If you’ve never had Apple Butter before, this is the time to try one of fall's most decadent treats. To keep it short, Apple Butter is basically super concentrated, super smooth applesauce. It’s cooked for longer, which gives it that caramelized color and rich apple flavor, but the ingredients are fairly identical.
Most recipes will call for peeling the apples beforehand, which you totally can, but I prefer to keep the skins on for added nutritional benefit and put the Apple Butter in a food processor to smooth it out as the final step. This recipe isn’t for someone who’s rushed for time. This Apple Butter cooks throughout the day in a slow cooker – however, you could get away with using an Instant Pot if you’re really strapped for time!
This collagen recipe is a sensory experience due to its autumnal scents of apple, cinnamon and vanilla. Plus, I can almost guarantee you won’t find a full serving of Vital Proteins Vanilla Collagen Peptides in store-bought Apple Butter. Ready to DIY your own batch? Keep scrolling for the full how-to.
Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Ingredients:
- 5 lb. red apples
- 1 T blackstrap molasses
- ¼ C coconut sugar
- 2 T cinnamon
- 1 t nutmeg
- 1 t clove
- 1/4 t salt
- 1 T vanilla extract
- 2 scoops Vital Proteins Vanilla Collagen Peptides
Directions:
- Place the apples in a slow cooker. In a medium bowl, combine the coconut sugar, spices, salt and collagen. Pour the mixture over the apples and mix well.
- Cook in a slow cooker on low for about 10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thickened and dark brown.
- Uncover, stir in vanilla and continue cooking, uncovered, on low for about 2 hours.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer to a food processor to puree the apple butter until smooth.
- Serve on bread, muffins, or just eat it with a spoon. Enjoy!
