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 it’s 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!
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
- 3/4 Cup 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.
Notes
*To make “low-sugar” dark brown sugar, add about 2 1/2 tsps of molasses to 3/4 cup erythritol and mix.
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 look out 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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Jenni says
October 27, 2017 at 7:32 amApple 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 says
October 27, 2017 at 1:12 pmYes! I hope it will be a new tradition 🙂
Mel says
October 26, 2017 at 8:16 pmYou had me at ‘no peeling!’
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 27, 2017 at 7:09 amSuper easy!
Laura @ Fantastically Four says
October 24, 2017 at 6:08 pmThis 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 says
October 25, 2017 at 7:44 amWell it is a must now!
Lee MacArthur says
October 24, 2017 at 5:09 pmLooks great. I’ve got to try it. Thank you.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 24, 2017 at 5:45 pmEnjoy!
Stefanie says
October 24, 2017 at 10:10 amThis 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 says
October 24, 2017 at 1:22 pmYou came to the right place!
Linda from Veganosity says
October 23, 2017 at 9:13 amI love that you don’t peel the apples for this recipe. Saves so much time!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 23, 2017 at 1:51 pmI’d probably cut my finger off too! Haha!
Marie Moody says
October 22, 2017 at 10:56 pmI’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 says
October 23, 2017 at 7:23 amI know they will!
Hil says
October 22, 2017 at 8:56 pmThis looks so tasty! I love home made apple sauce in the Fall!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 23, 2017 at 7:23 amThis is apple butter 🙂
Tracy @ Our Simple Homestead says
October 22, 2017 at 7:06 pmThis a great recipe to have for fall. I have pinned this and definitely will be trying it soon.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 23, 2017 at 7:22 amLet me know how it comes out for you!
Choclette says
October 22, 2017 at 1:38 pmMaking 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 says
October 22, 2017 at 2:03 pmThat would be horrid torture! Haha!
Nadia says
October 22, 2017 at 1:19 pmApple 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 says
October 22, 2017 at 2:02 pmYup! Thanks!
frank says
October 21, 2017 at 7:09 amWait 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 says
October 21, 2017 at 7:11 amTakes time, but YOU don’t have to do much but wait!
frank says
October 21, 2017 at 7:21 amThat’s awesome :))
Mel | avirtualvegan.com says
October 20, 2017 at 6:39 pmSuch a lovely fall recipe and I love that you don’t have to peel the apples!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 21, 2017 at 7:10 amAll the better, eh? 🙂
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite says
October 20, 2017 at 5:08 pmYum. I love apple butter! Great fall recipe.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 20, 2017 at 5:44 pmThanks!
Nicole says
October 20, 2017 at 7:51 amAgain, 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 says
October 20, 2017 at 12:35 pmIt’s the only way to make apple butter…
Rebecca Smith says
October 20, 2017 at 2:51 amI’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 says
October 20, 2017 at 6:28 amIt is so yummy for Fall!
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy says
October 19, 2017 at 6:41 pmThis homemade apple butter sounds delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 20, 2017 at 6:27 amSure is!
Stephanie Sobotka says
October 19, 2017 at 1:22 pmPinned this and can’t wait to try!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 19, 2017 at 2:37 pmLet me know how it comes out!
Carley says
October 19, 2017 at 1:21 pmThis looks absolutely amazing! I can’t wait to make it over the weekend.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 19, 2017 at 2:37 pmI hope you enjoy!
Tiffany says
October 19, 2017 at 11:12 amI can’t wait to try this! And give some to the neighbors, what a fun idea!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 19, 2017 at 2:37 pmYes! A great gift!
Emily Anne says
October 19, 2017 at 9:17 amThis looks absolutely incredible!!! I’m running to the store to buy all of the ingredients!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 19, 2017 at 10:41 amI hope you mean the apple orchard!
Vicky says
October 19, 2017 at 5:03 amThat looks yummy! Im always buying apple sauce, maybe its time to try making my own 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 19, 2017 at 6:56 amApplesauce is different than apple butter, dear.
Corey | The Nostalgia Diaries says
October 18, 2017 at 11:52 pmI 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 says
October 19, 2017 at 6:55 amHaha, ick, no! All fruit and love here!
Erin Haugerud says
October 18, 2017 at 10:51 pmThis seams super simple! I’ll for sure be trying this!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 19, 2017 at 6:55 amEnjoy!
Danielle @ A Sprinkle of Joy says
October 18, 2017 at 9:36 pmThat sounds so yummy!!! We go apple picking every year, and it is my favorite thing ever!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 19, 2017 at 6:55 amI hope it becomes a new tradition here!
Harmony, Momma To Go says
October 18, 2017 at 9:17 pmInteresting, 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 says
October 19, 2017 at 6:54 amHaha, NO! It’s a delicious fruit spread! Fruit butters beat jams and jellies hands down!
cara says
October 18, 2017 at 6:45 pmApple butter is seriously my fave and this recipe sounds delish!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 19, 2017 at 6:54 amIt is so yummy!
Karen says
October 18, 2017 at 5:54 pmI really need to use my slow cooker more so I am definitely going to try this
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 19, 2017 at 6:53 amA slow cooker is essential!
Kristin Cook says
October 18, 2017 at 5:15 pmHOLY MOLE’ this looks so good! And so simple! I need to make some while it’s still apple season!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 19, 2017 at 6:52 amYes yes!!! Don’t delay!
Valerie says
October 18, 2017 at 5:04 pmI 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 says
October 18, 2017 at 5:11 pmHaha, it’s inevitable that we pick more than we intended 😉 Haha!
Vanessa / FashionAveMom says
October 18, 2017 at 4:13 pmThat looks awesome! Will try this on the weekend! Thank you for sharing1
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 18, 2017 at 4:23 pmWell enjoy!
Felicia @ The Starving Chef says
October 18, 2017 at 3:57 pmObsessed!! Who knew apple butter was this easy to make?!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 18, 2017 at 4:22 pmJust takes some time, but yes!
Emily @ Pizza & Pull-Ups says
October 18, 2017 at 2:56 pmYum, I love making slow cooker apple sauce, I will have to give apple butter a try. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 18, 2017 at 4:22 pmGo for it!
Samantha Carter says
October 18, 2017 at 2:45 pmThis 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 says
October 18, 2017 at 2:55 pmIt’s a double win for sure 😉
Jen E. says
October 18, 2017 at 2:35 pmEven 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 says
October 18, 2017 at 2:54 pmYea! There is no time hack for authentic apple butter!
Nico @ yumsome says
October 18, 2017 at 2:21 pmWhat a lovely recipe (although I admit, I’d use sugar) – I bet it’s great on buckwheat porridge!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 18, 2017 at 2:25 pmIt is great in all hot cereals!
Alexandra says
October 18, 2017 at 2:20 pmYou had me at “no peeling required”! Love the suggestion to use maple flavoring. Pinned this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 18, 2017 at 2:24 pmNo time for that nonsense 😉 Thank you!!
Chelsey says
October 18, 2017 at 2:16 pmOh my this looks delicious! I will have to give it a try! Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 18, 2017 at 2:24 pmThank you! Enjoy!
Carolina says
October 18, 2017 at 1:47 pmThis 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 says
October 18, 2017 at 2:23 pmThis will make your toast totally autumn-y and cozy 😉
Taylor Kiser says
October 18, 2017 at 1:16 pmLove how easy this is! I’d want to spread this on everything!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 18, 2017 at 2:23 pmHaha, well spread it on everything is just what I do 😉
Holly says
October 18, 2017 at 1:12 pmMy 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 says
October 18, 2017 at 2:22 pmThe first time I had it, I fell in love too!
Çitra Kale-MyhomeDiaryinTurkey says
October 18, 2017 at 11:36 amOw wow.. you harvest your own food… envy you Rebecca. And the apple butter looks awesome.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 18, 2017 at 2:22 pmBahaha, not sure how much this can be called “harvesting” 😉
Jenna Urben says
October 18, 2017 at 10:53 amThis sounds so perfect for fall!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 18, 2017 at 2:21 pmYou bet!
Shannon says
October 18, 2017 at 10:52 amUgh, 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 says
October 18, 2017 at 2:21 pmYou 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 says
October 18, 2017 at 10:02 amMmm apple butter in overnight oats is so yummy.. actually apple butter in everything is yummy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 18, 2017 at 2:19 pmHahaha, you can’t go wrong there 😉 Even by the spoonful!
Jen says
October 18, 2017 at 8:54 amI’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 says
October 18, 2017 at 2:18 pmMake 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 says
October 18, 2017 at 7:24 amWill definitely try this recipe with all the apples I plan to pick lol.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 18, 2017 at 7:41 amHaha! Just what apple picking season is for!