No Sugar Apple Butter
This crockpot apple butter is naturally sweetened with dates and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and more. It’s an easy, no-sugar-added recipe that’s perfect for spreading on toast, mixing into oatmeal, or enjoying by the spoonful.
Servings: 4 cups
Ingredients
- 5 pounds of apples cored, and chopped (peeled if desired)
- ½ cup pitted dates chopped
- ½ cup unsweetened apple juice
- 2 to 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place the chopped apples in a 6 quart slow cooker. Add the chopped dates, apple juice, spices, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally. The apples will break down and get soft.
- Once the apples have softened, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture to a blender in batches and blend until smooth. Be careful, as the mixture will be hot.
- If the apple butter isn’t as thick as you’d like, continue cooking uncovered on low for an additional 1-2 hours, stirring every 20 to 30 minutes, until it reaches your desired consistency. As the mixture thickens, it will start splattering. To prevent a mess, you can place a wire mesh splatter screen over the top of the slow cooker. Alternatively, partially cover the slow cooker with the lid, making sure the lid isn’t fully sealed. This will allow the mixture to evaporate and thicken.
- Let the apple butter cool completely before transferring it to jars or airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer storage.
Video
Notes
- Five pounds of apples will be between 7 to 10 apples, depending on their size.
- Use a mix of sweet and tart varieties, such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples, for a more complex flavor.
- Peeling is Optional. If you prefer a smoother texture, peel the apples before chopping. However, leaving the skins on adds more fiber and nutrients.
- Swap the dates for prunes or just leave them out for a more pure apple flavor.
- Fill the slow cooker up all the way to the top. The apples will cook down quite a bit.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 tablespoon | Calories: 41kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 33mg | Potassium: 86mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.1mg
