Sugar-Free Crock Pot Apple Butter: A Taste of Autumn, Guilt-Free

My grandmother’s apple butter was legendary. Every fall, the aroma of spiced apples would fill her cozy kitchen, a promise of warm, comforting flavors. The deep, mahogany hue, the velvety texture, and that unforgettable taste—it was pure magic. Years later, I wanted to recreate that memory, but with a focus on healthier options. This sugar-free version, cooked low and slow in a crock pot, captures all the essence of her classic recipe without any added sugar, proving that deliciousness doesn’t have to come at a cost.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7-9 hours
• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes – 9 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 64
• Yields: 2 pints
• Dietary Type: Sugar-Free

Ingredients

• 4 lbs cooking apples, washed, UNPEELED, cored and cut into quarters (approximately 12 cups, try MacIntosh, Jonagold, Northern Spy or Gravenstein)
• 1/2 cup Splenda granular
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 pinch clove
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Equipment Needed

• Crock Pot (Slow Cooker)
• Large Bowl
• Sieve or Food Mill
• Spoon or Spatula
• Clean Jars (half-pint jelly jars recommended)
• Lids for Jars

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your apples. Thoroughly wash the 4 lbs of cooking apples. It’s crucial to leave the peels on, as they contribute pectin, which aids in thickening the apple butter. Core the apples and cut them into quarters.
2. Place the quartered apples into your crock pot. There’s no need to add any liquid at this stage; the apples will release their own moisture as they cook.
3. Cook the apples on low heat for 4-5 hours, or until they are incredibly soft and easily mashed. The exact time will depend on your crock pot and the type of apples you are using.
4. Once the apples are cooked to a pulp, carefully remove them from the crock pot. At this point, you’ll need to separate the apple pulp from the peels.
5. Using a sieve or a food mill, press the soft apples through to remove the peels. This process results in a smooth, velvety apple puree. Discard the peels. This is an important step for the classic smooth apple butter texture.
6. Return the apple puree to the crock pot.
7. Stir in the 1/2 cup Splenda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 pinch clove, and 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice. Ensure that the spices and sweetener are evenly distributed throughout the apple puree.
8. Cook the mixture for another 3-4 hours on low heat. During this second cooking phase, the apple butter will thicken and darken in color. The mixture should reduce to approximately 4 cups in total volume. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
9. To test for doneness, place a small spoonful of the apple butter on a cold plate. If it doesn’t run and holds its shape, it’s ready. If it’s still too thin, continue cooking for another 30 minutes to an hour.
10. Spoon the hot apple butter into clean jars, leaving about an inch of headroom at the top. This space is crucial for expansion during freezing.
11. Cover the jars with lids. Any jars that you intend to use later should be frozen. Store thawed apple butter in the refrigerator.

Oven Preparation Note: For oven preparation, cook apples for 2 hours at 350°F. After sieving and adding spices and Splenda, return to the oven for another hour.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Apple Selection: The type of apple you choose will significantly impact the flavor and texture of your apple butter. A combination of sweet and tart apples, such as MacIntosh and Northern Spy, provides the best balance.
• Spice Adjustment: Adjust the spices to your personal preference. If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon. If you’re not a fan of cloves, you can omit them altogether. A dash of nutmeg can also be a lovely addition.
• Thickening: If your apple butter isn’t thickening as much as you’d like, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water during the last hour of cooking.
• Preventing Sticking: To prevent the apple butter from sticking to the bottom of the crock pot, stir it every 30-60 minutes during the second cooking phase.
• Flavor Enhancement: A splash of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of lemon juice can brighten the flavors of the apple butter. Add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This sugar-free apple butter is incredibly versatile. Spread it on toast, waffles, pancakes, or biscuits. It’s also a delightful accompaniment to pork, chicken, or cheese.

For storage, unopened jars of apple butter can be stored in the freezer for up to a year. Once thawed, store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you properly sterilize your jars, you can also can the apple butter for longer shelf life (follow proper canning guidelines).

Nutritional Information

(Serving size listed is 1 tablespoon)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	14.9 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	0 kcal	–
Total Fat	0.1 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	0.3 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	4 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0.7 g	2%
Sugars	3 g	–
Protein	0.1 g	0%

Variations & Substitutions

• Different Sweeteners: While this recipe uses Splenda, you can experiment with other sugar substitutes like erythritol or stevia. Adjust the amount to taste, as some sweeteners are more potent than others.
• Spice Variations: Get creative with your spice blend! Try adding a pinch of cardamom, ginger, or even a hint of chili powder for a unique twist.
• Apple Varieties: Use different combinations of apples to create unique flavor profiles. Experiment with Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples.
• Adding Fruit: Add other complimentary fruits like pears or cranberries.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of sweetener?
A: Yes, you can substitute Splenda with other sugar-free sweeteners like erythritol or stevia. Adjust the amount to taste, as their sweetness levels may vary.

Q: Do I really need to leave the apple peels on?
A: Leaving the peels on is highly recommended, as they contain pectin, a natural thickening agent. However, if you prefer a smoother texture, you can peel the apples before cooking.

Q: How do I know when the apple butter is done?
A: The apple butter is done when it has thickened and darkened in color, and a spoonful placed on a cold plate doesn’t run.

Q: Can I can this apple butter for longer storage?
A: Yes, you can can this apple butter using proper canning techniques. Be sure to follow tested and approved canning procedures for best results and safety.

Q: Can I freeze this apple butter?
A: Yes, this apple butter freezes well. Be sure to leave enough headroom in the jars to allow for expansion during freezing.

Final Thoughts

This sugar-free crock pot apple butter is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of fall flavors and a tribute to the comforting traditions of generations past. With its rich, spiced aroma and velvety texture, it’s a delicious and guilt-free way to enjoy the taste of autumn. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones. And don’t hesitate to experiment with different apple varieties and spices to create your own unique version. The possibilities are endless!