The first spoonful of this silky apple butter tastes like autumn wrapped in a jar. Sweet apples warm cinnamon and a slow simmer transform into a thick spreadable treat all without a single spoonful of sugar. You’ll want to slather it on toast swirl it into oatmeal and sneak it straight from the jar.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Apple Butter
There’s something magical about homemade apple butter. Here’s why this version deserves a spot in your kitchen
It’s naturally sweet made only with apples and cozy spices
Both the slow cooker and stovetop methods are easy and hands off
It fills your home with the most irresistible fall aroma
You can freeze it and enjoy those autumn vibes all year long
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple pantry staples
6 medium apples Gala Honeycrisp or Fuji work beautifully
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or water
1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of sea salt
Step by Step Instructions
Slow Cooker Method
Core and slice apples no need to peel Toss them into your slow cooker
Add vinegar or water sprinkle in spices and stir
Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours until the apples are deep brown and melt in your mouth soft
Blend with an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a blender until silky smooth
Cook uncovered on high for 1 to 2 hours to thicken into buttery perfection
Stovetop Method
Add apples vinegar or water and spices to a large pot
Simmer on medium low stirring occasionally until apples are tender and fragrant
Blend until smooth
Return to the pot and cook on low stirring often until thick and caramelized
How to Use Healthy Apple Butter
This versatile spread isn’t just for toast
Spread it on warm bread bagels or biscuits
Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt bowls
Dollop onto pancakes or waffles
Spoon into baked goods before baking
Pair with cheese on a snack board
Brush on chicken or pork during the last few minutes of cooking
How to Store and Freeze It
Homemade apple butter keeps beautifully when stored properly
In the fridge 3 weeks in an airtight jar
In the freezer up to 1 year leave a little room in jars for expansion
As a gift tie a ribbon around a jar for a thoughtful fall surprise
Tips and Variations
Leave the peels on for extra flavor and fiber
Adjust spices add more cinnamon for warmth or a pinch of ginger for a spicy kick
If your apples are very tart stir in a drizzle of maple syrup
Double the recipe if you’d like to can and preserve jars for the pantry
FAQ Healthy Apple Butter
Can I use any apple variety
Yes sweet apples like Gala or Fuji give the best results but you can mix in tart ones for balance
Do I need to peel the apples
Nope the skins soften while cooking and blend in smoothly
Can I can this recipe
Yes just double the batch and follow proper water bath canning instructions
This healthy apple butter is like autumn comfort in a jar Try it share it and let it cozy up your breakfasts and desserts
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Healthy Apple Butter
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
Description
The first spoonful of this silky apple butter tastes like autumn wrapped in a jar. Sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and a slow simmer transform into a thick, spreadable treat all without a single spoonful of sugar. You’ll want to slather it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, and sneak it straight from the jar.
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples (Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or water
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Slow Cooker Method:
- Core and slice apples (no need to peel) and place in slow cooker.
- Add vinegar or water, sprinkle in spices, and stir.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours until apples are deep brown and soft.
- Blend until smooth using immersion blender or regular blender.
- Cook uncovered on high for 1 to 2 hours until thickened.
- Stovetop Method:
- Add apples, vinegar or water, and spices to a large pot.
- Simmer on medium-low, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and fragrant.
- Blend until smooth, then return to pot and cook on low until thick and caramelized, stirring often.
Notes
Leave the peels on for extra flavor and fiber. Add a drizzle of maple syrup if apples are too tart. Adjust spices to taste. This apple butter is freezer-friendly, and also perfect for gifting. Try spooning it over warm apple fritters or swirling into your morning oats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Slow Cooker or Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg