This healthy slow cooker apple butter recipe has NO ADDED SUGAR making it whole30 and paleo compliant while also being super easy.
Updated 2018
Cooked apples – the smell of autumn. That’s what your house will smell like when you make this recipe. I mean this as a good thing of course. There isn’t actual butter in apple butter, it’s just a name. It’s very similar to applesauce except it cooks longer (usually with sugar) until it turns a deep brown color. It’s concentrated applesauce – perfect for slow cooking. I used red delicious apples. My only suggestion is that you use a sweet apple since a sweetener is not added.
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before
No added sugar. That’s right no sugar, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup. Nothing, nada. Since there is no added sugar in the recipe, I recommend using a sweet apple. Gala or red delicious are personal favorites. No, you don’t need more liquid outside of the tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Trust me, you don’t want watery apple butter.
after
IF you really want to make this sweeter, you do not need to add sugar. Add a few dates instead to keep it whole30. Dates not only work well as a natural sweetener but they will blend and process down with the consistency of the apples while they slow cook. For paleo, maybe a bit of honey or natural maple syrup.
I used an immersion blender
You leave the skin on the apples. Could this recipe any simpler? The skin has tons of nutrients why peel it off? And by the way, who cares if your apples start to brown; they’re going to get mashed up anyway.The apples will be so tender you can mash them up with a potato masher. An immersion blender (seen here) or a food processor can also be used.
Slow Cooker Apple Butter (Paleo,Whole30)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 5 minutes 4 hours
- Yield: 3 cups
Ingredients
- 3 lbs apples, cored
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
- Cook HIGH 3-4 hours or LOW 6-8 or until apples are soft.
- Use an immersion blender or food processor blend until you achieve desired consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Use this as a spread or eat it with a spoon as a snack! Store in your frig for up to 5 days or in your freezer for approximately 6 months. To thaw frozen apple butter, placing the frozen container in the refrigerator overnight.
PIN FOR LATER
No adjustments were needed to the recipe you shared and this Apple Butter did not disappoint! I used the gala apples and they were the perfect amount of sweetness. A potato masher worked wonderfully too as the apples were so soft. I spread mine on a buttered whole wheat english muffin, oh my! So good!! Thank you so much for sharing with us.
Sounds fantastic! You’re very welcome, I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe.
This turned out really really yummy! And SO EASY! I had quite a few bruised apples to use up, and this recipe was perfect for it. Once it was all cooked down and pureed, my apple butter filled a quart sized jar and tasted wonderful!
I’m beyond thrilled to hear you enjoyed it!