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Crock Pot Apple Butter

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This easy Apple Butter recipe made in the crockpot or slow cooker is the perfect way to use apples if you’re planning on going apple picking in the fall!

This easy Apple Butter recipe made in the slow cooker is the perfect way to use apples if you're planning on going apple picking in the fall!Crock Pot Apple Butter Recipe

Apple butter is a concentrated version of apple sauce (like a spreadable apple pie) produced by long, slow cooking of apples to a point where the sugar in the apples caramelizes, turning the apple butter a deep brown, thick apple preserve. This homemade crock pot apple butter recipe is similar to making my Crock Pot Apple Sauce, only more concentrated. The slow cooker is the easiest way to make this, and your kitchen will smell like fall!! I love adding it to my oatmeal, or yogurt, or I just spread it on toast.

This easy Apple Butter recipe made in the slow cooker is the perfect way to use apples if you're planning on going apple picking in the fall!

If you’ve gone apple picking and have an overabundance of apples, this fruit butter recipe is for you! I actually hosted an event a few years ago where I gave out samples, and everyone wanted to buy it! Of course, you all know I don’t sell food, just provide the recipes so you can all make it yourself. And it’s so easy to make in the slow cooker, perfect for the fall.

What is Apple Butter?

Apple butter is like a thick, spreadable apple pie. It’s great on toast, stirred into your oatmeal or overnight oats, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, served over pancakes or biscuits, graham crackers, etc. It’s also great on savory dishes such as roast pork, turkey sandwiches, etc.

Best apples to use when making apple butter in the crock pot:

You can use any apples here. I usually like to use a blend of sweet apples such as honey crisp, gala and ambrosia apples.

How To Make Apple Butter in the Crock Pot:

Making apple butter in the crock pot is the easiest method because it’s completely hands off. No stirring or attending to it and it comes out perfect!

  1. Start with sweet red apples, I like to use a variety such as honeycrisp, gala, ambrosia, then peel, core and finely dice.
  2. Transfer to the crock pot then top with sugars and spices, here I use cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg.
  3. Cover and slow cook about 10 hours until the apples turn dark brown.
  4. Use an immersion blender and blend until smooth.
  5. Transfer to jars and refrigerate.

Ways to Enjoy Apple Butter:

  • Add it to your morning oatmeal
  • Top your toast with it
  • Swirl some into your yogurt
  • Eat it with a spoon!

Variations:

  • Try leaving half of the apples with apple peels. You’ll keep the nutrition and realize that when blended, you can’t taste the peel at all.
  • Swap half of the apples with pears.
  • Play around with different sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.

How Long Will Crock Pot Apple Butter Last?

Fruit butter lasts a long time in the refrigerator, at least one month if not longer because of it’s high sugar content.

This easy Apple Butter recipe made in the slow cooker is the perfect way to use apples if you're planning on going apple picking in the fall!
Apple season is here, and if you're planning on doing some apple picking this Fall then making this Crockpot apple butter is a must!

Apple season is here, and if you're planning on doing some apple picking this Fall then making this Crockpot apple butter is a must!

More Apple Recipes:

Your comments are helpful!! If you’ve tried this apple butter crock pot recipe, or any other recipe on Skinnytaste, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! I would love to hear your thoughts, variations and feedback. And if you took some photos of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can re-share on my stories!

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Crock Pot Apple Butter

4.96 from 48 votes
1
Cals:34
Protein:0.5
Carbs:9
Fat:0.5
This easy Apple Butter recipe made in the crock pot is the perfect way to use apples if you're planning on going apple picking in the fall!
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Apple Butter recipe
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 7 hours
Total: 7 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 32 servings
Serving Size: 1 Tablespoon

Ingredients

  • 6 large apples, peeled, cored, finely chopped (honeycrisp, gala, ambrosia)
  • 1/3 cup raw sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, not packed
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp allspice
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg

Instructions

  • Place the apples in a slow cooker. Top with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg and mix well.
  • Cover and cook high 5 hours, or low 10 hours, stirring once halfway, until the apples are tender and dark brown.
  • Uncover and puree with an immersion blender.
  • Cook on high uncovered 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  • Spoon into jars or containers, cover and refrigerate.

Last Step:

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Nutrition

Serving: 1 Tablespoon, Calories: 34 kcal, Carbohydrates: 9 g, Protein: 0.5 g, Fat: 0.5 g, Sodium: 1 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 7.5 g

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353 comments on “Crock Pot Apple Butter”

  1. I freeze it and have never had a problem with it lasting at least 6 months. Everyone loves it! So easy and delicious.

  2. Avatar photo
    Sherri Thompson

    I made this recipe over the weekend. It is a very basic recipe but has so much flavor. We ate it over pancakes. Could eat it right out of the jar.

  3. Thank you for this recipe! I have made three batches using Fuji apples and froze the jars (cooled on the counter, refrigerated overnight and then into the freezer). Each jar thawed wonderfully! The only thing I did differently from the listed recipe was that I did not peel the apples.

  4. Avatar photo
    colleen Robinson

    Excited about making this recipe for the first time.Ill let you know what the succession is/done.

  5. I have made this recipe several times and I love it. It is delicious on oatmeal. The last few times I made this I did not peel the apples. I simply cut them into thin slices and it came out just as good.

  6. Avatar photo
    Beatrice Macdonald

    The apple butter could be “ hot bottled” and preserved in sterilized jars. It would keep for months this way and free up fridge space

    1. Actually not because of the acid content. Botulism is undetectable and even pressure canning won’t make it safe.

  7. Hi. I made this apple butter yesterday and it is so good! I had been gifted a whole bunch of Granny Smith’s so I diced them all up and threw them in my slow cooker. I think my slow cooker cooks fast cause after 3 hours those apples were soft and dark brown so I blended it then and left the lid off for about another hour on low stirring occasionally. I used 8 pretty large apples and added extra cinnamon because we love cinnamon. And it yielded me 6 small jars worth. Going to give a few as gifts and serve some for Christmas brunch. But it is so good that I will probably eat it often between now and then also. Thank you so much. I love your recipes!

  8. This is the best apple butter that I have ever had! Question: is this recipe suitable to can ( boiling water bath)?

      1. It’s not safe for canning due to no acid. Botulism is undetectable and is still a concern with cooking recipes instead of canning recipes.

  9. I haven’t made this yet, but would love to make it for Christmas gifts. I would like to send them to my family back home, but I noticed it says to refrigerate. Would it go bad if I send it and tell them to refrigerate it when they get it, or would I have to can it?

    1. It’s not safe for canning. Cooking recipes are not canning recipes and it does not have enough acid to kill botulism. Follow nchfp guidelines because I’m sure you do not want to poison your friends/family.

  10. This is one of my favourite recipes on this site. I use the apple butter for everything from oatmeal to toast. It is always delicious. At first, I added sugar to the recipe but when I use sweet apples it does not need any. Another great recipe on this site!

  11. Try leaving half of the apples with apple peels. You’ll keep the nutrition and realize that when blended, you can’t taste the peel at all.

  12. I’m so glad that yours was the recipe I decided to make. I doubled it, and added a bit more cinnamon. It turned out beautifully! I don’t know what kind of apples we have here on established trees. I used half green, half red. Lol. I never knew that I liked apple butter. I sure do now! Thanks for a great recipe.

  13. I substituted Stevia & Splenda brown sugar blend to reduce the calories & carbs. Canned them for later.  I hope there is no problems doing that. But for now, it’s perfect!

  14. So delicious. Brings back memories of all those wonderful childhood smells when I worked in the kitchen with my mother, a champion canner, freezer, baker…..who died 6 months ago. We spent many late summer nights together canning applesauce, tomato juice, beans, pears, peaches, and more. I’m still devastated that she is gone, but cooking makes me feel closer to her. Thanks for the recipe. I can’t wait to slather this apple-y goodness on a piece of homemade bread tomorrow. Today I’ll just eat it by the spoonful.

  15. This recipe is DELICIOUS!!!   Just made some today with a variety of apples.  Will be making more.  Thank you. 🥰🍁

  16. This is so delicious I made a small batch yesterday and I doubled it today to make more for friends 😋 Thankyou
    Dallis312

  17. This recipe worked really well! I slow cooked the apple butter (first round) for 3-4hrs, rather than 5, and it still puréed really well.
    The apple butter turned out really deliciously and everyone loved it. It’s nice to eat on bread, toast, by itself, and I’m yet to find out what else it’s good with! Highly recommend 😉

  18. It’s seem to be really good. Can we change the type of sugar? like maple syrup. Do you know what quantity should I use if you think maple syrup will be fine.
    Thanks a lot!

  19. Very easy and tasty! I coarsely chopped the apples to save time instead of finely chopping and it still turned out great. Doubled the recipe to freeze half of it so we’ll have on hand for the holidays. Delicious topping for oatmeal! Should have quadrupled the recipe for gifts.

  20. Avatar photo
    Deborah waller

    I made this and it taste wonderful!! It is smooth and sweet with all the spicey tate of fall..so healthy and good for my entire family.thank you for your wonderful recipes…

  21. This was so easy, and sooo good.  I only got 2 –  8 oz jars.  Next time, I will double the recipe.  I am going to make some for Christmas gifts.  

  22. My sisters and I went yesterday to pick 1/2 bushel of apples so we used a mix of cortland apples and honeycrisp. It came out amazing!!! Thank you so much for the recipe. I will probably make this 10 more times this fall. We made fresh biscuits to go with it….to die for.

    1. My sisters and I went yesterday to pick 1/2 bushel of apples so we used a mix of cortland apples and honeycrisp. It came out amazing!!! Thank you so much for the recipe. I will probably make this 10 more times this fall. We made fresh biscuits to go with it….to die for.

  23. I love my crockpot but just got an instant pot. Have lots of apples to make into apple butter for gifts. Is there a way to work this recipe to use my instant pot? Thank you! 

  24. I made a double batch of this recipe using a combination of Fuji and Golden Delicious apples, and the taste is outstanding! I was a little wary of trying a double batch, since some recipes don’t turn out as well when doubled. But this one turned out great! BTW, I used a 6-quart Crock Pot.

  25. I made this today after seeing the video on Facebook. This apple butter tastes just like the apple butter I had last year in upstate NY. So good warm with ice cream! (I had to test it, right?) Then when it cooled it was even better and more flavorful! It’s addictive! I used Ambrosia, Gala, and Fuji apples. My husband also loves it!

  26. Has anyone tried canning this to make it last longer in storage? Thinking about making for Christmas gifts and want to get an early start!

    1. I do my canning in boiling water after sterilizing the jars and the lids and it can last up to 6 months if unopened.

  27. I made this today using red delicious apples and it turned out great. Reminds me of my grandma’s apple butter! I cooked it 5 hours, put it in blender and it was thick to my liking so I didn’t cook it any longer.
    Thank you for a great recipe!

  28. This apple butter is my go to. I use different apples, and have played with other spices (a touch of ginger, dash of cloves) but often stick with the basics here. I add a squeeze of lemon to counter the sweetness and a touch of salt. I’ve jarred this for Christmas presents this year, perfect as a side with “fancy” English Muffins as a gift! One of my favorite uses for this is to add to mashed sweet potatoes. To make it almost dessert like, you can put in a casserole dish, and make a light streusal topping (1/3 c.up flour, 2/3 cup brown sugar, 1/8 tsp salt, mix , then mix in 2 TBS melted butter, bake til heated thru, 350° approx 20 min, sprinkle with 1/2 cup chopped pecans if desired ) Not exactly “skinny” but a nice addition to a holiday table.

  29. I am using three different types of apples to make it. I have I think a 7 quart pot and I just fill it to the rim. Cook it for 8hrs on high then add all my ingredients and cook until it thickens up. About 4 more hrs on low. I adjust the ingredients as needed at the end. I like it thick. I made 48 pints and gave them out as gifts and everyone wanted the recipe. I use more ingredients then most recipes I have found so far call for. I just like mine rich in flavor. Cinnamon mostly! This is only my second year making apple butter.  Does it really matter how long it cooks as long as it is cooked down to a creamy texture? 

  30. I recently discovered Apple butter, and I really love it. Is it possible to use the same recipe with pears?

  31. This is the first recipe for apple butter that comes up on a search…which is good because it is the only one I will ever need. The whole family loves it!
    I did add just a little vanilla and a dash of bourbon.
    ????

  32. I saw this recipe on FB and have been wanting to try it- finally did and it is delicious! So sweet. The most time consuming part of preparing the apples. I didn’t have all the kinds of apples in the recipe- I used a macintosh and fuji- and it still turned out fine. It didn’t take as long as the time indicated on the recipe for my slow cooker.

  33. I came looking for an apple butter recipe to give as gifts with a loaf of homemade bread and my made up version of schmeirkase. That’s a Penn.Dutch word. I couldn’t find a recipe, but remembered what it tasted like. So, I’ll share, 1/2 c sour cream, 1/2 c cream cheese (or blended cottage cheese til smooth) and one stick of real butter softened to room temp. All three ingredients blended well. This needs to be kept refrigerated if you have any left. You spread it on warm bread and cover with a layer of apple butter. Tastes like a dessert! This recipe got passed around in Nauvoo, IL and made it back to Utah and into some recipe books as ‘my recipe.’

  34. This recipe is definitely a keeper!! I used 6 lbs of apples and adjusted the rest of the ingredients to taste. Next time I’ll use even more apples – don’t really get a lot of apple butter from this amount of apples. Tastes great just dipping a spoon into the bowl!

  35. I recently made the apple butter for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Even though the recipe called for other types of apples, I only had red delicious apples on hand to use up. I sampled a taste and it’s so delicious! I can’t wait to serve to my family for the holiday.

  36. Avatar photo
    Debbie Carbott

    Yummy … I used 6 llarge honey crisp apples which gave me about 8 cups of chopped apples and used my 6 qt. oval slow cooker.  Great flavor.  Question … for greater amount of apple butter can I double or one and a half the recipe or am I better off just doing a single recipe twice?  THX

    1. Yes you can double the recipe with no problem.  I do this all the time because a can a lot of this every year for gifts.

  37. I just want to say I’ve made this twice now. My house smells soooo good all day!!! And this is the BEST apple butter! And since I’m making it, I can make it organic 🙂 I will be making this often. Thank you for the recipe (and all your recipes, they have all been great so far).

  38. Avatar photo
    Jacqueline McCormick

    If I wanted to make double the amount, would I double ingredients and adjust cooking times? I’m new to the crockpot world.

  39. Would this recipe work if the apples are cooked first then run through a victorian strainer? Probably crockpot time would be less.

  40. Avatar photo
    kholtyn barney

    Great recipe, easy to follow and delicious! I recommend cooking on low for only 6 hours, then blend and then you’re done. Maybe my apples just had a low moisture content but they were done after 6hours on low, no need to cook 2 hours on high after blending. I made this for family breakfast before general conference for The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints. Whole family is going to love it on scones I think!

  41. Greetings from Germany! While my apples are sitting contentedly in the crockpot and just starting to soften, I have been looking through the comments here in order to learn from other enthusiasts’ experiences – slow cookers are not particularly well-known in Germany outside the US armed services community.
    Whilst the article is really only about apple butter and the great recipe here, I would like to ask if anyone over in the US has followed the same procedure, more or less, with damsons or similar plums. Similar euphoria to that regarding apples in the US breaks out in the autumn (fall) in Germany when the damsons (Zwetschen) become available. They are often cooked, in the same way as you are cooking apples here, to produce a thick sweet spread that can be used for similar purposes as apple butter or even injected into the heart of a donut. There are numerous names for it in Eastern Europe but the most common is Powidl. Google a recipe and adapt it for the slow cooker and you will obtain a superb alternative to apple butter.

  42. Growing up in the country, apple butter was used in a variety of ways but my favorite was grilled apple butter sandwiches .  You prepare them like you would a grilled cheese sandwich.  

  43. I made the recipe as written except I used half honey crisp and half granny smith. Cooked overnight for 11 hours, then on high as directed. It’s phenomenal. Doesn’t taste lowfat at all.

  44. Avatar photo
    Alice Ruszkowski

    I made this today exactly as written and I did get 2 cups. It is like eating an apple pie!  So delicious, can’t wait to have it on my English muffins and waffles!  Thanks for an amazing recipe, will be making the applesauce next!

  45. So I threw some apples and cinnamon and 2 pks of splenda in the crockpot yesterday morning and let it go on low till this morning. Then I put it in the blender and it was nice and smooth but I am not sure if it would be considered apple “butter”. I was able to pour it out of the blender into a bowl. What is the consistency supposed to be? I used it on my pancakes and it was very tasty.

  46. Great recipe. I doubled it and made applesauce then cooked more to make Apple butter. I waterbathed both.

  47. I made this today and left out the raw sugar because apples are sweet on their own and I was afraid it would be too sweet. I’m glad I did, because it is delicious and has a wonderful apple flavor without being too sweet. So easy and you know what’s in it when you make it yourself.

    1. I leave out the raw sugar. As long as you use sweet apples, NOT Granny Smith, it’s plenty sweet and has more apple flavor. I also add about 1/4 tsp ground cloves.

  48. Haven’t tried this recipe yet but I’m going to start experimenting with it. A couple of notes – I know the variety of apples used can really change the flavor. In Virginia when I was a kid, Stamen apples were used – alas they don’t travel well and I can’t find them in New Mexico. Also, if you can find Oil of Cinnamon, try using that instead of ground cinnamon – should provide a much richer flavor. Again, this is from recipes used where I grew up in Central Virginia, and I’ve NEVER found apple butter anywhere else to match what they make there.
    Thanks for posting the recipe!

  49. Hello – how long will the apple/pear butter last if you seal similar to a jelly or jam in a mason jar?

    Thank you!

  50. I have made this recipe several times. I usually double it in my slow cooker. However, today I made in my 6 qt. Instant Pot today and double recipe wouldn’t have fit. You do not need to add more liquid and can follow recipe as stated. 15 min high pressure followed by NPR, then immersion blender and then slow cook feature on high for 2 hours. Worked perfectly and as a note, I have successfully frozen my extras in the freezer in the past and it thaws and tastes as original. Great recipe and thank you…my kiddos love this one, so after our apple haul that I made 4 jars of apple butter from in September, we finally ran out, so I had to make more with store bought!

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  52. Love this recipe! Made this apple butter and was delicious! I didn’t have all spice so I just didn’t use it. Turned out great!

  53. Could you adapt this for the Instant Pot? If so, what would you recommend for timing and pressure setting?

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  55. I made this 2-3 times last year with our apple haul and the kiddos LOVED it! I now have an Instant Pot…Any thoughts on converting the recipe?

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  59. I am looking for a recipe likes this. I would just leave out the sugar. I have done it before. I was looking for the length of time in the slow cooker so appreciate I found this recipe. I then process the jars in hot water bath for 20 minutes. Then it will last for 12 months.

    For those without a slow cooker, my mother makes her apple butter in a microwave.. I would have to ask her how she does it.

  60. HI, just commenting to say that a serving of 1 tablespoon is actually 2 smart points for weight watchers based on their calculator.!

    1. The only accurate way to determine any recipe’s SmartPoints® value is to plug the ingredients into the recipe builder on the Weight Watchers website (Click on “My Foods,” select “Recipe,” and click “Create a recipe.”) which does not count fruits and vegetables in recipes in the calculations as they are now 0 points.

      The SmartPoints® calculator isn’t meant for recipes and will often give you the wrong points (usually higher) because it’s counting the fruits and vegetables. So if you see a recipe with a SmartPoints® value that’s different from what the calculator tells you, now you know why.

      1. Gina,

        Thank you for your explanation. I know it seems like a parrot is posting, but we all mean well. 🙂 All the questions just means your recipe is THAT GOOD! 🙂 I am looking forward to making this i a couple weeks.

        HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

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  62. Has anyone used regular table sugar? 
    Is the amount the same?  
    We want to make this now and let it cook while we head out fir Thanksgiving supper 

  63. I made this yesterday and followed the directions in the crockpot on high. I’m not sure i cooked it long enough it’s more of an applesauce  than butter. Can I cook it down more today? 

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  67. Do you think it’s possible to freeze it? made some yesterday turned out great! I have so many apples was hoping I could freeze it for later use. Thank you! 🙂

    1. I always double or triple mine. I also add vanilla, ground Cloves, nutmeg, all spice to mine, plus I use dark brown sugar. It really tastes heavenly. I fill my 6 quart crock pot to heaping full.

      1. Why? I made it several times last year and froze it in 1-cup Anchor Hocking sealable glass bowls, and it was perfect. By the way, after the first batch I made I didn’t peel the apples and it came out great. It’s a lot less work and keeps the nutrition.

  68. This looks delicious! I do not own an immersion blender. Is there something else i can do instead? A regular blender? Thanks! 🙂

    1. You can, but as I don’t know a lot about canning I can’t offer advice. It will last in fridge for about a month.

    2. Avatar photo
      Dulcie Fleming

      I canned this recipe today. Follow the recipe as directed. When you get butter to your desired thickness, pour it into prepared jars. Clean the rims of the jar and add your lids and rings. Place in a water bath for 10 minutes. Take out of bath and set on a dishcloth on your counter. Now all you have to do is wait to hear your lids “pop”. I hope this helps. This recipe is so good.

      1. Avatar photo
        Dulcie Fleming

        Donna…I’m not sure. Other posts that I have read say 1 year. We ate it all in about a month. I use it in cooking as well so it never lasts long. I also doubled the batch. It is so good.

      2. First would like to add, please do not forget to add time for high altitude. I always have to think about this because I am at 5,669 ft here in Colorado. So after you fill your jars leaving 1 quarter inch headspace and clean the rims with paper towel dipped in white vinegar. Process for ten minutes at a rolling boil (first ten minutes is sea level to 1000 ft., then add 10 minutes for 1001 – 6000 ft. and so on…). Ball says shelf life is 1 year, but we have eaten it up to 3 years later when it was kept in a cool dark cellar (40 – 70 degrees “f”). I would think any warmer, or if exposed to light, it would not last nearly as long.

      3. Thanks. I was wondering how long to water bath. Also I wonder if stevia would work for a sweetener?

  69. This was perfect. Doubled it with the spiralizer and didn’t chop them any more. And makes the house smell amazing. Thank you

  70. Avatar photo
    Madeleine Le Noir

    HI!  Could I make this  apple butter without sugar or very less sugar?  I don’t want to make it with sucaryl or other false sugar.  I just want good ingredients in it?

  71. No immersion blender, could this be made with a manual potato masher?
    Also could you substitute maple syrup for the sugar or would it be too wet. If so how much?
    Thanks, Looks yummy!

    1. You could use a regular blender and do in batches. I haven’t tried it with a potato masher, it could work. With the substitution, that should be fine. Equal amounts.

  72. This is my 2nd year making this with freshly picked apples from our local organic farm. It is amazing in and on just about EVERYTHING! I have it in the crock pot now and I am heading out to get some cottage cheese to try that!! So excited for new ideas! Thank you Gina for everything! Your site is my go-to for healthy delicious meals! 

  73. This is so good! I did it in my instant pot, I tried 40 minutes under pressure and that was perfect (could potentially have done it in less time) and then the two hours uncovered using the “slow cooker” function. It turned out great!  

      1. I’m trying it now with no liquid. I think the apples would produce enough once they get cooking…. I’ll try to remember to let you know how it turns out!

  74. The Weight Watchers SP value of this recipe needs updated: 

    3 SP for 1 serving

    Apples are blended so this changes the point value. WW recipe builder states 3 SP for 1 TBSP. 

    1. I believe blended fruit/veggies are only counted if you drink them. Since this is something you would eat as a sauce, the apples aren’t counted. 

    2. Also unsweetened apple sauce is 0 points and it’s blended. So I’m good with the 1 sp per serving on this with the sugar in it.

  75. Avatar photo
    Monica Ortega

    I plan on making this here in a bit, but I don't have an immersion blender ): what else would work? I thought about scooping into regular blender, but would the heat melt it (I have horrible luck with things like this haha). Need advice ASAP!

    1. I just used my portable mixer on low speed with just one beater and it worked great.  The apples were soft after just three hours on low in my crockpot. I got 3 8oz. Jars with 7 Apple’s.

  76. I'm in love with this recipe. Gina, I'd love for you to make a pressure cooker recipe for this. Pretty please!!!

  77. Made this a few weeks ago and LOVED it. Wanted to make a batch for my mom for Thanksgiving and for my bosses for Thanksgiving, does the recipe double well? Or should I do two separate batches? Thank you =)

  78. Avatar photo
    Alexandra MacNeill

    I can't wait to make this!! I have never tried apple butter until recently on *wait for it* …pizza!! It was stepping outside the box for me, but it was so delicious that I went hunting for an apple butter recipe to try it at home. Can't wait to try it this weekend! For those interested, the pizza was apple butter on the dough (as a base sauce), topped with caramelized onion, chicken breast, and cheese of course. SO unbelievably delicious, and perfect for this time of year 🙂 thanks for the awesome recipe Gina!

  79. I made this apple butter and LOVED it!!!! It was so easy to do. I made it overnight so it was ready in the morning. I love it in plain greek yogurt. I also love just eating spoonfuls of it!! Fantastic recipe!!!

  80. Hi, unfortunately I am out of a slow cooker. Could I make this in a pot on the stove?
    If yes on how high and for how long?
    I'd really love to make this.

      1. If it’s electric stove till its buttery.. on lowest simmer.
        If it’s gas you’ll have to watch it.

        We do 15 hrs simmer on low after bringing to a boil. Turn down add lid… try to not eat it. Add water if it boils out before the apples break down….

        Slow cooker is better to be honest

  81. so good! been eating pumpkin bread with the pumpkin butter for the past few days. It came out too sweet for my taste though, i'll use less sugar next time.

  82. OMG! This is amazing!!! I am on the last step, cooking it uncovered, and I can barely stop myself from spooning it out and putting on my dinner! Gina, you are truly amazing. This blog has changed my life and I couldn't be happier!! (Not on weight watchers but always looking for new healthy meals). THANK YOU!!!

  83. I don't own a crockpot, would I be able to make this on the stove? I'm sure the timing would be different?

    1. I have the same question. Can this be made on stove/pressure cooker? how much time should it cook on either?

  84. It would be helpful to know how many cups of diced apples. I made this with what I thought was 6 good-sized apples and it tastes great, but I don't think I even got a full cup.

    1. 5 – 6 cup of diced apples. I also add two Tsp. Vanilla & 1 eighth Tsp. ground Cloves to my recipe. I Mix Johnathan, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith apples…. Then I bottle and water bath can the whole batch for Christmas gifts along with bottles of Christmas Jam. Our family looks forward to it every year.

  85. I make potato latkes form the recipe in Diet For A Small Planet, and always serve them with apple butter. Never made the apple butter before, but it's amazing!

  86. I love how my house smells when this is cooking. This is also yummy with cottage cheese.
    Regards Sneha

  87. Avatar photo
    Cookies Fromhome

    Perfect for breakfast.Apple butter looks awesome with bread and also on sandwich.
    Thanksgiving gifts

  88. Does anybody know if this can be made using a magic bullet, or another high powered blender? I do not have an immersion blender.

    1. Avatar photo
      Ivonne Cribbs

      Yes! I've used both my nutri-bullet and immersion, on separate occasions, when making this

  89. Great! like to find easy and simple recipes. since I don't eat nuts, except for cashews. Thank you .. Will try this on the weekend,

  90. Avatar photo
    Dane Sergeant

    Hi Gina,
    This looks great! I just upgraded to Windows 10 and now can't print your recipes as on Windows 8. Have you heard any others having this problem?

    Thanks,
    Dane

  91. How much do 6 large apples yield when the apples have been prepared prior to cooking in cups (approx).

    Thank you,

    Jan

      1. Hi Just wondering you said this can last up to a month refrigerated. I’d like to make this for xmas gifts now in October. Do you think if I put them in mason jar and boiled them after wards to seal the lid they will last longer?

      1. And I was going to ask the same thing – Thank you for asking 🙂 I happen to have everything to make this so I think I’ll throw it in the crock pot now!

      2. I made some yesterday, put it in half pint jelly jars and processed for 20 minutes in hot water bath. All sealed and in the can room

  92. I love dipping my pork chop in apple butter. My 10 month old loves dipping sweet potatoes in apple butter!

  93. Thanks for the recipe. Every year I look at farmer's markets for no sugar or low sugar apple butter. We love to have apple butter on our waffles instead of syrup (we include small pieces of apple in the waffle dough as well). I'll probably reduce the sugar a bit. I like to use Jonathan apples when they're available in the fall, and perhaps balance with a sweeter apple. I love the idea of using a slow cooker, I hadn't thought of that! This ends up being a bit like my recipe for fried apples, a southern treat that makes use of Jonathan apples.

  94. You know, I was just doing a general google search for this yesterday and surprise, it's in my email this morning! Perfect. I cannot wait to try!! I was thinking that I might use my spiralizer on the apples to save on the chopping time. Do you think that would make a huge different? I don't think it would.

    1. I didn't chop them and it worked out fine. It was so quick to just core them and spiralize them! I ended up with 8 4oz mason jars full (plus a small bit extra). Love this recipe!!!!!!

      1. “8 4oz jars…
        Two cups is 24 ounces, 8•4=24
        Seems right to me ?”

        8 x 4 = 32, not 24
        A cup is 8 fl. oz., so 2 cups is 2 x 8 = 16, not 24

  95. Avatar photo
    Jordyn Upchurch

    I never knew apple butter could be this easy! I got an immersion blender for a wedding gift and have been dying to try it out…I'll definitely be doing this soon!

    xoxo, SS

    The Southern Stylista

    1. Avatar photo
      Skinnytaste Gina

      No, I would make it in several batches. Maybe double would work but timing might change.

  96. I made this last week and it was AMAZING! I used some kind of apple (not sure what) from our apple picking outing that was similar to a Pink Lady. We have a really hot slow cooker so mine only did 8 hours for the first round and still did the 2 hours after it was pureed since I like a good thick apple butter. I filled 3 freezer jam jars and had about another 1/2 cup leftover.

    This is the first time I've made apple butter and I'm definitely going to be making it regularly. Thanks, Gina!!!

  97. This is an incredible recipe! Unfortunately, it didn't quite make as much as it shows in your picture – I couldn't fill my Mason jar up all the way; I only got half. 🙁 Still, it's amazing and the consistency is perfect. My whole family loves it!

    P.S.: It tastes great mixed with some cottage cheese, too.

  98. Avatar photo
    ChristineElaine

    I'm so excited to try it! It's cooling off right now and looks so yummy. I'm also quite pleased that the color/consistency looks exactly like your picture. 🙂 WOOT!

  99. I didn't get great pictures but I made this and it was great! Check it out here:
    http://imake2.blogspot.fr/2012/12/apple-butter.html
    Thanks!

  100. Gina, if I am going to be canning this up for family and friends for Christmas do I need to put any pectin in it? Also how big is your slow cooker? I wanted to triple this recipe, mine is pretty big. I think 7 Qt.

    1. no pectin for I have made this for many years and it stays for a year or better if you don't have it all eaten.It doesn't get watery.

  101. Can anyone tell me what is allspice? In Hungary it is not known; can I substitue it with any other spices?

  102. I made this last night, and it is delicious! I don't have an immersion blender so I just scooped it into a regular one and it worked (immersion would've been better). Thanks so much for the awesome recipe. It's a keeper in our house now!

  103. Would it work to put it in the food processor if I don't have an immersion blender? Thanks! LOVE your site! I'm on it several times a day using your amazing recipes!

    1. We use a potato masher and we like it a little more chunky but it is still pretty smooth after it cooks. I mash them as soon as they soften and then they get smoother.

  104. A lady up the road just gave me a bunch of apples, im going to try this for the first time tonight after dinner (our dinner is cuurently in the crockpot lol) Im really hoping it turns out, i've never canned anything before and hope I don't kill someone LOL

  105. When you make this, and it calls for 2.5 pounds apples, is it ok to weigh the cut apples to get 2.5 cut apples going into crockpot?

  106. Just made this, but left the skin on. It tastes amazing!! IMO, better then peeling them. So if you're lazy (like me) and don't want to peel, just know, you don't have to!

  107. Very cool. The thing that makes it that much more fun for me is the mason jar, being such a fanatic about them. I'm not usually into apple butter, but this weekend I ended up at Cracker Barrel and was made to try it and I was sold! It was delicious on their biscuits. Thanks for the share here.

  108. This might be a dumb question but…

    Do I have to use a jar? How long will it last without a jar??

    If I do use a jar how long will it last??

    Thanks

  109. Avatar photo
    ChristinalovesLucy

    Just an idea: Splenda makes a Splenda and brown sugar mixture that would lower the sugar intake for this recipe. Not to mention, regular Splenda would work on many more recipes 🙂 My mom and I substitute white sugar for Splenda all the time and nobody can ever tell the difference!

  110. Question for you – I'm not actually "canning" this (since I don't know how), however, I do plan on making a large batch, and putting them into little cute jars and giving them to family members. Does the apple butter need to cool to room temperature BEFORE I put it in the fridge? Also, do you know how long these will last in the fridge since I'm not canning and will just have them in jars? Thank you!! Love your site!

  111. I made this yesterday and it's so good! I had a few left over apples and I'm so glad I came across your website. I'm constantly searching for easy and tasty vegan recipes. I did reduce the amount of sugar a bit and it still turned out pretty sweet and delicious! I've canned some and plan to serve it Christmas morning with biscuits. Thanks for the recipe!!

    *I'm currently baking the Apple/Cranberry crisps (sub vegan butter for diary) and it smells yum!!

  112. I am so glad you posted this!! I made it and liked it so much I decided to make a bunch to go in my gift baskets (already loaded with breads) for Christmas gifts!!
    THANKS!

    xox jen

  113. Incredible! This was so easy to make! I used pears instead of apples and also added a freshly squeezed orange and some orange zest to it. It turned out wonderful. Now I know what I'm giving away for the holidays this year!

  114. Avatar photo
    MonicaHughston

    Hi Gina! I would like to only use turbinado sugar. Do you think it will taste good if I do that? Also, how much should I use? Your site is my go to for all dinners, thank you!!!

  115. Avatar photo
    beth and mario

    i just wanted to comment on the anon poster who complained the points were wrong. i just rechecked the recipe. the 2pts calculation is right on for a 2 tbsp serving on Points Plus as the recipe is written (with brown and white sugar). I'll be making this soon! Thanks so much. your site is inspiring!

  116. Hi Gina!!! I love love love this recipe! Can you tell me how long it will stay good in the refrigerator?

  117. I made this Friday night and have been enjoying it on toast, but I found a new use for it today.

    I wanted to make my Dijon lime chicken but noticed that we were out of Dijon mustard. I remembered the apple butter in the fridge and decided to go a different route. I threw this together for dinner tonight with sweet potato fries, and applesauce cake for dessert and received great reviews from my family and in-laws. Hopefully you will like it too.

    Apple Chicken

    4 Chicken Breasts
    2 T Oil
    ½ C Marsala Wine
    2 T Butter or Margarine (for creaminess)
    4 T Apple Butter
    Water (to thin as needed)

    Pound chicken breasts thin (cut and remove fat and gristle). Salt and pepper both sides. Saute for 4-5 min on each side, until just done (remove from heat).

    Deglaze pan with Marsala wine. Add butter, apple butter and water, whisk until smooth. Turn pan to low, return chicken back to pan to coat with sauce and warm chicken.

    Serve immediately.

  118. Ever since I was a little girl we had apple butter with our breakfast sausage, my daughter now will not have it any other way. Of coarse we use turkey sausage to skinny it up. Looking forward to trying this recipe.

  119. Avatar photo
    Gillian in Sydney, Australia

    interestingly, I make my own 'Apfelmuss' – it's not apple sauce nor is it apple puree… so we call it by the German name… however I just use pink lady apples (and if i can't get them, then i'll go for any eating apples) – peel, quarter and core them, and into the slow cooker… which I just leave going until they have turned a deep caramel colour…. I don't use sugar at all… if you leave them long enough, they don't need it!!!!
    also don't use any spices – my DDs get to choose which spice/s they want, when they eat it!

    Oh… and as a lapsed WWer this comment may not surprise… it's utterly divine with homemade lemon custard (in a Thermomix, if you have one!)

    thanks for your recipes!!! I'd like to think I'll climb back on the wagon…. my hips would really prefer to be there!!

  120. Oh this looks delicious!!! Once I make it, if I don't can it, how long will it stay good in the refrigerator?

  121. My coworkers and I are OBSESSED with this recipe!!!! I even made a huge batch and canned it for the winter. It turns cottage cheese into something magical. Thank you!!

  122. I just made this last night. I doubled the batch, added a little bit of ground cloves, and then canned it. I have 9 adorable 4 oz jars full of apple butter and I can't wait to eat it!

  123. I am going to make this ovwer the weekend with the apples that I picked. I can't wait to try it. I would love to see some more crockpot recipes for us working women. 🙂 Your recipes are amazing! Thank you and keep up the great work!

  124. I'm in the process of making this right now… it could not be easier and my apartment smells amazing!! Apple butter & cottage cheese is my favorite!

  125. We just went apple picking yesterday and I would love to make this, but I don't have a crock pot. Is there another alternative? Could I slow roast it in the oven?

  126. Avatar photo
    Our Beaten Path

    A friend of mine made this and considering that I don't even like apple butter….this was one of the best things EVER!! My family and I are going to the orchard to pick apples today and I can't wait to make my own!! 🙂

  127. I made this last weekend, and it is delicious. Plus the house smells so good when it is cooking!

  128. So excited to try this! I love your pumpkin butter. I made a big batch of it last fall and froze it in ice cube trays then popped them out into a plastic bag for easy storage. Worked great! Just grab a cube and add it to whatever! I'll be doing the same with the apple butter!

  129. I've never canned before(although I would LOVE to learn) and don't own any of the things I would need to can. I do make freezer jam every year and I was wondering if you think this would freeze well?

    1. I make this all the time and I am 62 and canned for years and you don't have to process it. Just get your lids good and hot by boiling on the stove in water and make sure the apple butter is hot and that's all it takes, I have never had any spoil.

    2. Waterbath canning is very easy to do and learn. Not expensive. If you want to make enough to put up for the year. Just sharing.

  130. Avatar photo
    Gina @ Skinnytaste

    Vernnice I love vanilla sugar, plan on making it for Mother's day!

    Sarah I believe you would use half of the amount of sugar listed in the recipe. If so the points will go down slightly, use recipe builder to see for sure.

  131. Do you use "vailla sugar"?
    I've made a batch with raw sugar and we love the extra flavor that it adds to everything. We actually use less sugar in everything because of the vanilla beans. I only added 1/3 cup of the sugar mixture to my slow cooking apples and it's tasting pretty sweet already. We'll see how it turns out.

  132. I made this today and it was heavenly. I did use sugar/splenda blend and it worked well. I used the finished prodcut on a pork chop recipe and it was so yummy on pork. Way better than buying a canned version. I will never buy canned again, thanks!!

  133. I made this apple butter yesterday… oh so good! I had some for breakfast mixed into greek yogurt…delicious.
    Thanks for the recipe.

  134. I can't wait to try this! I'm stuck with "soft, cool foods" for the next week (thank you, dental surgery!) and this should be a good way to get some healthy stuff into me (and the pumpkin butter :). Here's hoping the store has the apples I need!

  135. I only tried apple butter once, and hated it. For some reason I gave this a try, and it was amazing! Thank you for sharing it.

  136. I just ran this through the Weight Watcher Recipe Builder and even when using Splenda and Splenda Brown Sugar Blend, it still comes out to 2 Points Plus points per two tablespoon serving. Sigh…

  137. Has anyone tried making this exclusively with Splenda? Just wondering – seems like that would pretty much make it "free".

  138. I googled and got your website, and I'm glad I did. I'm trying to make a menu plan for up to a month on the Points Plus Plan. Although it's hard because my husband has more points. I am just focusing on what I can have and adding a little bit more to add to his. I have lost 15 lbs through the holidays and I do believe points plus is a better plan if you follow it faithfully. I'm right now cooking your apple butter and it does give out a very lovely aroma! Thanks for sharing!

  139. I've been on the plan for a little over a year and continue to maintain my goal..I owe some of that to you Gina 🙂 Thanks for helping me "keep it fresh" with your awesome blog. My 17 year old son is a wrestler and has to watch his weight this time of year….he LOVES the healthy, delicious foods I make from your site and this slow cooked apple butter is one of his favorites!

  140. I made this and it was delicious- like spreadable apple pie. I wasn't back on plan at the time, which was probably a good thing, 'cause I'm pretty sure I ate about 10 servings all on my own. Made a very popular appetizer w/ graham crackers at an Xmas tree party last week.

  141. Oh, my gosh! I've been wanting to try making apple butter, but it seemed like so much work! I can do this! Thanks so much!

  142. My kitchen smells heavenly right now! I put the crock pot on last night and woke up to some amazing apple butter. This will be a great addition to my morning oatmeal this week. Thanks so much Gina!

  143. So good! I made this yesterday, and not only was it really easy, it was absolutely delicious. It made enough for me to fill 3 8-oz canning jars, so I even had enough to give one to my mother in law. Wonderful recipe!

  144. Hi Gina! I was wondering if I need to add water to the apples while they slow cook? Thanks for the recipe!!

    1. Just make sure that you don't lift the lid to often – you will bring down the cooking temperature, but also release all of the natural moisture that is in the apples.

  145. Avatar photo
    New Girl on Post

    Thank you so much for this recipe! I love your pumpkin butter recipe and my husband and I are huge apple butter fans, so I cannot wait to make this!

  146. My house smells so yummy right now as it cooks. Thanks so much. We LOVED your pumpkin butter, really looking forward to the apple butter. Peace

  147. Avatar photo
    Colleen @ The Taste Place

    This looks delicious! And so easy. I'm definitely going to try this for my own home, and jar as gifts.

    I love apple butter on toast, English Muffins, angel food cake, pancakes, waffles, etc.

  148. Avatar photo
    Gina @ Skinnytaste

    To jar this, you would have to follow instructions for canning. Here is a great resource for canning, freezing, etc.

    http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/can_home.html

  149. Avatar photo
    A Canadian Foodie

    Good to know, GIna… take a look at the post I just posted. The labels would be great for this apple butter!
    🙂
    Valerie

    1. I made this for the first time last year,it was so easy I did 3 batches,I did not peel the apples,it's added fiber and you can not even tell they are there.

  150. I cooked this last night and woke up to the wonderful smell of apples. It was perfect on my oatmeal this morning!

    I used Splenda brown sugar blend instead of regular brown sugar. It came out a little sweeter than I would like. Next time I will half the amount of the blend. Otherwise it was easy and tasty! Another fabulous recipe!

    Bravo Gina!

  151. Hi Gina,

    Can you freeze this? I'm wondering if I can make it now, then give it away as Christmas presents?!! Love your website!!

    Thank you!

  152. Hello, I just want to make sure about something. I am planning to give some jars as gifts. Do I have to heat treat or pressure cook the jars or just fill them and put the lids on?

  153. I am just about to make my second batch of the pumpkin butter, which is amazing.

    I will be making the apple butter later in the week.

    This is my favorite time of year and all your autumn receipes are fast becoming my favorites.

  154. Avatar photo
    Gina @ Skinnytaste

    Dutch- Very easy, just slow 🙂
    According to the National Center for Home Food Preservation:
    Properly canned food stored in a cool, dry place will retain optimum eating quality for at least 1 year. Canned food stored in a warm place near hot pipes, a range, a furnace, or in indirect sunlight may lose some of its eating quality in a few weeks or months, depending on the temperature. Dampness may corrode cans or metal lids and cause leakage so the food will spoil.
    Here's the link http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/questions/FAQ_canning.html#5

  155. The recipe sounds so amazing and easy. I love my slow cooker and I think I will give this a try since I have family coming for Thanksgiving.

  156. Avatar photo
    Gina @ Skinnytaste

    Amanda that sounds delicious!

    Sure, a regular blender works, just be careful not to burn yourself.

  157. I have been making apple butter all season! I don't use brown sugar but I love it either way. I just made an Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie

  158. Could I do this with a regular blender rather then an immersion blender? Looks amazing and the sandwhich sounds awesome!

    1. The mixture is just very very hot so you have to be so careful moving it back and forth. By the way- I really recommend getting an immersion blender at some point!

  159. I cannot wait to try this, if it is as amazing as your pumpkin butter, I know what I will be making and giving away as gifts to my guests on Thanksgiving!! 🙂