Apple Butter in the Oven

I went apple picking and knew I wanted to make apple butter, but I also knew I didn't want to stir it for hours on the stove. I was glad to find recipes for baking it at a low temperature instead. I adapted one I found to make this spiced, not-too-sweet treat! I like it on toast or over oatmeal. Keep refrigerated for a few days, or freeze for later use.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 3 hr
• Total Time: 3 hr 15 mins
• Calories: 47 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 whole cloves
• ¾ cup dark brown sugar
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 3 whole allspice berries
• 1 star anise
• 4 pounds apples - peeled, cored, and chopped

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C).

Step 2

Combine apples, apple cider, brown sugar, and salt in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and allspice. Bring to a simmer. Cover partially and cook until apples are soft, 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 3

Remove whole spices from the pot with a slotted spoon. Reserve cinnamon and star anise; discard cloves and allspice. Puree apples with an immersion blender until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and return cinnamon and star anise to the pot.

Step 4

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven, stirring every 30 minutes, until apple butter thickens and deepens in color, about 3 hours. Let cool completely. Discard cinnamon and star anise before transferring to airtight containers.