Oven Apple Butter {Recipe}
This recipe for oven apple butter was requested by a reader, so here it is! Apple butter begins with applesauce, so first you will need to make that. We wanted an apple butter that had chunks of apple in it just for something different. So I started out with making applesauce.
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Chunky Applesauce Instructions
1. Peel and core 5-6 pounds of apples.
2. Cut apples into eighths. This tool make coring and cutting your apples a really simple job!
3. Put slices into a heavy pot and add 1 cup water.
4. Stir in 1 cup of sugar (I used a stevia/cane sugar blend which is sweeter so less is needed unless you want a super sweet sacue.)
5. Cover tightly and cook at least 5 minutes over medium heat (I cooked mine about 10-15 minutes).
6. Stir and taste, adding a bit more sugar and water if needed.
7. Cook 5 more minutes.
8. After letting it cool, I mashed mine with a stainless steel wire masher to break up some of the larger chunks.
9. Sauce keeps in the refrigerator 10 days or may be frozen in plastic freezer containers.
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After making the applesauce, I was ready to make the apple butter. This is a great recipe for busy moms, because it is made in the oven. You can be taking care of other things while the apple butter cooks.
Oven Apple Butter
Ingredients
2 quarts chunky applesauce (see recipe above)
2 1/2 cups sugar (I used less because I was using the stevia/cane sugar blend)
1/2 cup brown sugar (or organic cane sugar)
1/2 Tbsp. cinnamon (my favorite is Ceylon cinnamon due to its full flavor)
1 tsp nutmeg
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
Instructions
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Put all ingredients in an oven-proof deep dish or bowl (I used my Pampered Chef glass batter bowl–see above photo of applesauce).
3. Mix ingredients well.
4. Bake for 3-4 hours until thick, stirring occasionally.
5. Test to see if it is ready by putting a small spoonful on a saucer, and it will have almost no liquid around the edges.
6. Once done, it is ready to put in your jars and preserve it by canning.
7. Put into clean half-pint (8 ounce) canning jars.
8. Wipe jar rims clean and adjust lids and bands.
9. Process in a large stainless steel pot for 5 minutes by having the jars completely covered with boiling water.
10. Boil for 5 minutes after water returns to a boil, and then remove jars from boiling water and set to cool on a towel on the counter.
11. After completely cool, rinse outside of jars clean from any residue and store in your pantry.
This recipe for applesauce and apple butter originally came from Martha’s Family Cookery Book. I changed a few details in the recipe, and the photos are my own. {And this cookbook has lots of other great recipes! I’ve had mine about 7 years, and I’ve used it many times for various things.}
This recipe will make an apple butter that has apple chunks in it, which we really like. Kind of like apple jam. If you’re looking for a smoother apple butter, you may be interested in this recipe.
I actually didn’t can my apple butter this time, as I was in a hurry and didn’t have time to get out my canning things. Also, my family was wanting to eat it now, so I just put it in the jars and into the fridge.
When I find a canning recipe from a cookbook or website, I always go back to my Ball canning book for information about canning. Please refer to a reputable canning book if you have questions about canning methods or food safety.
Enjoy!
Wonderful recipe! Had a lot of applesauce, not sure of the amount, and just adjusted the spices. It was great not having splatters all over the stove and not having to watch it constantly. Tastes so warm and delicious! Thanks
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Wow, 53 quarts! That's a lot of canning! I know what you mean about it not lasting long, though.
The smell of apples cooking is so delicious! We canned applesauce this year, 53 qts. Not sure how long it will last, it is so yummy!
I should try applebutter sometime, not this year, maybe next year. 🙂 I'm done with canning for this season, time to focus on the new coming baby. 🙂
Josette~
I'll have to try it in the crock-pot next time–it sounds wonderful and delicious!
Mary~
Thank you so much for taking the time to post such helpful information, including the link! Have a great weekend!
Ohh I forgot to give the link.
http://www.pickyourown.org/applebutter.htm
I made my first batch last night and loved it! Thanks for the inspiration.
blessings and ((HUGS))
-Mary
Joy,
Here is one link about making apple butter and I thought you might want to know about elevation time of water bathing the jars after you fill them. I am at 2200 feet so I have to give a water bath of 10 min. for pint size jars. I thought you might want to know for your tutorial and sharing this with others.
Blessings!
-Mary
Yes, I have made mine in the crockpot too. I basically core the apples, chop into chunks, cook it for a while. I then mash it while it still is in the crockpot and add honey and cinnamon. It comes out fantastic!!