Apple butter is a delicious fruit spread that has a sweet, aromatic flavor reminiscent of fall. It is made by cooking down applesauce until it achieves a thick, smooth, spreadable consistency similar to butter.
Though the name suggests it contains butter, apple butter is dairy-free. It gets its rich texture from pureeing apples and evaporating the excess water content. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice are commonly added. The end result is a sweet, spiced apple spread perfect for topping toast or using in baking.
If you don't have apple butter on hand, don't worry - there are plenty of ingredients you likely have in your pantry or fridge that make great substitutes. Depending on the application, ingredients like applesauce, pumpkin puree, nut butter, Greek yogurt, and fruit preserves can stand in for apple butter.
Read on to learn more about the best apple butter substitutes and how to use them.
Turn Applesauce into Apple Butter
One of the easiest apple butter substitutes is applesauce. Since apple butter is made from applesauce that has been reduced, you can turn regular applesauce into apple butter yourself with minimal effort.
Simply cook applesauce over low heat for 45-60 minutes, stirring frequently, until excess moisture evaporates and it achieves a thicker, spreadable consistency. Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or allspice during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. Let cool completely before using.
The ratio is 1 1/2 cups applesauce per 1 cup apple butter. This homemade apple butter can then be used to top waffles, swirl into oatmeal, or bake into all your favorite apple butter recipes.
Pumpkin Puree Adds Festive Fall Flavor
Canned pumpkin puree makes a great replacement for apple butter, especially in baked goods. Pumpkin puree has a similar texture to apple butter and adds moisture and rich flavor to recipes.
While it won't replicate the apple flavor, pumpkin puree has a sweetness that evokes fall. Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to get even closer to apple butter's aromatic flavor.
Use pumpkin puree in place of apple butter in a 1:1 ratio. It can be swapped into any recipe like bread, muffins, cakes, cookies, crisps, or pies that calls for apple butter.
Nut Butter for an Indulgent Twist
Nut butters like almond, peanut, or cashew butter have a similar creamy, spreadable consistency to apple butter. They lend a more indulgent, nutty flavor and texture in place of apple butter’s fruitiness.
Substitute nut butter in a 1:1 ratio for apple butter. Nut butter works well as a sandwich spread, in parfaits or overnight oats, as a filling for crepes or pancakes, or swirled into oatmeal in place of apple butter.
Greek Yogurt Adds Tang and Creaminess
Thick, creamy Greek yogurt is an option for those looking for a healthier apple butter substitute. Use 2/3 cup yogurt in place of 1 cup apple butter.
The yogurt contributes protein, calcium, and a pleasant tangy flavor. Make sure to use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt. Consider adding a bit of honey or maple syrup to counteract the tartness.
Yogurt is a suitable sub for apple butter in dishes like whole grain muffins, quick breads, and coffee cakes. Avoid using it in pies though, as the moisture content differs.
Fruit Preserves for Fruity Sweetness
Apple butter has a jam-like texture, so fruit preserves or jam are excellent stand-ins. Look for apricot, peach, pear, or apple preserves rather than berry flavors, which will be closer in taste and texture.
Other options like orange marmalade, lemon curd, or pineapple jam also work beautifully, adding their own unique fruity flair.
Use preserves or jam in place of apple butter in a 1:1 ratio. They work nicely as a toast topping, crepe filling, or alongside cheese and charcuterie.
Avocado Adds Creamy richness
Don't let its green color throw you off - avocado can be a great substitute for apple butter! The richness and smooth, creamy texture is similar to apple butter.
Use 1 cup mashed avocado in place of 1 cup apple butter. The avocado's mild flavor won't impart much taste but will add moisture and fat, which helps replace what the apple butter provides.
Add a bit of lemon or lime juice to balance out the avocado. Then you can use it like apple butter in baked goods, pancakes, sandwiches, or on toast.
Applesauce: For More Than Just Snacking
Many people think of applesauce as just a snack for kids. But it can be so much more! Applesauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some creative ways to use applesauce in cooking and baking:
- Replace oil or butter in baked goods like cakes, muffins, and bread. The applesauce keeps the recipes moist. Replace 1 cup of oil with 1 cup of applesauce.
- Make pancake and waffle batter extra moist by swapping the milk for equal parts applesauce.
- Use it as a binder in meatballs or meatloaf. The natural sweetness balances hearty meats.
- Mix into oatmeal along with cinnamon, chopped apples, raisins, and nuts for an easy breakfast.
- Add to smoothies for natural sweetness and thickness.
- Stir into hummus in place of tahini for a fruity twist.
With so many uses beyond snacking, applesauce can be a handy staple in any fridge!
Oatmeal Cookies with Apple Butter
Looking for a new way to use up that jar of apple butter? These oatmeal cookies are the perfect treat!
- Using apple butter instead of oil or butter keeps the cookies extra moist and gives them delicious apple flavor.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats add great texture. You can use quick oats instead but the cookies won't be quite as chewy.
- A touch of cinnamon enhances the warmth of the apple butter.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans give every bite crunch.
- A sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top adds sweet crunch and sparkle.
These soft and chewy cookies will be a hit with kids and adults alike. The apple butter makes them perfectly sweet without being overly sugary.
FAQs
What's the difference between apple butter and applesauce?
Apple butter and applesauce are made from apples, but they differ in texture and concentration of flavor. Applesauce has a thinner, smoother consistency and milder taste. Apple butter is made by cooking down applesauce to remove water and concentrating the flavor. The result is a thick, richly flavored spread.
What spices go well with apple butter?
Popular spices to use in apple butter include cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves. These warming spices complement the sweetness of the apples. Vanilla and lemon zest also pair nicely. Adjust the spices to your taste preferences.
How long does homemade apple butter last in the fridge?
Homemade apple butter will keep for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. The high acidity helps prevent bacteria growth. For longer storage, freeze apple butter in airtight containers for up to 1 year.
Can you use apple butter in savory cooking?
Yes! Apple butter can be used to lend sweetness and moisture in savory cooking. Try using it to glaze meats like pork chops or chicken wings. It's also great mixed into grain bowls, blended into soups, or swirled into mac and cheese.
What's the best fruit preserve to use in place of apple butter?
Apple or apricot preserves are the closest match, but any fruit spread works. Peach, pear, and pineapple preserves also pair well baked goods and toast when you're out of apple butter. Avoid strongly flavored options like grape or strawberry preserves.
Conclusion
While no substitute can fully replicate apple butter's sweet-spiced apple flavor, there are many pantry staples that make suitable stand-ins. Applesauce, jams, pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, nut butter, and avocado all provide similar consistency and moisture to apple butter.
With a touch of added spice and sweetness, these ingredients can deliver delicious results in everything from baked goods to toast when you're out of apple butter.