This 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!
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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.
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!
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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.
Healthy 2 Ingredient Crock Pot Apple Butter
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
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!
Notes
Kristina @ spabettie says
oh WOW, I want to make this immediately! yum!
The Busy Baker says
Hope you enjoy it!!
janet @ the taste space says
I like how you left the apple skins on! More nutrition and less prep time!
The Busy Baker says
Thanks!
Trace Chick says
Please could you use other fruits at all ?
Chrissie says
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. 🙂
Chelsey says
Could you tell me the instructions for using pumpkin?
Chrissie says
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.
Wendy says
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 [email protected]
Nidji says
Wendy did you try this with the ginger? How was it? I am in the process of making this now 🙂
The Busy Baker says
Glad you like this recipe!!😊
Anonymous says
Loved this recipe! I just made some apple butter…yum.
The Busy Baker says
So glad you liked it!!
Ann says
Can you can this in a water bath to make it last longer?
Chrissie says
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!
Lesia says
Ann, did you try to can this? If so, did it work? I would really like to try it too!
Anonymous says
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.
Chrissie says
It freezes very well! What a great idea! 🙂
Melissa Kaeding says
Do you use fresh pumpkin or canned if you want to add it?
Lara says
I want to can this would it work? Anyone done that? I love leaving the peels on
The Busy Baker says
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!
Anonymous says
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)
Sabrina says
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.
Anonymous says
Can you use canned pumpkin or does it gave to be fresh in this if you want to add it in?
Kathleen Donnelly says
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?
Kathleen Donnelly says
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?
Sara Crepaux says
How long does this keep in the fridge?
Chrissie says
It keeps for about a week or two, but it never lasts that long in my fridge anyway (because we eat it all!!)!
Emile says
I use the microwave oven to cook and thicken. Have been doing this foe 4 years with apples and ,crabapples, also works with rhubarb.
Angela @ Setting My Intention says
Oh! I'm excited to try this! Were going apple picking today (if I can get my teenager up out of bed!)
Chrissie says
I hope you enjoy it!
Anonymous says
How can you make without slow cooker
Anonymous says
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..
Chrissie says
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.).
Kate says
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
Chrissie says
Thanks so much Kate!
Anonymous says
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!
Chrissie says
Thanks! Yes, you definitely need the lid on for the last hour!
Anonymous says
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!
Chrissie says
You're SO welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
Anonymous says
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.
Susan says
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.
Tonya says
I am making this now! I can’t wait to try it!
Chrissie says
You’ll love it Tonya! 🙂
Tami says
Has anyone tried canning this yet?
The Busy Baker says
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!
Stephanie J. Schiltz says
Love the recipe. We are big apple butter fans. Just wondering if using a stick blender would work instead of blender?
Chrissie says
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!
Benita C says
My crock pot is larger than 5 quarts. Can you tell me about how many apples.
Chrissie says
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!
Katie says
Where did you find your jars? They are just a pretty as the contents and would be great for gift giving. Thanks!
Chrissie says
I typically use pretty mason jars for this purpose, as they look great and they keep everything very fresh. 🙂
Joy elliott says
I have done this with applesauce and cinnamon also.
Chrissie says
Good to know! 🙂
Brenda Spinks says
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.
Chrissie says
Feel free to add whatever flavouring you’d like, or none at all! I hope you enjoy!
claudia says
Hi ! ,, it s not
apple sauce ?? because no butter ?? but look amazing i will trying of course …thanks,,,
Chrissie says
Hi! It’s called apple butter because when it’s cooled it’s spreadable (similar to butter). No butter in this recipe! 🙂
Malinalli Gutierrez Arellano says
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. 🙂
Chrissie says
So glad you liked the recipe!!
Mary says
Can you do this with peaches? If so, leave the peel on? Or do I peel?
Chrissie says
I’ve never done it with peaches, so I’m not able to give you advice on this. I’m sorry! 🙁
Elizabeth says
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!
Chrissie says
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 🙂
Wendy says
Any specific type apples better than others
Chrissie says
I usually use Spartans, but any kind of apple works!
Audrey says
This is absolutely delicious. Just made it today. Unbelievably easy. I will only use this recipe. Thank you.
Chrissie says
So glad you loved this recipe as much as we do!
Cheryl says
Just took this out of the crock pot! Sooooooooo good! Thank you for sharing. I used four different types of apples, wonderful flavor.
Chrissie says
So glad you liked it Cheryl! 🙂
Ana says
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.
Chrissie says
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!
Kimberly Lyon says
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?
Chrissie says
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!
Reza says
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 🙂
Chrissie says
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)!
Sabrina says
Yes I just did it in my IP using the slow cooking on high! It worked very well. I also used an immersion blender.
The Busy Baker says
Glad it turned out well in the Instant Pot too!😊
christine says
How well does this freeze?
Chrissie says
It freezes beautifully in freezer safe containers! I freeze mine all the time.
Chris says
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.
Chrissie says
That sounds like a great addition! So glad you like the recipe! 🙂
Shelley W. says
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.
The Busy Baker says
So glad you like this recipe!!😊
Lesley says
Can you add some lemon juice to help preserve it for longer, as well as help maintain the color?
Chrissie says
You can if you’d like 🙂
Nancy Peterson says
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….
Chrissie says
So glad you liked it! 🙂
Millican Pecan says
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.
Chrissie says
Thanks! Glad you liked it! 🙂
Elizabeth says
Thanks for this recipe! I am making the second batch right now. The first batch was a big hit.
Kristina says
I love this idea alot!!! super healthy!!! I dont have a crockpot or slow cooker so do you think it works in regular pot?
The Busy Baker says
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.
Kate says
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!
The Busy Baker says
Pears have a higher water content than apples so i wouldn’t actually recommend that. I’m glad you love this recipe though! 😊
Nina says
This recipe is so good and simple!
The Busy Baker says
Thanks so much Nina!!
Lynda Bowman says
Once the apple butter is finished, how do I store it and how long will it stay fresh, in the refrigerator?
Chrissie says
It lasts about 2 weeks in the fridge but it can be frozen for several months.
Jane Martin says
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.
The Busy Baker says
That addition sounds delicious!!🙂
Linda C rooks says
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.
The Busy Baker says
We agree 😉 Thanks Linda!!