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Healthy Apple Butter Recipe

Healthy Apple Butter Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 13 reviews
  • Author: Naomi
  • Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: About 3 cups 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Healthy Apple Butter recipe is a naturally sweetened, slow-cooked fruit spread made from whole apples and warm spices. It’s perfect as a wholesome topping for toast, oatmeal, or yogurt, and contains no added sugars or preservatives. The slow cooking process caramelizes the apples, creating a rich, smooth, and flavorful spread that’s great for breakfast or snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples

  • 6 medium sweet apples (Gala or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced (not peeled)

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

  1. Prepare Apples: Core and slice the apples without peeling them to retain fiber and nutrients, then place them into a large slow cooker or crock-pot.
  2. Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the apple cider vinegar (or water) and add all the spices, including cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir well to combine.
  3. Slow Cook Apples: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on low for 5 to 6 hours. During this time, the liquid will reduce, and the apples will soften and darken in color, releasing a delicious aroma.
  4. Puree the Mixture: Once the apples are thoroughly softened, turn off the slow cooker. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer the apples to a blender and puree until completely smooth.
  5. Thicken and Caramelize: Turn the slow cooker back on to high, leaving it uncovered, and heat the pureed apple butter for 1 to 2 hours. This step thickens the apple butter and enhances its caramel flavor.
  6. Cool and Store: Turn off the slow cooker and allow the apple butter to cool for 30 minutes before transferring it to airtight containers or jars. Let it cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating.
  7. Storage Tips: Store the apple butter in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for up to one year for longer preservation.

Notes

  • You can use an equal amount of water instead of apple cider vinegar if you prefer a milder tang.
  • Leave the apple skins on for added fiber and nutrients; they soften during cooking and blend easily.
  • To make a smoother apple butter, strain through a fine sieve after blending if desired.
  • Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.
  • Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on your slow cooker’s temperature settings.
  • This recipe contains no added sugars, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought apple butter.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours
  • Category: Spread
  • Method: Slow Cooking and Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (32g)
  • Calories: 45
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Fat: 0.1g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Protein: 0.2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: apple butter, healthy apple butter, slow cooker apple butter, homemade apple spread, low sugar apple butter

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Find it online: https://naomifletcher.com/healthy-apple-butter-recipe/