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Top side view of easy apple butter in a glass jar

Apple Butter

This homemade Apple Butter is easy to make and filled with intense apple flavor and a medley of delicious warm spices! Made in just one pot, this apple spread is the perfect condiment for fall. Includes slow cooker and instant pot directions and is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and paleo-friendly.

Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword apple butter recipe, crock pot apple butter, crockpot apple butter, homemade apple butter, how to make apple butter, slow cooker apple butter
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings 16 servings
Calories 63 kcal
Author Kelly

Ingredients

  • 4 lbs apples use a variety of about 8-10, peeled, cored and sliced
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/3 cup apple cider or unsweetened apple juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Optional

  • maple syrup or coconut sugar , to taste

Instructions

Stovetop Method

  1. Add all the ingredients to a large pot or saucepan and stir well. Cover and cook on medium heat for 30 minutes.

    Top view of raw sliced apples with spices in a blue pot

  2. Remove lid and use a potato masher or wooden spoon to smash the apples down. Continue cooking for 1 - 2 hours (depending on how thick you like it), stirring every 15 minutes.

    Top view of cooked sliced apples in a blue pot

  3. Turn off heat and remove from burner.

  4. Use an immersion blender to puree the apple butter. Or alternatively, transfer to a blender or food processor. Add more sweetener or spices, to taste.

    Top view of cooked apple butter in a blue pot with an immersion blender

  5. Allow to cool. Transfer to glass containers and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

    Side view of homemade apple butter in a glass jar

Slow Cooker Method

  1. Add the apples to the slow cooker.

    Sliced and seasoned apples in a slow cooker

  2. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.

  3. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours, stirring every couple hours, or until apple butter is thick and dark brown.

  4. Use an immersion blender to puree the apple butter. Or alternatively, transfer to a blender or food processor. Add more sweetener or spices, to taste.

    Top view of cooked apple butter in a blue pot

  5. Allow to cool. Transfer to glass containers and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

    Side view of apple butter in a glass jar with a knife

Instant Pot Method

  1. Add all the ingredients to the inner pot of a 6-quart Instant Pot.

    Turn Instant Pot to “Manual” and pressure cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow to naturally release for 20 minutes.

    Use an immersion blender to puree the apples. Alternatively, transfer it to a blender or food processor. Add more sweetener or spices, to taste.

    Allow the butter to cool completely before storing it in the fridge.

Nutrition Facts
Apple Butter
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 63 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Carbohydrates 14g5%
Fiber 3g12%
Sugar 8g9%
Protein 1g2%
* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.