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Apple Butter

This is a very easy recipe to make and has always turned out really good for me. The apples cook up to look like applesauce and usually turn sort of dark and tastes great.

5.0 · 61 reviewsRecipe card by Brenda HallEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 13, 2026
AppleFruitLow ProteinVeganLow CholesterolHealthy
Apple Butter

Total time

1120 min

Servings

1

Calories

533.4

Category

Breakfast

Transform fresh, seasonal apples into a rich, velvety spread with this easy homemade vegan apple butter recipe. Slow-cooked to perfection, this healthy, low-protein condiment is naturally cholesterol-free and perfect for slathering on toast, swirling into oatmeal, or pairing with your favorite plant-based yogurt.

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

  • 1/2 apple
  • 3 vinegar
  • 1 white sugar
  • 3 brown sugar
  • 1/4 ground cinnamon
  • ground cloves

Method

  1. Peel, core and slice enough apples to fill a 4-quart slow cooker or crock pot so full that the lid will not go down over it.

  2. Add vinegar; cook for 18 hours.

  3. If crock pot is fast cooking, cook on high for 10 hours, stirring occasionally.

  4. Add white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves.

  5. Put into blender to blend it like apple butter. Mix all together and cook 4 more hours.

  6. Seal in jars.

Cook's notes

  • Use a blend of apple varieties like Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith to achieve a complex flavor profile.
  • If you prefer a perfectly smooth consistency, use an immersion blender once the apples are soft.
  • The longer you cook the apple butter, the darker and more caramelized the flavor will become.

Easy swaps

  • Swap maple syrup for coconut sugar for a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
  • Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to the cinnamon for an extra warm, aromatic spice blend.
  • Use apple cider instead of water for the liquid base to intensify the apple flavor.

Frequently asked

Is apple butter vegan?

Yes, traditional apple butter is naturally vegan as it consists primarily of apples, spices, and a sweetener.

How long does apple butter take to cook?

This recipe takes approximately 18-20 hours (or 1120 minutes) when cooked on low in a slow cooker to achieve the ideal thickness and flavor concentration.

Can I make this apple butter without added sugar?

Yes, you can reduce or omit the added sweetener, though it acts as a preservative and helps with the texture. Cooking the apples down for longer will naturally intensify their sweetness.

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