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*I originally shared this Healthy 2 Ingredient Slow Cooker Apple Butter recipe in September 2015. I’m updating the post for my lovely readers today with new photos and a tutorial video! I don’t know about you, but where I live apples are delicious and plentiful in the late-summer and early-fall. As I child I picked apples with my grandparents from their trees and I watched my mom and grandma make apple jelly, apple juice and applesauce, along with all kinds of apple baked goods like pies, cakes and cobblers.LOOKING FOR MORE DELICIOUS VEGETARIAN MEAL IDEAS?
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Healthy Crock Pot Apple Butter
How to Serve Crock Pot Apple Butter
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Looking for more apple recipes? Try these Easy Healthy Apple Chips or this lightened-up Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake!
Doesn’t it look so spreadable and delicious?? I hope you enjoyed this recipe for Crock Pot Apple Butter. Let me know in the comments below, what’s your favourite thing to make with apples in the fall?
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Looking for more delicious fall recipes?? Try these favorites below!!
Crock Pot Apple Butter Recipe Video
Watch the video below to see exactly how I make this fall recipe. You can find more delicious recipe videos on my YouTube channel.If you made this, share a photo!
Are you trying this recipe? Use the comment form below to share your take; now with support for image uploads and comment voting!
Healthy 2 Ingredient Crock Pot Apple Butter
This Healthy 2 Ingredient Crock Pot Apple Butter is the easiest fall apple recipe you'll ever make! It's made with only apples and a pinch of cinnamon, so it's a super healthy recipe that's perfect as a dip for fruit and low-fat crackers, or as a spread on toast, or even eaten with a spoon!
Recipe: Ingredients
- Enough apples to fill your crock-pot or slow-cooker . Use any variety you like. I've used a combination of all different kinds...it doesn't seem to matter and it always tastes amazing. I filled a 5- crock-pot
- 2-3 tsp ground cinnamon
Recipe: Instructions
- Start by washing your apples in a sink full of cold water. You'll be leaving the peels on, so make sure each apple is nice and clean.
- Dry the apples on some kitchen towels and core them, cutting them in halves or quarters. If your apples are quite large, cut in quarters. Because my apples were hand-picked they had a few had bruises, but in a recipe like this that doesn't matter too much. Don't bother peeling them: this adds to the nutrition factor of this recipe (leaving the peels on adds great fiber and saves you a ton of time).
- Place the apples in the pot of your crock-pot or slow cooker and turn the heat to high. Put the lid on and let the apples cook for about 4 hours, giving it a good stir approximately every hour.
- Transfer the apple mixture to your blender (you may have to do this in two batches to avoid spraying piping hot apples all over your kitchen...not that I would know anything about that...) and blend on high speed until the mixture is creamy and perfectly smooth. Make sure you add every last bit to the blender. You'll need the crock-pot again in a minute and it needs to be nice and clean.
- Add the pureed mixture back into the crock-pot and stir in the cinnamon.
- Put the lid back on and let the puréed mixture cook on high for another hour or so to let it thicken, stirring once or twice during that time.
- Let the mixture cool slightly at room temperature before adding it to jars or containers, and then store it in the fridge for up to 4 weeks, or in the freezer for even longer!
Recipe: Notes
The yield for this recipe will be slightly different with every batch (simply because of the different varieties of apples you use or the exact cooking temperature of your crock-pot) but a typical yield for my 5-quart crock-pot is about 4-5 cups. And because all it contains is apples and cinnamon, it's a super healthy 0 Weight Watchers PointsPlus treat that you're definitely going to want to try!!
oh WOW, I want to make this immediately! yum!
Hope you enjoy it!!
I like how you left the apple skins on! More nutrition and less prep time!
Thanks!
Please could you use other fruits at all ?
Yes! You could use a combination of apple and pumpkin, or apple and pear. It's a good idea to stick to fruits that puree well. 🙂
Could you tell me the instructions for using pumpkin?
I would add one to two cups of pumpkin to the existing recipe as it is. You might find you need to add a little sugar to taste at the end, but you might not, depending on the sweetness of your apples.
Absolutely wonderful on biscuits. I am going to put over pork chops next! I think I would like to add a little ginger just for fun to see how that tastes as well. Thank you so much for sharing this easy recipe!@
Wendy did you try this with the ginger? How was it? I am in the process of making this now 🙂
Glad you like this recipe!!😊
Loved this recipe! I just made some apple butter…yum.
So glad you liked it!!
Can you can this in a water bath to make it last longer?
I think you probably could. I have never done it but I'm sure if you use the proper canning process it would work well!
Ann, did you try to can this? If so, did it work? I would really like to try it too!
I canned these. 20 mins in the water bath. Worked great.
Thank you for taking the time to let us know!
How well does this freeze? I would like to make this for Christmas gifts, but I don't want to wait til the last minute.
It freezes very well! What a great idea! 🙂
Do you use fresh pumpkin or canned if you want to add it?
I want to can this would it work? Anyone done that? I love leaving the peels on
I think you probably could. I have never done it but I’m sure if you use the proper canning process it would work well!
Can I covert this to my Instant Pot? I do not have a crock pot and haven't figured out the slow cooker function on my IP. (never turns out right)
I just used the Instant pot on slow cooking menu (high heat) and in 4h apples were ready. I just used a stick blender, and I blended the apples inside the IP (as it has a stainless steel pot). After blending I added the cinnamon and kept it on high for another 2 h. The result is good.
Can you use canned pumpkin or does it gave to be fresh in this if you want to add it in?
I just want to make enough for two people to eat for a little while, is it ok to only use a few apple and not fill the crockpot?
I only want to make this for about 2 people to eat for a little while. Can I use a smaller number of apples and not fill the crockpot?
How long does this keep in the fridge?
It keeps for about a week or two, but it never lasts that long in my fridge anyway (because we eat it all!!)!
I use the microwave oven to cook and thicken. Have been doing this foe 4 years with apples and ,crabapples, also works with rhubarb.
Oh! I'm excited to try this! Were going apple picking today (if I can get my teenager up out of bed!)
I hope you enjoy it!
How can you make without slow cooker
You could cook on your stove top until apples are cooked then pure in blender or food processor then return to a pot cook on med low simmet until thicken..
I suppose you could make it on the stove, but that would require a lot more work for you (stirring regularly so the bottom doesn't burn, etc.).
I love love love your recipe! I made it over the weekend and decided to feature it in my latest blog post at http://www.adventuresofkate.com 🙂 Thanks!! -Kate
Thanks so much Kate!
This recipe sounds so easy and yummy! When you put the Apple mixture back in for last hour, do you put the lid to crock pot back on? Can't wait to try this recipe!
Thanks! Yes, you definitely need the lid on for the last hour!
This could not be easier!I was skeptical about leaving the peels on but I used my immersion blender and they all but disappeared. I used a combination of Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp and Green apples. I plan to make another batch next weekend to give away as Christmas gifts. Thank you Chrissie!
You're SO welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
Can you then can the apple butter in a pot of water and seal the lid onto the jar so it will keep longer? Just wondering.
Thank you so much. I just tried it and it's amazing. I have a friend who just started a new life healthy style and loves apple butter. This is going to be the perfect gift. Thank you again so much for sharing. One question, can you add a splash of lemon juice to help prolong it's refrigeration time?
Susan B.
I am making this now! I can’t wait to try it!
You’ll love it Tonya! 🙂
Has anyone tried canning this yet?
I think you probably could. I have never done it but I’m sure if you use the proper canning process it would work well!
Love the recipe. We are big apple butter fans. Just wondering if using a stick blender would work instead of blender?
Absolutely! I just don’t happen to have one at the moment 🙂 Just be sure you don’t scratch the inside of your slow cooker!
My crock pot is larger than 5 quarts. Can you tell me about how many apples.
I’m sorry, without knowing the exact size it’s impossible for me to say – but just fill your Crock Pot as much as you can!
Where did you find your jars? They are just a pretty as the contents and would be great for gift giving. Thanks!
I typically use pretty mason jars for this purpose, as they look great and they keep everything very fresh. 🙂
I have done this with applesauce and cinnamon also.
Good to know! 🙂
This sounds wonderful. I do not like cinnamon in anything. I prefer the real flavor in every fruit recipe that I make. I will try this when we go to the Apple Barn in North Georgia in a couple of weeks.
Feel free to add whatever flavouring you’d like, or none at all! I hope you enjoy!
Hi ! ,, it s not
apple sauce ?? because no butter ?? but look amazing i will trying of course …thanks,,,
Hi! It’s called apple butter because when it’s cooled it’s spreadable (similar to butter). No butter in this recipe! 🙂
hi, i did it. i liked soo much! Thanks for the recipe. I modificated the time of preparation because it’s Sticking in the pan aren’t know why. i used 5 apples and 2 tps cinammon but i would prefered 1 tbs because the flavor of apple lost with cinammon if you put more of this. Total time of preparation was 1 hour and a half. 🙂
So glad you liked the recipe!!
Can you do this with peaches? If so, leave the peel on? Or do I peel?
I’ve never done it with peaches, so I’m not able to give you advice on this. I’m sorry! 🙁
I’ve made peach butter on the stove, just cut up your peaches (I did remove the skin, but have read that you don’t have to) add a tsp of cinnamon and cook until very soft. Put softened peaches in blender and puree, add a little lemon juice to help preserve the flavor. Refridgerate or freeze. Recipe called for sugar but it was too sweet for us.
Thanks Donna!
Would you know where I can purchase those cute little jars you have pictured with the apple butter in it? Did it have a lid?
Thank you!
You could always try Amazon for all different kinds of jars and glass containers. I usually store the apple butter in mason jars for the best freshness 🙂
Any specific type apples better than others
I usually use Spartans, but any kind of apple works!
This is absolutely delicious. Just made it today. Unbelievably easy. I will only use this recipe. Thank you.
So glad you loved this recipe as much as we do!
Just took this out of the crock pot! Sooooooooo good! Thank you for sharing. I used four different types of apples, wonderful flavor.
So glad you liked it Cheryl! 🙂
Wouldn’t this work better with an immersion blender? Spooning it into a traditional blender seems silly and time consuming, not to mention dangerous, because the apples are so hot.
Feel free to use an immersion blender if you wish 🙂 I prefer a traditional blender because I feel it creates a smooth, more silky texture, but an immersion blender will also work pretty well!
I just finished making this recipe and it is still quite watery, more like an apple sauce consistency. What could I do to thicken it?
Hi Kim, try simmering it longer (for 1-2 more hours) uncovered. This will help the liquid evaporate. Also, as it cools it thickens, so don’t worry if the consistency is just a little bit too watery. It will thicken up even more as it cools. Hope this helps!
Looks so good, can’t wait to make it this week. Has anyone tried this with the InstantPot yet? If so, please let me know how long, what setting, and any tips please 🙂
I hope you enjoy it! I will add Instant Pot directions as soon as I get my hands on an Instant Pot!! They’re sold out all over Europe (where I live)!
Yes I just did it in my IP using the slow cooking on high! It worked very well. I also used an immersion blender.
Glad it turned out well in the Instant Pot too!😊
How well does this freeze?
It freezes beautifully in freezer safe containers! I freeze mine all the time.
I love this recipe. Thanks Crissy. I have made gallons of it now, and my freezer is full! I use it in many things. My home made baked beans, on my porridge oats for breakfast, in smoothies. It is incredibly versatile.
I have tried one variation on it that works really well. I add pitted dates (I check them VERY carefully for remnants of pits and the occasional missed pit). I add them in the last hour before I use the blender (I use a stick blender), and they blend beautifully with the apple. Just adds another taste possibility. It freezes just as well as your original.
That sounds like a great addition! So glad you like the recipe! 🙂
I love this recipe, being in Alberta I use rhubarb and apples. The result is beautiful, lovely color and fantastic taste. I do not add sugar, I just use the sweeter apple varieties with cinnamon and a touch of ginger. Thank you for the recipe, I enjoy it so much, it freezes fabulously and definitely makes a much appreciated gift.
So glad you like this recipe!!😊
Can you add some lemon juice to help preserve it for longer, as well as help maintain the color?
You can if you’d like 🙂
Made this today BUT used Asian Pears instead….turned out awesome. I am on Code Red lifestyle program and don’t use sugar so this was so helpful….Thanks….
So glad you liked it! 🙂
We have had the kind from the store without sugar, which is fine, but I would rather use my own apples, and control the freshness. Thank you for sharing! Yum.
Thanks! Glad you liked it! 🙂
Thanks for this recipe! I am making the second batch right now. The first batch was a big hit.
I love this idea alot!!! super healthy!!! I dont have a crockpot or slow cooker so do you think it works in regular pot?
You could, but you have to mix it very often so it doesn’t burn and it takes a long time to cook, i wouldn’t recommend it.
I have used this recipe for several years and it is delightful!! It occured to me that it might work for pears as well. I am curious if you have ever tried it? Thanks bunches!
Pears have a higher water content than apples so i wouldn’t actually recommend that. I’m glad you love this recipe though! 😊
This recipe is so good and simple!
Thanks so much Nina!!
Once the apple butter is finished, how do I store it and how long will it stay fresh, in the refrigerator?
It lasts about 2 weeks in the fridge but it can be frozen for several months.
This was so easy! I filled my large crock pot with a mix of apples, plus 6 pears. I just finished using my Cuisinart Smart Stick instead of a blender (I use it for soup, too). Easy peasy! I’ll be using this recipe again in the fall.
That addition sounds delicious!!🙂
Excellent recipe. Just about finished my first batch but won’t be my last. I added a few dates I had in the cupboard. Just a handful. Used about ten apples of various types. The end product is beyond delicious and no sugar.. Will make another batch and use just apples. I added two tsps of cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg. Once you blend the apples (after cooking for four hours you would never know the peels were in there. So delicious and nutritious.
We agree 😉 Thanks Linda!!