Keto CrockPot Apple Butter 🍏
Ingredients:

  • 4-5 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (or your preferred keto-friendly sweetener, adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Optional: A pinch of salt to enhance flavor

Instructions:

  1. Prep the apples: Peel, core, and chop the Granny Smith apples into small chunks.
  2. Add to Crockpot: Place the chopped apples in the Crockpot and add the water, powdered erythritol, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and a pinch of salt (if using).
  3. Cook on low: Set the Crockpot to low and cook for 8-10 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure the apples are cooking evenly and breaking down into a smooth texture. The apples should become very soft and dark in color.
  4. Blend for smoothness: After the apples have cooked down, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender to purée until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier apple butter, you can skip this step.
  5. Simmer for thickness: Once blended, continue cooking for an additional 1-2 hours on low, with the lid slightly ajar to allow the apple butter to thicken. Stir occasionally.
  6. Finish with vanilla and lemon: Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice during the last 30 minutes of cooking to add brightness and balance the flavors.
  7. Cool and store: Allow the apple butter to cool before transferring it to jars or airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

Nutritional Information (Per Tablespoon):

  • Calories: ~15
  • Fat: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Net Carbs: ~2g (apples contain some natural sugars, but the recipe is still lower in carbs than traditional versions)
  • Fiber: ~1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the size of the apples and specific ingredients used.

Tips:

  1. Adjust the sweetness: Depending on your taste, you can increase or decrease the amount of sweetener. Some might prefer a stronger apple flavor with less sweetness.
  2. Low-carb apple options: Granny Smith apples are among the lowest in carbs compared to other varieties. You could also mix them with a small amount of lower-carb fruits like berries for variety.
  3. Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the amounts of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves based on your preference.
  4. Use for toppings: This apple butter is perfect for spreading on keto-friendly bread, using as a topping for yogurt or pancakes, or even mixing into low-carb oatmeal alternatives.

Benefits:

  • Low in Carbs: By using a keto-friendly sweetener and Granny Smith apples, this apple butter keeps the carbs low while still delivering great flavor.
  • Rich in Antioxidants: Apples are high in antioxidants, which help support overall health.
  • Delicious Spices: Cinnamon and cloves not only add warmth but also have anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Versatile: Keto apple butter can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast spreads to desserts.

Enjoy your Keto CrockPot Apple Butter guilt-free with its cozy flavors and low-carb twist!