Apple Butter - No Sugar

Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

A rich, spiced apple butter with warm cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, offering a thick, smooth spread perfect for toast, pancakes, or cheese boards. This no-sugar version highlights the natural sweetness of apples, making it suitable for those seeking a wholesome, flavorful topping or accompaniment.

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Ingredients

  • 8 cups peeled, cored cooking apples
  • 1 cup unsweetened apple juice or apple cider
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

Instructions

  1. Put all ingredients into a large saucepan and simmer, uncovered, about 15 minutes.
  2. Apples should be soft.
  3. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  4. Put half in a blender and blend until smooth.
  5. Blend the other half.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother texture, you can blend the mixture in batches, ensuring all apples are fully pureed. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, consider adding a ripe banana or medjool dates for natural sweetness. Using a mix of tart and sweet apples will enhance the overall taste. For a hint of citrus, add a bit of lemon zest during cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your homemade apple butter on warm toast or muffins for a delightful breakfast treat. It pairs beautifully with cheese platters, or you can use it as a topping for pancakes and waffles. For a tasty dessert, try it with ice cream or alongside slices of Fresh Pineapple And Macadamia Nut Pie.

Storage & Reheating

Store your apple butter in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider canning it to keep it fresh for up to a year. When reheating, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its smooth consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Apple Butter - No Sugar contains roughly 2338 calories, with 25g protein, 274g carbohydrates, and 136g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (97% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (94% of the Daily Value), and iron (76% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1631mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).

2338 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 25g 50% DV
Total Fat 135.6g 100% DV
Carbs 273.6g 99% DV
Fiber 26.4g 94% DV
Sugar 124.9g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1631.2mg 71% DV
Potassium 1115.6mg 24% DV
Cholesterol 24mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.1mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 2.4mg 3% DV
Calcium 1265.9mg 97% DV
Iron 13.8mg 76% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, using a combination of tart and sweet apples can enhance the flavor of the apple butter. Varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work well together, providing a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

How can I adjust the spice levels in the apple butter?

You can easily modify the spices based on your preference. If you enjoy a spicier flavor, increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg. For a milder version, reduce the amount of cinnamon or omit the cloves.

Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can cook the ingredients in a slow cooker on low for about 6-8 hours. This method will allow the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and smooth apple butter.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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