Apple Butter Substitutes

Apple butter is a beloved spread made with apples, sugar, and spices commonly used as an ingredient on toast, biscuits, and sandwiches.

But sometimes, you may need an alternative due to dietary restrictions or preferences; peanut butter or caramel sauce, apple sauce, or honey all provide similar flavors and textures.

In this article, we'll look closer at these alternatives and show how they can be utilized instead of apple butter for similar results.

Common Substitutes for Apple Butter

Peanut butter

Peanut butter is a common substitute for apple butter in recipes such as sandwiches, cookies, and cakes that require it.

With similar consistency, peanut butter works well in these dishes.

Apple Sauce

Apple sauce is a common substitute for apple butter.

Made from cooked apples, this thick paste can be used similarly - on toast or in baking recipes.

Applesauce with Spices

Wanting to amp up the flavor in your recipe?

All you have to do is add your desired spices to applesauce before using it in recipes like gingerbread or pumpkin pie, which already include other herbs.

This substitution works excellently!

Other Alternatives to Apple Butter

Caramel Sauce

Caramel sauce is an ideal substitute due to its similar consistency and use in many of the same ways.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Preparation:

1. In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the sugar mixture turns a deep amber color, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully whisk in heavy cream. The mixture will bubble vigorously.
4. Add the butter, vanilla extract, and salt, stirring until the butter has melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Allow the caramel sauce to cool completely before using or transferring it into an airtight container for storage.

Pumpkin Butter

Pumpkin butter is a great substitute since it has a similar flavor and can be used similarly.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt

Preparation:

1. To make pumpkin puree: in a medium saucepan, mix pumpkin puree, apple cider (or apple juice), brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt.
2. Cook the mixture over medium heat, occasionally stirring until all sugars have dissolved and flavors have blended, about 5 - 7 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, frequently stirring until pumpkin butter thickens.
4. Remove from heat and let the pumpkin butter cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Enjoy this pumpkin butter spread on toast, muffins, or pancakes, or use it to fill in pastries.

Honey

Honey is another good substitute because of its sweetness and versatility.

To use honey as an apple butter substitute, combine equal parts honey with applesauce (or another type of fruit puree) in a pot over low heat and cook until combined - let cool before using.

Conclusion

When looking for a substitute, several options exist.

The substitutes listed can all be used instead of apple butter without compromising taste or benefits.

The best substitute will depend on your preferences and the purpose it's being used for.