Apples, maple syrup, molasses, and spices combine in your slow cooker to create a smooth, sweet low-sugar apple butter. This refined-sugar-free and paleo-friendly spread is perfect year-round for toast, pancakes, or stirred into yogurt.
When apples are in season, I’ll find any excuse to eat them in all forms. Apple bread, apple cake, apple granola, apple pie, apple crisp, apple bars…the list goes on.
One of my favorite ways to use up in-season fruit is to make a jammy spread. For apples, my go-to recipe is an apple butter.
This small-batch, low-sugar apple butter is a warm, spiced spread that’s both smooth and delightfully thick. Slow-cooked to perfection, the apples break down into a rich, caramelized consistency that’s ideal for spreading on toast, pancakes, or stirring into oatmeal.
With its velvety texture and subtly spiced flavor, this apple butter is an irresistible addition to your breakfast or snack routine. Plus, it’s free from refined sugar, making it a healthier treat that’s still packed with
What is Apple Butter
Apple butter is a rich, caramelized spread made by slow-cooking apples with sweeteners and spices until thick and jammy. Unlike applesauce, which is typically chunky and slightly sweet, apple butter is cooked down to a smooth, thick consistency, perfect for spreading on toast, scones, or swirling into yogurt and oatmeal.
This small batch apple butter is low in sugar, making it a healthier alternative to traditional recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Small Batch Low-Sugar Apple Butter
- Perfectly Small Batch: No need for a large slow cooker or a massive haul of apples—just a simple recipe you can scale up as needed.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and just a few hours in the slow cooker—most of the work is hands-off!
- No Refined Sugar: Sweetened with maple syrup and a touch of molasses, this recipe is paleo-friendly and free from refined sugars.
- Freezable: Make a batch now, freeze it, and have apple butter ready to go for months.
- Great for Apple Season: A delicious way to preserve the last apples from your orchard haul.
How to Make Low-Sugar Apple Butter:
- Peel and core your apples. If you leave some of the skin on that’s okay but I don’t recommend leaving the skin on all of the apples as it will not break down all the way.
- Add the ingredients to the slow cooker. Toss the apple with the maple syrup, molasses, and spices.
- Cook on low, covered for approximately 5 to 6 hours until the apples break down (start checking around 5 hours).
- Blend the apples to your desired consistency. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender before returning to the slow cooker.
- Continue cooking the apple mixture (no lid) until it is thick, jammy, and caramelized. This should take another hour or two.
- Enjoy warm or cold.
How to Store Apple Butter:
- This apple butter should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The apple butter will last approximately one week.
- Freezing: To freeze the apple butter, move it to an airtight container with approximately 1/2 inch of space at the top. When you’re ready to use it, allow it to defrost in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. The apple butter will last in the freezer for up to three months.
Substitutions and Modifications:
- Sweeteners: If you don’t have maple syrup, honey works just as well. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness.
- Molasses: Molasses adds depth of flavor, but if you don’t have it, feel free to use extra maple syrup or honey.
- Spices: Adjust the spice blend to suit your taste—add more cinnamon or nutmeg if preferred.
Serving Suggestions for Low-Sugar Apple Butter:
- Stir into Overnight Oats: Enjoy a decadent, healthy breakfast.
- Charcuterie Board: Pair with sliced meats, cheeses, and crackers.
- Yogurt or Cottage Cheese: Mix in for a sweet, creamy treat.
- Ice Cream Topping: Use as a topping for vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
- Apple Butter Peanut Butter Sandwich: The perfect combination for a snack or lunch.
If you Enjoyed this Recipe, You Should Try:
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Small Batch Low-Sugar Apple Butter (Slow Cooker Recipe)
Equipment
- 1 1 to 2 quart slow cooker (small)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds apples (3 medium or 4 small) cored, partially peeled, and diced into chunks (see notes)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup, substitute honey'
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1.5 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Add the diced apples to a 1 to 2-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle spices evenly over the apples.
- Pour the maple syrup and molasses on top of the apples, stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours, until apples are tender.
- Turn off the slow cooker, remove the lid, and allow the apples to cool for a few minutes. Using an immersion blender, puree the apples (directly in the slow cooker) until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the apples to a blender to puree them. If you do the latter option, take care as the apples will be hot. Return the apples to the slow cooker after blending.
- Turn the slow cooker back on low and cook, uncovered, for another 1 to 2 hours until thick and caramelized. If your mixture still appears runny, continue cooking until your desired consistency.
- Turn off the slow cooker and let the apple butter cool for 30 minutes. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. You can freeze the apple butter in an airtight container (leave about 1/2 inch of room at the top) for up to 3 months. To defrost, remove from the freezer and allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Notes
-
Apple Varieties:
Sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work best for a naturally sweet apple butter. For a tangier flavor, mix in tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn. -
Peeling Apples:
Partially peeling the apples adds texture to the final product while maintaining smoothness. Completely peel them if you prefer a silky consistency. Leaving some peel on increases pectin content, naturally helping to thicken the butter. -
Sweetener Options:
Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or brown sugar. Adjust to taste based on the sweetness of your apples. -
Cooking Time:
Depending on your slow cooker, the cooking time may vary. Check the apples for softness before pureeing.
