Peanut butter is a popular apple butter substitute due to its high protein and healthy fat content.
Peanut butter also contains vitamins E and B that support healthy skin and hair.
Apple sauce also makes an excellent substitute as it has fewer calories than traditional apple butter while being packed with essential nutrients like fiber and Vitamin C.
Applesauce with spices is another delicious way to enjoy the flavor of applesauce without all of the calories; typically made with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for an irresistibly warming sensation.
How to Incorporate Apple Butter Substitutes Into Your Recipes
Apple butter substitutes can be used in many recipes. Spread them on toast or biscuits instead of traditional jelly or jam for a leisurely breakfast treat.
They're also great as fillings for cakes or pies or topping oatmeal pancakes.
For healthier snacks that still taste delicious, try using an apple butter substitute as a dip for fruit or vegetables.
Common Substitutes for Apple Butter
Peanut butter is a common substitute for apple butter in recipes such as sandwiches, cookies, and cakes that require it.
With its consistency similar to apple butter, 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 in the same ways as apple butter - on toast or in baking recipes.
Applesauce with Spices
Wanting to amp up the flavor in your recipe? Consider substituting applesauce for apple butter.
All you have to do is add your desired spices to applesauce before using it in place of apple butter in recipes like gingerbread or pumpkin pie, which already include other herbs.
This substitution works excellently!
Other Alternatives to Apple Butter
Caramel sauce is an ideal substitute for apple butter due to its similar consistency and use in many of the same ways.
Plus, it's simple enough to make at home with just four ingredients:
- sugar
- butter
- cream
- vanilla extract
Melt the sugar over low heat until it turns golden brown, then add butter and cream and stir until combined before stirring in vanilla extract. Let cool before using.
Pumpkin Butter
Pumpkin butter is an ideal substitute for apple butter since it has a similar flavor and can be used similarly.
It's simple to make at home with just five ingredients:
- pumpkin puree
- sugar
- spices (such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
- lemon juice.
Combine all the ingredients in a pot over low heat and occasionally stir until the mixture thickens - about 30 minutes! Let cool completely before using.
Honey
Honey is an ideal substitute for apple butter 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 for apple butter, several options exist.
Peanut butter, apple sauce, and applesauce with spices can all be used instead of apple butter without compromising taste or benefits.
Other alternatives include caramel sauce, pumpkin butter, and honey; ultimately, the best substitute will depend on your preferences and the purpose it's being used for.
