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    Home » Recipes » Sauces & Spices

    Crock-Pot Apple Butter (Low-Sugar)

    UPDATED Dec 1, 2021 · PUBLISHED Dec 1, 2021 BY Marjory Pilley · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Low-sugar apple butter in a crock-pot.

    Make Crock-Pot Apple Butter with low sugar or NO sugar at all. This easy, healthy recipe naturally sweetens breakfast foods and desserts.

    Crock-pot apple butter with low sugar on a graham cracker with bowl below it.

    Do you have extra apples on hand from a day at an orchard? Even if you pick them up at the grocery store, you won't regret making homemade apple butter in your slow cooker.

    The best thing about making it yourself is that you control exactly how much sweetener is added.

    You'll find so many ways to use it from stirring it into your morning oatmeal at breakfast to drizzling it over a dessert.

    When I needed a "glue" to hold together Vegan Stuffing Muffins, it was fully up to the task and gave them a spectacular burst of flavor.

    It's not difficult to make, but it does take time quite a bit of time to cook. Make it overnight and your house will smell amazing in the morning.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Best Apples for Reduced Sugar Apple Butter
    • Do you have to use sugar to make Apple Butter?
    • Step-by-Step with Pictures
    • FAQ
    • Storage
    • How to Use Apple Butter
    • 📋 Recipe

    Ingredients

    Here's what you need to make the very best apple butter.

    • Apples - only use sweet apples!
    • Cinnamon
    • Nutmeg
    • Salt
    • Vanilla Extract
    • Sugar - see the section below for options.

    Best Apples for Reduced Sugar Apple Butter

    Use sweet apples if you plan to cut back on the sugar. A mixture of types is always a good idea. Apples on the sweeter side include:

    • Ambrosia
    • Honey crisp
    • Gala
    • Pink Lady
    • Golden delicious.

    Granny Smith apples are easy to find in the grocery store. They are tart! Use those in another recipe.

    Do you have to use sugar to make Apple Butter?

    No. You don't have to add any sugar at all. It's a matter of taste and dietary restrictions. The amount of sugar added is up to you!

    I adapted this recipe from the one at My Baking Addiction. And, yes...the apple butter is divine. But, I found that I absolutely didn't need as much sugar. I cut the amount in half and in later batches I cut it down even further.

    I've also made it with none at all.

    The sweetness of the apples and the spices make up the difference, but a little sugar does help to thicken it, so I usually add just a little.

    You can also try a sugar substitute like Splenda or make a sugar blend with a combination of granulated sugar and stevia or erythritol.

    Step-by-Step with Pictures

    Here's the easy process to make slow cooker apple butter with reduced sugar.

    Number collage of pictures to make the recipe.

    1. Core, peel and chop apples. It sounds like quite an ordeal. But, it's really not that bad, particularly if you use an apple corer. This recipe makes A LOT of apple butter. Make a half batch if you're not planning to share it as a gift or don't want to stow some jars away in the freezer.

    Note: Peeling the apples is optional! The softened apples will be pureed and skins will almost disappear at the end of the process, with just a few small pieces here and there.

    2. Place the apple chunks in a slow cooker and toss with spices (except for the vanilla) and sugar, if you are using some. Cover and cook on low in a slow cooker for 10 hours.

    Tip: Cook it overnight and wake-up to a fantastic smelling home. Your welcome!

    3. After the apples have slow-cooked for 10 hours, stir in the vanilla extract and break up the apple slices with a spoon. Re-cover and cook for 2 hours more.

    4. Allow the mixture to cool and then puree it with an immersion blender (or in batches in a food processor) for a nice smooth finish. It's okay to leave some chunks if that's how you roll.

    Low sugar apple butter in slow cooker.

    FAQ

    What is the difference between applesauce and apple butter?

    Apple butter has been cooked longer and is more concentrated than apple sauce. It's thicker and has a more intense flavor. It's generally flavored with spices and extracts too. Apple sauce is made by cooking and processing apples until they are smooth. It generally has a thinner consistency and fewer spices added.

    How do you know when apple butter is done cooking?

    The consistency of the apple butter will be thick, silky, and slide off a spoon slowly. Cook it as long as you like. It will fall somewhere between apple sauce and apple butter.

    Storage

    This recipe makes about 8 cups. So, there will be plenty to share!

    Spoon apple butter into air tight containers. Store in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to two months.

    It makes a fun edible gift too. Decorate jars with ribbons and tags if you are giving some away. You may even want to pair it with a loaf of bread or crackers.

    Three mason jars with apple butter in them surrounded by gift tags and ribbon.

    How to Use Apple Butter

    There is no shortage of ways to enjoy it:

    • Slather it on bread or cracker.
    • Stir into oatmeal.
    • Drizzle it over pancakes or waffles.
    • Use as a dip for cookies and graham crackers
    • Use as a sweetener for recipes that call for applesauce.
    • Top yogurt or ice cream with it.

    These recipes also use or would be perfect with healthy apple butter:

    • Apple Cheesecake Parfaits - A No-Bake Treat
    • Vegan Stuffing Muffins
    • Healthy Apple Nachos Recipe
    Healthy apple butter in a bowl and on a graham cracker.

    Did you make this recipe?
    Please leave a rating and tell us how you liked it!

    📋 Recipe

    Crock-pot apple butter with low sugar on a graham cracker with a bowl of it below.

    Crock-Pot Apple Butter Low Sugar Recipe

    Make crock-pot apple butter with low sugar or no sugar! Easy, healthy recipe that naturally sweetens breakfast foods and desserts.
    4.80 from 10 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 12 hours
    Total Time: 12 hours 20 minutes
    Servings: 64 servings
    Calories: 36kcal
    Author: Marjory Pilley

    Equipment

    • Slow Cooker - Programmable

    Ingredients

    • 6 pounds apples A mixture of sweet apples, such as honey crisp, pink lady, gala or golden delicious works best
    • 1 cup brown sugar Use up to this amount or none at all. See notes below regarding options.
    • 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

    Instructions

    • Core, peel and slice apples and place in a crock-pot.
    • Mix together sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
    • Toss apple slices with spice mixture.
    • Cook on low for 10 hours.
    • Stir in vanilla extract and crush large apple pieces with a spoon.
    • Cook on low for 2 more hours.
    • Allow apples to cool slightly and then puree with an immersion blender (or transfer in batches to a food processor.)
    • Transfer to air tight containers and store in refrigerator for up to two weeks or store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

    Notes

    Recipe makes about 8 cups; serving size is 2 Tablespoons
    Nutritional estimate assumes a full cup of sugar is used.
    Use little to no sugar if desired. Splenda or a combination of granulated sugar and stevia / erythritol may be used. Note that a little sugar does help thicken apple butter.
    Use sweet apples such as:
    • Ambrosia
    • Honey crisp
    • Gala
    • Pink Lady
    • Golden delicious.
     
    Grab 5 Low-Carb Saucesand get more easy, healthy recipes! JOIN HERE

    Nutrition

    Calories: 36kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 23IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg
    Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer

    This post was originally posted on 12/17/13 and has been updated to improve the reader experience.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Betsy @ Desserts Required

      December 18, 2013 at 7:57 pm

      I love how creative you are with your crockpot! Great idea.

      Reply
      • Marjory

        December 19, 2013 at 8:33 am

        Thanks Betsy! It's one of my favorite kitchen gadgets!

        Reply
    2. Kate

      September 29, 2014 at 1:58 pm

      Does this recipe use any water or cider while cooking the apples?

      Reply
      • Marjory

        September 29, 2014 at 2:37 pm

        This recipe does not use any water or cider. Thanks for you comment!

        Reply
    3. Andrea

      October 07, 2014 at 11:05 pm

      How long do you boil the water after you fill the jars and are in the sealing process? The batch so far smells incredible!

      Reply
      • Marjory

        October 08, 2014 at 9:41 am

        Hi! Since I froze the jars, I did not go through the canning process. Check with a site like the Kitchn or AllRecipes for information on canning. I hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
      • Laura Siebrecht

        October 22, 2018 at 3:38 pm

        5 stars
        Jars need to be under boiling water for 10 minutes you will hear the seal pop after you take them out to check if the seal is good just press down on the center of the lid and if it pops back up store in your fridge or freezer. I used 8 oz jars and they all sealed fine.

        Reply
        • Marjory

          October 23, 2018 at 7:04 am

          Thanks for tip!

          Reply
    4. Wendy

      October 10, 2014 at 11:28 am

      Ok...so I made apple butter from another recipe before I found yours, and it is so sweet I am tempted to toss it down the drain! Before I do, is there anything I can do to salvage it? sO many apples wasted!!,

      Reply
      • Pao

        October 21, 2017 at 6:47 am

        You can always make another batch sugar-free, and then mix them together. That way you end up with just the right sweetness, and with a lot of apple butter (that's a good problem to have).

        Reply
        • Marjory

          October 22, 2017 at 8:23 am

          Awesome idea!!!

          Reply
    5. Teri Weller

      July 04, 2016 at 12:24 am

      Can you used honey instead of brown sugar would it makes a difference in the sweetness. Also how much honey would you use instead of 1 cup of brown sugar. My husband is diabetic so would I want to use tart apples also instead of all sweet apples. He hasn't been a diabetic long so just learning about how to cook for him. He loves apple butter so this would be a nice treat. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Marjory

        July 11, 2016 at 7:52 am

        I've never tried it, but I'm betting it would be great. Start with about 1/2 cup of honey (half of the amount of sugar.)

        Reply
    6. Lisa

      September 06, 2016 at 3:05 pm

      I am curious how this recipe can be labeled low in sugar when it has a cup of brown sugar in it? I am not diabetic but very disappointed in the labeling of this recipe. I don't like when people post things that are deceiving. Unfortunately I will not be making this recipe.....I found something else that only has water and a few spices in it.

      🙁

      Reply
      • Marjory

        September 26, 2016 at 10:01 am

        Thanks for your feedback and sharing the tip on spices...they do wonders in a recipe. I'm sorry you felt deceived. I try to always be as honest as possible in all of my posts and in titling. In this one, I discussed adjusting the level of sugar and alternatives that I use to traditional sugar. And, this recipe does use much less sugar than many traditional recipes.

        Reply
      • Lee

        October 04, 2017 at 7:53 pm

        It is low sugar. Other recipes call for like one and a half cup white sugar and 2 cups brown sugar

        Reply
      • Jen H

        October 01, 2019 at 10:32 am

        It is low in sugar. Look for regular apple butter recipes and the amount of sugar added can at times equal the amount of apples! So, this recipe is super low. My son is a diabetic so I need to pay attention. And for the amount this makes the sugar added is minimal.

        Reply
      • Michelle

        December 18, 2019 at 9:54 am

        Beats 4 cups most have... I cant wait to make this it's the least sugar yet I have found and slow cooker and I can put it into jars and can them for gifts it's perfect!!!!

        Reply
      • Liz

        December 03, 2021 at 3:22 pm

        She said a cup or less. Up to you to make it low sugar . YOU control it. Not her.

        Reply
    7. Debboe Hodges

      October 08, 2016 at 8:56 pm

      Can stevia be substituted for the sugar?

      Reply
      • Marjory

        October 13, 2016 at 8:54 pm

        Absolutely. I often use a Sugar/Stevia combination.

        Reply
        • Lee

          October 04, 2017 at 7:56 pm

          I just found Splenda brown sugar and I am using that. Calls for a half of cup instead of 1 cup brown sugar

          Reply
    8. Sarah

      October 15, 2016 at 6:24 pm

      How many cups of apples would you recommend?

      Reply
      • Marjory

        October 16, 2016 at 10:49 pm

        Hi! It really does vary depending upon how finely they are diced and the size of the apple. But, as a rough estimate, I'd say 1 medium apple is about 1 and 1/3 cup diced. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Kim

      October 23, 2016 at 10:45 am

      What happens if you mix in vanilla extract in with the spices at first on accident ?

      Reply
      • Marjory

        October 24, 2016 at 7:45 am

        Hi! I hope it still worked out!

        Reply
    10. Connie J

      November 08, 2016 at 7:00 am

      4 stars
      Hi! I'm in the process of making this incredible smelling recipe. I'm at the part where I have just added the vanilla and it is cooking for the additional time. It seems kinda runny yet. Is it because it is so warm? Is there any thing I need to do to thicken it? Also, I don't have an immersion blender but do have a standard one. Will this work?

      Reply
      • Donna

        December 06, 2016 at 5:42 pm

        4 stars
        I was wondering the same thing

        Reply
    11. Abby

      November 26, 2016 at 6:44 pm

      6 pounds of apples before or after peeling and coring?

      Reply
      • Marjory

        December 04, 2016 at 1:43 pm

        Before!

        Reply
    12. HeatherZ

      January 12, 2017 at 11:31 am

      Thanks so much for the recipe! I'm making it right now as I write this. Easy recipe, and I like that it's less sugar then most other recipes. Never made apple butter before so I'm looking forward to it!

      Reply
      • Marjory

        January 15, 2017 at 5:10 pm

        Hi! I hope you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    13. Chelsea

      November 01, 2017 at 1:23 am

      I tried this recipe and used Macintosh apples. I used half a cup of brown sugar and it came out to be the perfect amount of sweet! Also the canning process all depends on the elevation. I live in Virginia Beach and I am only a few feet above sea level but not enough to even count. For a 12 oz jar I boiled it for 7 mins. For a 24 oz jar I boiled it for 14 mins. Make sure you don't fill to the top because when it boils, it expands. Also make sure you sterilize the jars lids and rings. I used dawn soap. Make sure the brim is clean of any residue to ensure a good seal. Once its finished you should be able to press down on the lid without it clicking. If it clicks you have a false seal and need to repeat the water bath process. One more thing- out a rag at the bottom of the pot before putting in the jars and water so that the jars aren't touching the pot directly. I hope that helped. I used YouTube for further research regarding elevation compensation 🙂

      Reply
      • Marjory

        November 02, 2017 at 1:22 pm

        Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
      • Johnnie Nemeth

        December 12, 2018 at 10:06 am

        Thanks for this I live in Virginia Beach as well. My canning turned out great a couple a couple years ago. Everyone loved this recipe. I am glad I kept it.

        Reply
    14. Liz

      November 17, 2017 at 9:11 am

      5 stars
      Just made this with the stevia sugar blend you recommend and it was OUTSTANDING! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Marjory

        November 17, 2017 at 9:12 am

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    15. Shanna wyatt

      December 06, 2017 at 10:30 pm

      I made the recipe and loved it and so did my 10 year old! Making a 2nd batch now.

      Reply
      • Marjory

        December 07, 2017 at 3:36 pm

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

        Reply
    16. Sharon

      September 09, 2018 at 8:09 pm

      How many cups of apples peeled, cored would you use for this recipe...is it like jam? It sounds good....

      Reply
      • Marjory

        September 10, 2018 at 7:15 pm

        Hi! We used pounds for the recipe because the number of apples will vary depending upon the size. We used 6 pounds of apples. It is very much the consistency of jam. Thanks for your comment!

        Reply
    17. Madonna Essing

      September 25, 2018 at 12:53 pm

      Made sugat less honey crisp apple butter it is a little funny what can I do?

      Reply
      • Marjory

        September 25, 2018 at 1:56 pm

        Hi! What seems to be the problem. I'm happy to help you trouble shoot.

        Reply
      • Barbara T

        October 08, 2018 at 9:24 am

        5 stars
        Did you mean "runny"? If so, you can take the lid off the slow cooker and turn it on high for two hours, stirring occasionally.

        Reply
    18. Martha Gannon

      October 06, 2018 at 11:01 am

      If I cut recipe in half, do I cut the cooking time also?

      Reply
      • Marjory

        October 06, 2018 at 5:49 pm

        Hi! You can cut the cook time back by 2-3 hours. Note that initially you will have applesauce and then the mixture will get thicker and thicker. You can stop at any time. It tends to thicken a little in the refrigerator. Also, removing the lid during the last hour helps excess moisture to evaporate. I hope that helps!

        Reply
    19. Janice

      October 19, 2018 at 9:23 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is delicious! Made it last night with a combo of 3 apples (York, Stayman & Golden Delicious - right from the orchard) & added 1/8 tsp ground cloves. Smells wonderful - will definitely make again & will try it with different apples. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Marjory

        October 19, 2018 at 10:02 am

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Love the mix of apples you used!

        Reply
    20. Marsha

      October 23, 2018 at 6:18 pm

      5 stars
      I also loved your recipe and am making a 2nd batch right now. This time I added cloves and will add pumpkin in with the vanilla. Thank you for posting this wonderful recipe. : )

      Reply
      • Marjory

        October 24, 2018 at 9:03 am

        Thanks so much for your comment! I loooove the idea of adding in some pumpkin!

        Reply
    21. Jackie Kreuzer

      November 14, 2018 at 4:31 pm

      Do you pack the brown sugar..
      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Marjory

        November 14, 2018 at 5:08 pm

        Hi! You do not need to pack it! It will result in more sugar if you do.

        Reply
    22. Donna C

      September 28, 2019 at 9:49 am

      Have not tried the recipe yet... I am looking for a low sugar apple butter to make to sell at a bake sale. This shows canned product but there are no directions for canning for long term winter use. Even a disclaimer " Can be processed in a boiling water bath using manufacturer's directions." would be helpful. My worry, will the apple butter made using these directions keep if canned and put on a shelf at room temperature? If so, for how long?

      Reply
      • Marjory Pilley

        September 28, 2019 at 10:48 am

        Hi! Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with canning so I can't offer any advice in this area, only storage times for the refrigerator and freezer. I found this site that might be helpful https://www.freshpreserving.com/canning-101-getting-started.html

        Reply
    23. Jackie

      August 03, 2020 at 9:45 pm

      Do you pack the brown sugar

      Reply
      • Marjory Pilley

        August 04, 2020 at 7:11 am

        You do not need to pack the brown sugar!

        Reply
    24. April

      October 08, 2020 at 8:59 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe! I had bought Granny Smith apples before reading your recipe, so I ended up adding another tablespoon or two of sugar and it came out great! I cut it down to only 3 pounds of apples since I'm not pressure canning it, and that made a mason jar and a half. It's absolutely delicious! I plan on making some english muffin bread to go with it tomorrow. Maybe because I'd cut the recipe down, but my apples were totally done by hour 10, so I used my stick blender to make it smooth and taste tested for the sugar then. It's perfect!

      Reply
    25. Pam

      October 13, 2020 at 11:50 pm

      5 stars
      I have an apple tree and I make Apple Butter every year. I love the low sugar. It's so delicious. I try new recipes every year and this goes to the top of my favorites list.

      Reply
    26. Linda Bolt

      September 10, 2021 at 12:28 pm

      How many apples after you peel them

      Reply
      • Marjory Pilley

        September 11, 2021 at 11:08 am

        Hi! It really depends on the size of the apples. I generally use medium sized Ambrosia apples (because of their sweetness.) I have a brand new 2 pound bag and there are 7 medium apples in it. You can easily adjust the recipe amounts depending upon how much you want to make. I hope that helps!

        Reply
    27. Jen

      September 16, 2021 at 10:43 am

      Do you use light brown or dark brown sugar?

      Reply
      • Marjory Pilley

        September 16, 2021 at 12:18 pm

        I used light brown sugar but you can use either. In fact, I've been using a very sweet apple (Ambrosia) and I usually don't add any sugar at all!

        Reply
    28. Bonnie

      October 15, 2022 at 1:25 pm

      5 stars
      I used about 4 lbs of Fuji & golden delicious apples, unpeeled & only 1/4 cup raw sugar & it was plenty sweet. Wanted to use honeycrip apples but they were not available. My crock pot was full. It cooked down to four 8 oz jars of delicious apple butter. I water bath canned them for 10 mins & they all sealed. I liked how this recipe was so simple without water or cider. This is a keeper!

      Reply
      • Marjory Pilley

        October 15, 2022 at 4:58 pm

        Sounds fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing your experience.

        Reply
    29. Tammy

      November 12, 2022 at 9:32 am

      How would you alter the time and instructions for making in the instant pot?

      Reply
      • Marjory Pilley

        November 14, 2022 at 9:25 am

        Hi! You can make apple butter in a pressure cooker, however, I have not made it this way so I can't offer any instructions. The ingredients should stay the same.

        Reply

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