Thick, creamy, and sweet Slow Cooker Apple Butter with no peeling required! All those freshly picked apples cooked down in the crock-pot for a perfect sweet and aromatic spread recipe that’s gluten-free, vegan, paleo, and allergy-free!
I did it guys! The long awaited APPLE BUTTER! I am so excited to share the whole story with you…finally! Now you can make this bundt cake with some proper “butter” and I get to tell you about my apple picking experience (if you can even call it that!) This apple butter is not as quick as the slow cooker pumpkin butter I’ll be sharing next week, but it IS just as delicious (so it’s worth it!)
But before the recipe, let’s talk about apple picking! (Photos for proof!) My mom picked my up early in the morning a few Saturdays ago, early so we could beat the seasonal crowds and get a head start before the “kiddos” and their families take over the orchard. No matter, there were still people there, but we did beat most of the crowds. I’d been apple picking once or twice before when I was younger and I remember hating the apples when we brought them home because they didn’t have the “waxy” shine on them like they do at the stores! Haha, if only I knew better back then!
A lot of the rows were picked clean! Literally no Fuji in sight, but the Cortland and Red Delicious were plentiful! I’m pretty sure my 6lbs of apples were a combo of Cortland, Red Delicious, Macoun, Jonagold, and Empire (I think). Note that you can have any combo of 6lbs of apples for this recipe. Anything sweet (i.e. not Granny Smith!) We were done gathering the apples in like 20 minutes and then we headed back to pay and of course pick up some cute baby pumpkins from the market store! After all these years of wanting to go apple picking, it was a bit lackluster, but hey, I got what I came for (and felt very fall-esque!)
All those apples I brought home, reduced down to just about 4-5 cups of apple butter! To make apple butter you’re basically making my slow cooker applesauce, blending it up smooth, and then cooking it down again. This entire process takes about 8-10 hours depending. The apple butter thickens up even more overnight once you put it away in the fridge, so I stopped mine at 9 hours because…I had to go to sleep!
Did I mention there is NO peeling required for this apple butter? That would be a sad nutrient and food waste! You just need to cut the apples up into chunks (cut out the stem and seeds), throw them in a wide and large slow cooker with some sugar and spices, and let it do its thing! You don’t have to babysit this all day, but you do need to watch it and mix every so often. I cook this on high so we don’t want anything to burn! Read the recipe fully and you’ll understand! I’m giving you the low (almost no) sugar version in the notes as well; your call!
Other Fruit Butter Recipes:
Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Slow Cooker Apple Butter (No Peeling!)
Thick, creamy, and sweet Slow Cooker Apple Butter with no peeling required! All those freshly picked apples cooked down in the crock-pot for a perfect sweet and aromatic spread recipe that’s gluten-free, vegan, paleo, and allergy-free!
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours
- Yield: 4-5 Cups 1x
- Category: Condiment, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 lbs Apples (cubed, cores and stems removed)
- 3/4 Cup Erythritol (or preferred granulated sweetner)
- 3/4 Cup Erythritol Brown Sugar (or preferred Dark Brown Sugar)
- 2 Tsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 Tsp Cinnamon
- 3/4 Tsp Ground Allspice
- 1/2 Tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 1/2 Tsp Ground Cloves
- Optional Flavor: 1 Tsp Vanilla or Maple Extract
Instructions
- Place the cubed apple in a large slow cooker and put the rest of the ingredients right on top of the apples.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, no mixing required at this time.
- After 4 hours, remove the lid and mash the apples a bit before carefully transferring into a large blender. Blend the mixture until completely smooth.
- Add the mixture back into the slow cooker with the cover slightly ajar and cook on high for another 4-5 hours until thick, mixing every 30 minutes or so.
- Allow it to cool a bit before storing in glass jars and refrigerating for 3-4 weeks.
Spread this on toast, bagels, use it for sandwiches, swirl it in oatmeal, and of course that bundt! Don’t forget to gift some for a special loved one in your life too 😉 Now, with apple butter and the pumpkin butter I’ll be sharing next week, the last thing I need to do this season is…PEAR BUTTER! Be on the lookout my fruit butter friends 😉
So tell me:
+ Have you done apple picking yet this year? Do you make it a tradition?
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Elaine Wordsworth
I made this today. It’s awesome and easy. I use the pre-sliced apples from Sam’s, and use Apple Pie Spice. They worked beautifully. This was easy and so good. I had 11- 8oz jars. Ok
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Perfect! I’m glad you made it work for you (and even easier!) Woohoo!
christine wilson
As I was beginning to peel apples when looking at another recipe for apple butter, I thought what a shame to lose the nutrients and pectin from the peels. Did a google search and found this recipe plus so much more on Celiac and food allergies.
It is now finishing the process in the crock pot, and I am already eating some!
The taste, texture and spices are perfect. This is my first time making apple butter, and thanks to this recipe, won’t be the last!
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I am so glad you loved it! So simple, right? Never a reason to peel the apples and it still comes out so smooth, delicious, and packed with extra fiber and nutrition too!
Becki
I really wanted to post that I made this… I halved it due to only having 3lbs of apples, but I followed it directly. I look to see comments of results and I saw lots of “looks” yummy, but few results. This recipe is absolutely fabulous and easy!! I posted a photo as well. Mine turned out so smooth with the use of my immersion blender at the 4 hour point. I can’t imagine why anyone would go through all that trouble to peel their apples. I paid $2 for my apples and created a priceless batch of Apple butter that could never be found on a shelf in a package. Thank you so much for sharing you knowledge!!
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Glad to hear you enjoyed!
Ruby Kidd
I had to go to my oldest son’s football game right after the blending stage, so I put it on low so it won’t burn while I’m gone, and I’m going to be putting it through a water bath canning process when done. I’ll let you know how that works out for us.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Alright.
Ruby
I’m eating my delicious apple butter on toast right now, and I just remembered that I didn’t update on how it worked out for me. Putting it on low during the football game worked out great, I stirred it when I got back and it was the perfect consistency. I was actually able to get nearly 8 1/2 pint jars this way and they worked great in the water bath so I can ship them to out of town family and store for up to a year, like they’re going to last that long (😉)!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
So glad to hear it worked out for you, Ruby! Enjoy!
Ceslie
Hi! I love this recipe and was thinking about canning for the year. How did it do after canning for the year? And can you let me know what type of process you used to can? Water bath? Thanks!!
Ruby
I still have a couple small jars and they’re still delicious! In my second batch I cut the sugar in half because my kids said it was a little on the sweet side. Yes, I used a water bath to can them. This comment made me remember that I NEED to make another batch!
Jenni
Apple picking is one of my favorite fall activities! And I LOVE apple butter! Love this easy recipe – especially because you don’t need to peel the apples! Perfect!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! I hope it will be a new tradition 🙂
Mel
You had me at ‘no peeling!’
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Super easy!
Laura @ Fantastically Four
This is such a perfect fall recipe! It just wouldn’t have occurred to me to make my own apple butter, but you have me thinking about it now. Pinned! 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well it is a must now!
Lee MacArthur
Looks great. I’ve got to try it. Thank you.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Enjoy!
Stefanie
This sounds delicious! We just found out my 4 year old son has Celiac Disease, so I’m on the lookout for lots of gluten-free recipes!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You came to the right place!
Linda from Veganosity
I love that you don’t peel the apples for this recipe. Saves so much time!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I’d probably cut my finger off too! Haha!
Marie Moody
I’ve seen a lot of recipes that bloggers post, but this one I’m finally going to try. It looks yummy & I’m sure my grandchildren will love this. Thanks for sharing! hugs
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I know they will!
Hil
This looks so tasty! I love home made apple sauce in the Fall!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This is apple butter 🙂
Tracy @ Our Simple Homestead
This a great recipe to have for fall. I have pinned this and definitely will be trying it soon.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Let me know how it comes out for you!
Choclette
Making apple butter in a slow cooker makes so much sense. I made it once by hand and after several hours of constant stirring, I swore I’d never make it again!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That would be horrid torture! Haha!
Nadia
Apple picking sounds so much fun! The apple butter looks amazing and so does the apple bundt cake 😀 love that you didn’t peel the apples. Those skins really are the best part 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yup! Thanks!
frank
Wait apple butter? i haven’t heard about that xp but it looks delicious and worth the time of cooking. It take so much time to do it but will try it because it worth it :))
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Takes time, but YOU don’t have to do much but wait!
frank
That’s awesome :))
Mel | avirtualvegan.com
Such a lovely fall recipe and I love that you don’t have to peel the apples!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
All the better, eh? 🙂
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite
Yum. I love apple butter! Great fall recipe.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Nicole
Again, you come up with great tips to make these traditional fall foods easier and tastier. I’ve make apple and pumpkin butters for awhile in my crock w/instructions from a local farm…but I never thought to take the apples out at chunky stage and blend them to smooth goodness. Thanks!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It’s the only way to make apple butter…
Rebecca Smith
I’ve seen a few recipes for apple butter and I’m fascinated, never heard of it before, must actually get around to making this thanks for sharing it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is so yummy for Fall!
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy
This homemade apple butter sounds delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Sure is!
Stephanie Sobotka
Pinned this and can’t wait to try!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Let me know how it comes out!
Carley
This looks absolutely amazing! I can’t wait to make it over the weekend.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you enjoy!
Tiffany
I can’t wait to try this! And give some to the neighbors, what a fun idea!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! A great gift!
Emily Anne
This looks absolutely incredible!!! I’m running to the store to buy all of the ingredients!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you mean the apple orchard!
Vicky
That looks yummy! Im always buying apple sauce, maybe its time to try making my own 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Applesauce is different than apple butter, dear.
Corey | The Nostalgia Diaries
I never knew apple butter didn’t actually have butter in it! Looks delicious! Apple picking is on my list of things to do this fall with my daughter 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, ick, no! All fruit and love here!
Erin Haugerud
This seams super simple! I’ll for sure be trying this!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Enjoy!
Danielle @ A Sprinkle of Joy
That sounds so yummy!!! We go apple picking every year, and it is my favorite thing ever!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope it becomes a new tradition here!
Harmony, Momma To Go
Interesting, I always thought apple butter was actual butter. with apples! Its more like a jam/jelly!
we went apple picking and we bought oh like 40 lbs of apples…
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, NO! It’s a delicious fruit spread! Fruit butters beat jams and jellies hands down!
cara
Apple butter is seriously my fave and this recipe sounds delish!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is so yummy!
Karen
I really need to use my slow cooker more so I am definitely going to try this
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
A slow cooker is essential!
Kristin Cook
HOLY MOLE’ this looks so good! And so simple! I need to make some while it’s still apple season!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes yes!!! Don’t delay!
Valerie
I actually just went apple picking this past Sunday! I ended up picking more apples than I needed and was looking for a good recipe to use them for. This is perfect!
-Valere
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, it’s inevitable that we pick more than we intended 😉 Haha!
Vanessa / FashionAveMom
That looks awesome! Will try this on the weekend! Thank you for sharing1
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well enjoy!
Felicia @ The Starving Chef
Obsessed!! Who knew apple butter was this easy to make?!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Just takes some time, but yes!
Emily @ Pizza & Pull-Ups
Yum, I love making slow cooker apple sauce, I will have to give apple butter a try. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Go for it!
Samantha Carter
This sounds amazing!!! I love apple butter, and the idea of making my whole house smell delicious AND getting to eat this at the end of the day… I’m sold!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It’s a double win for sure 😉
Jen E.
Even though the cook time (cooking without watching is the best! love crockpots) is long, this is such a simple method and so much cheaper that what you would get at the store. Plus it’s satisfying because you know it came right from your kitchen. Great tip about using the skins for added nutrients. great recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yea! There is no time hack for authentic apple butter!
Nico @ yumsome
What a lovely recipe (although I admit, I’d use sugar) – I bet it’s great on buckwheat porridge!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is great in all hot cereals!
Alexandra
You had me at “no peeling required”! Love the suggestion to use maple flavoring. Pinned this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
No time for that nonsense 😉 Thank you!!
Chelsey
Oh my this looks delicious! I will have to give it a try! Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! Enjoy!
Carolina
This looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it myself! I love eating toast in the morning and I feel like this is a great excuse to eat more bread while still having fruit haha. Thank you for sharing this recipe 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This will make your toast totally autumn-y and cozy 😉
Taylor Kiser
Love how easy this is! I’d want to spread this on everything!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, well spread it on everything is just what I do 😉
Holly
My husband and I discovered apple butter on a fall getaway a few years ago and fell in love. It never occurred to me to make it- this looks great!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The first time I had it, I fell in love too!
Çitra Kale-MyhomeDiaryinTurkey
Ow wow.. you harvest your own food… envy you Rebecca. And the apple butter looks awesome.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Bahaha, not sure how much this can be called “harvesting” 😉
Jenna Urben
This sounds so perfect for fall!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You bet!
Shannon
Ugh, I am dying to go apple picking! This recipe looks and sounds absolutely amazing. I’ve never had apple butter, but I feel like I definitely need to give it a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You must go before the season ends! Even though it was super quick and fast (if you aren’t with a bunch of friends I’m assuming) it was still worth it!
Shelby @Fitasamamabear
Mmm apple butter in overnight oats is so yummy.. actually apple butter in everything is yummy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha, you can’t go wrong there 😉 Even by the spoonful!
Jen
I’m so excited to see your post! I have a bucket of apples! I recently had a sad and unimpressive apple butter so I am dying for some homemade goodness! My girls will love this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Make it homemade for sure!! You can put everything you want in it, make it as thick or thin as you want…and you get the benefit of all the aromas!
April Kitchens
Will definitely try this recipe with all the apples I plan to pick lol.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha! Just what apple picking season is for!