No-Sugar-Added Oven-Roasted Apple Butter
Updated Dec 12, 2025, Published May 03, 2023
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Naturally Sweet, Cozy & Wholesome
If you love the rich, spreadable goodness of traditional apple butter but want a version made with no added sugar, this No‑Sugar‑Added Oven‑Roasted Apple Butter is exactly what you need. Slow-roasted apples concentrate their natural sweetness into a deeply flavored, buttery‑smooth spread that’s perfect for fall mornings, cozy snacks, or anytime you want a wholesome boost of fruit flavor.
This recipe delivers all the warm, comforting flavor of classic apple butter — like autumn in a jar — without any refined sugar. It’s simple to make, naturally sweet from fruit, and versatile enough to enjoy in so many ways.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
- Fresh apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties works beautifully)
- Apple cider or water (to help start the roasting process)
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground cloves or allspice (optional, for warming spice)
- Ground nutmeg (optional, for depth)
- A pinch of salt
That’s it — a few simple ingredients turn into a deeply satisfying spread that tastes like fruit and spice with a touch of warmth.
What Makes This Apple Butter Special
Naturally Sweet Without Added Sugar
Instead of relying on brown sugar or sweeteners, this oven-roasted apple butter uses the natural sugars in fruit to develop its rich sweetness. Slow‑roasting the apples intensifies their flavor and softens their texture until they melt into a silky spread.
Warm, Cozy Flavor with Subtle Spices
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if you use them) give this apple butter a classic autumnal spice profile that feels both comforting and balanced. The spices elevate, but never overpower, the natural apple sweetness.
Easy Oven Method — No Fancy Equipment Needed
You don’t need special tools like a slow cooker or pressure cooker. Roasting the apples in the oven allows you to step away while the aromas fill your kitchen, and the slow heat turns fruit into perfectly caramelized apple butter.
A Wholesome, Versatile Spread
Whether you’re gluten-free, mindful of added sugars, or just love fruit-forward flavors, this apple butter fits a range of lifestyles. It’s a great way to enjoy apples day after day — no guilt, just pure flavor.
When and How to Enjoy It
This no-sugar-added apple butter is wonderfully flexible. Try it:
- On toast or gluten-free bread for a cozy breakfast
- Swirled into oatmeal or yogurt for a sweet, healthy start
- Spread on pancakes or waffles
- Stirred into baking recipes like muffins or quick breads
- As a snack with crackers or nut butter
- A topping for ice cream or dairy-free frozen desserts
You can even serve it alongside roasted pork or chicken — apple butter’s sweet‑tart richness pairs beautifully with savory dishes.
Tips & Variations
- Mix apple varieties: Combining sweet apples (like Fuji or Gala) with tart ones (like Granny Smith) creates deeper, more layered flavor.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cinnamon and spice to suit your taste — more warmth for autumn vibes, or lighter spice for everyday fruit sweetness.
- Make it smoother: Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the apple butter for a silky texture.
- Add citrus zest: A touch of lemon or orange zest adds brightness and complexity.
- Store it safely: Cooled apple butter keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze in small jars for longer storage.
Why You’ll Keep Making This
No‑Sugar‑Added Oven‑Roasted Apple Butter proves that wholesome ingredients can still make something truly delicious. With minimal ingredients, natural fruit sweetness, and cozy spice notes, it’s a spread — and a flavor experience — you can enjoy year‑round. From breakfast to dessert to savory pairings, this apple butter brings warmth and comfort to every meal.
It’s a simple recipe with big personality, and once you make it, you’ll find new ways to enjoy it every day.
No-Sugar-Added Oven-Roasted Apple Butter
Ingredients
- 5-6 large assorted apples, , peeled, cored, roughly chopped
- A pinch of kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon British baking spice or apple pie spice
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 6-8 cups of no-sugar-added apple juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, , cut into small cubes, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Place apples, salt, spice, and vanilla extract in a 11x 14-inch shallow baking dish. Cover with apple juice and swirl to mix.
- Cover with aluminum foil and roast the apples for 30-40 minutes or until soft. Remove foil. Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the apples, adjust the spices if necessary and cook for another 1-1.5 hours, stirring the mixture every 30 minutes, until deeply browned and thickened.
- Dot with butter and let it melt in. You may puree for a smoother consistency.
- Let the apple butter cool completely before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
