No Sugar Crock Pot Apple Butter

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple butter is easy to make in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to develop over several hours. Using naturally sweet apples and apple juice means no refined sugar is needed, yet it’s deeply flavorful. The spices cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla bring warmth and complexity to every spoonful.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 10–12 organic apples, cored, peeled, and sliced
• 1 cup organic apple juice or cider (no added sugar)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• Pinch of fine sea salt

Directions

1. Place the sliced apples in a slow cooker.
2. Add apple juice, lemon juice, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and mixture is thickened.
4. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree until smooth.
5. Continue to cook on low uncovered for 30–60 minutes to thicken further, stirring occasionally.
6. Let cool slightly before transferring to jars or an airtight container.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 4–5 cups of apple butter.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8–10 hours
Total time: 8–10 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Add a pinch of ginger or allspice for extra warmth.
• Include a few apple slices of a sweeter variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a more naturally sweet apple butter.
• Make it spicier by increasing cinnamon or cloves slightly.
• Stir in a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate-apple twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. For long-term storage, can in sterilized jars using a water bath canning method. Reheat gently before spreading if desired.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples?

Yes, thaw completely before cooking.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling helps create a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on for a more rustic spread.

Can I make this on the stove instead of a crock pot?

Yes, cook on low in a heavy saucepan for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally until thickened.

How do I know when the apple butter is done?

It should be thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon and spread easily.

Can I freeze apple butter?

Yes, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.

Conclusion

No Sugar Crock Pot Apple Butter is a wholesome, naturally sweet, and comforting spread that captures the essence of autumn. Easy to make and full of warm spice, it’s perfect for toast, baking, or gifting during the holidays.

No Sugar Crock Pot Apple Butter

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No Sugar Crock Pot Apple Butter is a naturally sweet, slow-cooked spread made with fresh apples and warm spices without any added sugar. Thick, velvety, and full of cozy fall flavor, it’s perfect for toast, oatmeal, or baking.

• Author: Julia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8–10 hours
• Total Time: 8–10 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4–5 cups
• Category: Spread / Apple Butter
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

10–12 organic apples, cored, peeled, and sliced

1 cup organic apple juice or cider (no added sugar)

1 teaspoon lemon juice

½ teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Pinch of fine sea salt

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Instructions

1. Place sliced apples in a slow cooker.
2. Add apple juice, lemon juice, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and mixture thickened.
4. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree until smooth.
5. Continue to cook on low uncovered for 30–60 minutes to thicken further, stirring occasionally.
6. Let cool slightly before transferring to jars or an airtight container.

Notes

Add a pinch of ginger or allspice for extra warmth.

Include sweeter apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for more natural sweetness.

Make it spicier by increasing cinnamon or cloves slightly.

Stir in a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate-apple twist.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
• Calories: 50
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg