated uncovered to thicken further and enhance caramelization. This careful slow cooking and finishing step results in a spread with a deep amber color and layered spices balanced by vanilla and a hint of acidity from the vinegar.
Once cooled, this apple butter can be stored in airtight containers and refrigerated for up to three weeks. It works well on toast, stirred into oatmeal, or as a flavorful addition to yogurt and baked goods. The recipe’s use of whole apples with skin and minimal sweeteners keeps it wholesome and packed with natural apple essence.
For those interested in canning, doubling the batch and following proper canning instructions allows for longer-term storage.
Ingredients
- 6 apple choose a sweet variety like Gala or Honeycrisp, medium
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or water
- 1/2 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves ground
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Place cored and sliced apples (not peeled) into a large slow cooker or crock-pot.
- Add apple cider vinegar (or water) and spices. Stir all ingredients together, cover and let it cook for 5-6 hours on low.
- The liquid will reduce and the apples will be very soft, dark in color and smell heavenly. Turn the slow cooker off and then use an immersion blender to puree the apples until smooth. Another option is to carefully transfer the apples to a blender and blend until completely smooth.
- Once the apples are pureed, turn the slow cooker on high and heat the apple butter for 1-2 hours, uncovered. This will help it thicken and caramelize.
- Once the apple butter is the consistency you like, turn off the slow cooker and let the apple butter cool for 30 minutes before transferring into airtight containers for storage. Let the apple butter cool completely in the containers or jars before placing in the fridge.
- For storage: apple butter will keep in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or up to a year the freezer.
Notes
- This apple butter keeps refrigerated for up to three weeks in airtight containers.
- You can make a doubled batch and preserve it by following proper canning instructions for apple butter.
- Use sweet apple varieties like Gala or Honeycrisp for a naturally sweeter spread without added sugar.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 11/2 cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 51 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2tablespoons | |
| Calories | 51kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 14g | 5% |
| Sodium | 13mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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