Slow Cooker Apple Butter (No Peeling!) Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Apple Butter is a deliciously spiced, smooth spread made without peeling the apples. This easy recipe uses a slow cooker to develop rich flavors with minimal effort, perfect for cozy breakfasts or snacks.

Ingredients

• 6 lbs Apples (cubed, cores and stems removed)
• 3/4 Cup Erythritol (or preferred granulated sweetener)
• 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

1. Step 1: Place the cubed apples into a large slow cooker and sprinkle all the remaining ingredients evenly over the top.
2. Step 2: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours without stirring.
3. Step 3: After 4 hours, remove the lid and mash the apples slightly. Transfer the mixture carefully to a large blender and blend until completely smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the blended apple mixture back into the slow cooker. Cover it loosely and continue cooking on high for another 4 to 5 hours until thickened, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Let the apple butter cool slightly before transferring to glass jars. Refrigerate and use within 3 to 4 weeks.

Tips & Variations

• Try mixing different apple varieties for a more complex flavor and natural sweetness.
• If you prefer a less sweet apple butter, reduce the sweetener by a quarter cup.
• Adding a teaspoon of vanilla or maple extract after blending enhances the aroma and depth.
• Use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to skip transferring the hot apple mixture.

Storage

Store the cooled apple butter in airtight glass jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving to restore its spreadable texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I really need to peel the apples?

No, this recipe specifically skips peeling to save time. The slow cooking softens the skins so they blend smoothly into the apple butter without affecting texture.

Can I make this apple butter without a blender?

Yes, you can use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to puree the apples. Alternatively, mash thoroughly with a potato masher for a chunkier texture.

Slow Cooker Apple Butter (No Peeling!) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 138 reviews

This Slow Cooker Apple Butter recipe is an easy, no-peel method to create a smooth, spiced apple spread perfect for toast, baking, or adding to your favorite dishes. Made with natural sweeteners and warm spices, it cooks low and slow for a rich, deep flavor and creamy texture.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-9 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 cups of apple butter 1x
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apple Butter Ingredients

• 6 lbs Apples (cubed, cores and stems removed)
• 3/4 Cup Erythritol (or preferred granulated sweetener)
• 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: 1 Tsp Vanilla or Maple Extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples: Place the cubed apples with cores and stems removed into a large slow cooker. This forms the base of your apple butter.
2. Add Ingredients: Sprinkle the erythritol, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves evenly over the apples in the slow cooker.
3. Cook First Stage: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours. During this time, no stirring is needed as the apples soften and start to break down.
4. Mash and Blend: Remove the lid after 4 hours, mash the apples slightly with a utensil, then carefully transfer the mixture to a large blender. Blend until completely smooth for a silky texture.
5. Cook Final Stage: Pour the blended apple mixture back into the slow cooker. Cook on high with the lid slightly ajar for another 4-5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent sticking and to allow the apple butter to thicken.
6. Cool and Store: Let the apple butter cool slightly before transferring it into glass jars. Store the jars in the refrigerator where it will keep fresh for 3-4 weeks.

Notes

• Do not peel the apples; the slow cooking softens the skins sufficiently for blending.
• Adjust the sweetener to taste; you can substitute erythritol with regular sugar or other granulated sweeteners.
• For extra flavor, add vanilla or maple extract during the blending step.
• Use a large slow cooker to accommodate the volume of apples and avoid overflow.
• Stirring every 30 minutes in the final cooking stage prevents burning and ensures even thickening.
• Apple butter can be canned using proper sterilization methods for longer storage beyond refrigeration.

Keywords: Slow cooker apple butter, no peel apple butter, easy apple butter recipe, spiced apple spread, diabetic-friendly apple butter