Roasted Apple Butter

From EatingWell: Fall 2004, The EatingWell Diabetes Cookbook (2005) — Subscribe Now!

Making apple butter in the oven, rather than on the stovetop, produces a delectable spread with a distinctive caramelized flavor. This is a healthful alternative to commercial varieties, which usually contain added sugars.

2 cups

Active Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 2 1/2 hours

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

8 medium McIntosh apples, (2 3/4 pounds), peeled, cored and quartered
2 cups unsweetened apple juice

Preparation

Preheat oven to 450°F. Arrange apples in a large roasting pan. Pour apple juice over the apples. Bake until tender and lightly browned, about 30 minutes. Using a fork or potato masher, thoroughly mash the apples in the roasting pan.
Reduce oven temperature to 350°. Bake the apple puree, stirring occasionally, until very thick and deeply browned, 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours. Scrape into a bowl and let cool.

Tips & Notes

Make Ahead Tip: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.

Nutrition

Per tablespoon: 27 calories; 0 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 7 g carbohydrates; 0 g protein; 1 g fiber; 0 mg sodium; 18 mg potassium.

1/2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1/2 fruit