Preserve, Spread | Vegan Gluten Free Low Fat

Apple Butter

N/A Allergen-Free
Apple Butter

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Rosaceae
  • Primary Cuisine North American, Western European
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Apples

The Forktionary Angle

"From Orchard to Ounce: The Deeply Caramelized Soul of Apples"

Definition

A highly concentrated fruit spread made from apples, cooked down until very thick and smooth, without added dairy butter.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Spiced (cinnamon, clove), Fruity, Mildly Tart
TextureSmooth, Thick, Velvety, Spreads easily
AromaCooked Apple, Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg
AcidityLow to Medium

Technical Metrics

Cooking Method

Slow-cooked for hours, often in a slow cooker or oven.

Storage Life (Unopened)

Up to 1-2 years in a cool, dark pantry.

Sugar Content

Contains less added sugar than jam due to natural apple sweetness.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 tbsp (15g)
Calories160 kcal
Total Fat0.2 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0.5 g
Total Carbohydrate40 g
Dietary Fiber3 g
Total Sugars35 g
Calcium10 mg
Iron0.5 mg
Potassium150 mg

Chef’s Secret

Apple butter can replace up to half of the fat in baked goods for a moister, fruitier, and healthier result.

Substitutions

Best Match

Applesauce (unsweetened, reduced)

1:1 (reduce liquid elsewhere)

Offers similar apple flavor and general consistency, though typically thinner. Reduce on stovetop to thicken.

Pear Butter

1:1

Provides a comparable fruit butter texture and sweetness, with a slightly different fruit flavor.

Fig Jam/Preserve

1:1

Good for a sweet, dense, fruity spread for toast or baking, though flavor differs significantly.

Prune Butter/Lekvar

1:1

Dark, thick, and sweet with a rich fruit flavor, similar texture and culinary applications.

Buying Guide

Choose brands with minimal added sugar. Check for smooth consistency and vibrant color.

Flavor Pairings

Pork chicken sharp cheeses bread oats cinnamon pecans gingerbread.

Recipes Using Apple Butter

Served Hot Healthy Easy Pork Loins

Apple Butter And Pork Tenderloin

This incredible Apple Butter Glazed Pork Tenderloin recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Juicy, tender pork tenderloin gets a sweet and savory boost from a luscious apple butter glaze. The delightful aroma while cooking will have everyone eager for a taste. Perfect for a special occasion or weeknight dinner, this recipe pairs beautifully with our Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole (recipe to follow!). Prepare to be amazed by the flavor!

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Occasion Dietary Fruit Preparation

Apple Butter Barbecue Dipping Sauce

Ready in 2 minutes, this unbelievably delicious Apple Butter Barbecue Dipping Sauce is the perfect complement to your favorite chicken fingers or nuggets! This easy recipe uses equal parts of each ingredient, making it super simple to scale up for a crowd. Sweet and smoky with a hint of apple, it's a flavor explosion that will have you licking your fingers (and maybe the bowl!). Feel free to customize it with a dash of hot sauce or Thai sweet chili sauce for an extra kick!

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American Fall Course Preparation

Apple Butter Barbecue Sauce

Fall in love with this incredible Apple Butter Barbecue Sauce recipe! Inspired by a delightful find at an apple orchard, this recipe elevates classic BBQ to new heights. Using homemade or store-bought apple butter (like Smucker's), this sauce is perfect for ribs, chicken, or as a dipping condiment. Get ready for a burst of sweet and smoky flavor that will leave you craving more. This easy recipe comes together in just 20 minutes!

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Preparation Grilling Low Cholesterol Low Calorie

Apple Butter Bbq Sauce

Elevate your grilling game with this easy 5-ingredient Apple Butter BBQ Sauce! Inspired by "5-Ingredient Grilling," this sweet and savory sauce is perfect for ribs, pork chops, chicken, or anything that needs a flavor boost. Ready in just 12 minutes, it's the perfect shortcut to incredible BBQ flavor.

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American Breads Dietary Apples

Apple Butter Bread

This Apple Butter Bread recipe, found in my electric co-op magazine, is a family favorite! The secret? Dark, rich apple butter – the darker, the better! This recipe uses White House Apple Butter (highly recommended!), resulting in a wonderfully moist and flavorful quick bread. Get ready to enjoy this delicious, spiced treat – perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack.

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Cookies And Brownies Apples Main Ingredient Course

Apple Butter Breakfast Bars Ww

Indulge in these delicious Apple Butter Breakfast Bars, perfect for a quick and healthy breakfast or snack! Each bar is only 3 Weight Watchers points and bursting with apple flavor. Made with wholesome ingredients and a simple, easy-to-follow recipe, these bars are sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a delightful treat that won't derail your weight loss goals!

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Quick Breads Preparation Quick Breads Time To Make

Apple Butter Muffins

Experience a taste of Toh tradition with these irresistible Apple Butter Muffins! A delightful blend of warm spices and sweet apples creates a unique "spicy" flavor with a fruity "punch." These muffins are incredibly easy to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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American High Protein American Low Sodium

Apple Butter Pork Chops

Forget applesauce! Elevate your pork chops with the rich, warm sweetness of apple butter in this easy, 35-minute recipe. This unexpected flavor combination creates a delicious and unforgettable meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Low In Something Time To Make Apples Fruit

Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie

This Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie recipe is a game-changer! Combining the warmth of pumpkin pie with the sweet tang of apple butter creates a flavor sensation you won't believe. A friend shared this incredible recipe, and we're so excited to share it with you. Get ready for a fall dessert that's both comforting and surprisingly sophisticated. Perfect for Thanksgiving, autumn gatherings, or any time you crave a delicious and unique pie.

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Very Low Carbs Very Low Carbs Crock Pot Slow Cooker Main Ingredient

Apple Butter Ribs Crock Pot

Fall-off-the-bone tender ribs made easy in your crock pot! This recipe features a sweet and savory apple butter glaze that's irresistible. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, these ribs are guaranteed to impress. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Served Hot Main Ingredient Picnic Dietary

Apple Butter Spice Cake

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with this irresistible Apple Butter Spice Cake! This recipe, a treasured gift from a master baker, delivers moist, spiced cake layers infused with the rich sweetness of apple butter. Perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to bake up a slice of autumn heaven!

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Poultry Apples Equipment Easy

Apple Butter Glazed Chicken

This mouthwatering Apple Butter Glazed Chicken recipe elevates a classic dish to new heights! Inspired by a Chicago Tribune recipe, this recipe features juicy chicken perfectly glazed with a sweet and savory apple butter sauce. Whether you grill it outdoors for smoky flavor or sear it indoors on a grill pan, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for tender, flavorful chicken that's bursting with fall-inspired goodness!

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Winter Taste Mood To Go Course

Apple Cider Doughnuts Not Fried

Enjoy the irresistible taste of fall with these healthy baked apple cider doughnuts! A delicious and guilt-free treat perfectly paired with warm apple cider. Adapted from a Detroit Free Press recipe (Oct 14, 2003), these doughnuts are a healthier twist on a classic.

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Beginner Cook Main Ingredient Lunch Course

Apple Ham Cheddar Panini With Apple Butter Mmm

Get ready for a flavor explosion! This Apple Ham Cheddar Panini with Apple Butter is a gourmet sandwich experience you won't forget. Inspired by a caterer's secret recipe, this panini combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in perfect harmony. The combination of crisp apples, savory ham, sharp cheddar, and rich apple butter creates an unforgettable taste sensation. Use high-quality ingredients for the best results – it's worth it! Prepare to be amazed!

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Course Pork 5 Ingredients Or Less Time To Make

Apple Buttered Pork Loin

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this stunning Apple Buttered Pork Loin Roast! Inspired by the Better Homes and Gardens 'So Good With Fruit' cookbook, this recipe delivers a juicy, tender pork loin with a crispy, irresistible peanut and apple butter glaze. Originally designed for spit-roasting, this oven-baked adaptation is just as delicious and easier to make. The sweet and tangy glaze, accented with bright orange zest and juice, creates a flavor explosion that will impress your family and friends. Get ready for a truly unforgettable culinary experience!

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Vegetarian Number Of Servings Seasonal Easy

Autumn Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with these delicious pumpkin spice pancakes! Made with real pumpkin puree and apple butter, these pancakes cook up fluffy and golden brown, with a hint of spice that's perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch. Don't worry about over-browning – the pumpkin puree keeps them moist and tender. Get ready for a taste of autumn in every bite!

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Fruit Tropical Fruit Bananas Brunch

Banana Muffins Diabetic And Delicious

Craving delicious banana muffins without the guilt? This recipe, inspired by the Christine Cushing Live show, delivers the ultimate in healthy and tasty treats! These muffins are perfectly moist and flavorful, made with wholesome ingredients to keep you satisfied and your blood sugar stable. Customize them with chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) for a heart-healthy boost, or stick with the classic blueberry goodness. Prepare for a burst of banana flavor in every bite!

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Equipment Low Carb Pork Loins Time To Make

Bavarian Pork Loin

Indulge in this succulent Bavarian Pork Loin Roast, a masterpiece of flavor inspired by classic German recipes! This recipe features a sweet and savory honey-apple glaze, perfectly complementing the tender pork loin. Served traditionally with pumpernickel bread, dumplings, and sauerkraut for an authentic experience. Prepare for a culinary journey to the heart of Bavaria!

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