Vegan Apple Butter

This vegan apple butter is cozy, simple, and packed with fall flavor.

It’s one of those set-it-and-forget-it recipes that makes your kitchen smell like a warm hug.

You just toss everything in the slow cooker, and it does the magic.

It’s smooth, sweet, a little tart, and so good on toast, oatmeal, or even straight off the spoon.

No dairy, no added fat, just pure apple goodness with a kiss of spice.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve been making this vegan apple butter for years now — it’s the kind of thing I keep in the fridge all fall long. It reminds me of crisp mornings, cozy socks, and that first warm bite of toast slathered with apple goodness. It started as a way to use up bruised apples, and now it’s a seasonal must-have.

• Tastes like apple pie in a jar
• No added fats, totally plant-based
• Slow cooker does all the hard work
• Makes your home smell incredible
• Stores well for weeks

What You’ll Need

• 5 lbs apples (about 10 medium), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 3/4 cup unsweetened apple juice or water
• 1 1/4 cups coconut sugar (or light brown sugar)
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Ingredients

Pro Tips

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples — like Fuji and Granny Smith — for depth of flavor.
• Don’t skip peeling the apples; it helps the apple butter turn out silky smooth.
• Stir occasionally to keep the sugars from sticking to the sides of the slow cooker.
• If it’s too thin after cooking, let it cook uncovered to thicken.
• A stick blender at the end makes the texture perfect.

Tools Needed

• Slow cooker
• Peeler
• Knife and cutting board
• Immersion blender (or regular blender)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large mixing spoon
• Glass jars or containers for storage

Substitutions and Variations

• Swap coconut sugar with maple syrup (reduce amount slightly)
• Add a splash of bourbon for a fun adult twist
• Use pumpkin pie spice mix instead of the individual spices
• Add 1-2 chopped pears for extra sweetness

Make Ahead Tips

You can prep the apples the night before. Just peel, core, and slice, then store in the fridge with lemon juice to prevent browning. Everything else can be measured out in advance so you can toss it all in the slow cooker in the morning.

How to Make Vegan Apple Butter

Step 1: Add apples and juice to slow cooker

Place 5 lbs of peeled, cored, and sliced apples into the slow cooker with 3/4 cup of unsweetened apple juice.

Step 2: Add sugar and spices

Sprinkle 1 1/4 cups coconut sugar, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, and 1/4 tsp ground allspice evenly over the apples.

Step 3: Stir and cover

Use a spoon to gently mix everything. Cover and cook on low for 10 hours, stirring once or twice if you can.

Step 4: Blend until smooth

After 10 hours, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until completely smooth.

Step 5: Add lemon juice, vanilla, and salt

Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Cook uncovered for 1 more hour on low to thicken.

Step 6: Let cool and store

Let the apple butter cool slightly, then transfer to clean jars or containers.

Leftovers and Storage

Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks in an airtight jar or container. You can also freeze it in small portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

Cooking apples low and slow lets their natural sugars break down and caramelize, creating deep flavor without needing butter or oil. The pectin in the apples helps thicken the butter naturally, while the spices bloom over time for a rich, layered taste.

Common Mistakes

• Not peeling the apples — unpeeled apples leave a gritty texture.
• Cooking on high heat — low and slow is the way to go.
• Skipping the final hour uncovered — that’s when it thickens to the perfect consistency.
• Not blending enough — use that immersion blender until smooth!

What to Serve With

• Toast with a smear of nut butter and apple butter on top
• Swirled into oatmeal or overnight oats
• Dolloped on pancakes or waffles
• With vegan cheese and crackers as a snack
• Spoonful in yogurt bowls or smoothie bowls

FAQ

Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes, maple syrup works, but start with 3/4 cup and adjust to taste.

Do I have to use a slow cooker?
No, you can cook it on the stovetop in a heavy pot on low for 2-3 hours, stirring often.

Can I leave the skin on the apples?
Technically yes, but the texture won’t be as smooth.

Is this shelf-stable for canning?
No, this recipe hasn’t been tested for safe canning. Store in the fridge or freezer.

Servings: Makes about 3 cups
Cook Time: 11 hours (mostly hands-off)
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Estimated Macros (per 2 tbsp serving):
Calories: 40
Carbs: 10g
Sugar: 8g
Fat: 0g
Protein: 0g
Fiber: 1g

Now it’s your turn — make a batch, let your house smell amazing, and come back to share how it turned out! I’d love to hear what you served it with or if you gave it your own spin.