Apple Butter Bliss: Delicious Recipes Beyond the Jar
Apple butter. The name itself conjures up images of cozy autumn days, the scent of cinnamon and spices filling the air, and the comforting taste of cooked-down apples transformed into a smooth, decadent spread. While delicious on its own smeared on toast or biscuits, apple butter is far more versatile than you might think. It’s a secret weapon in the kitchen, capable of adding depth, sweetness, and a touch of fall flavor to a variety of dishes. This article explores the world of apple butter, providing a comprehensive guide to using it in both sweet and savory recipes, from simple weeknight dinners to impressive desserts.
## What is Apple Butter?
Before we dive into recipes, let’s clarify what exactly apple butter is. Unlike regular butter, apple butter doesn’t contain any dairy. Instead, it’s made from apples that have been slowly cooked down with spices, usually cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and sometimes ginger, until they reach a thick, spreadable consistency. The long cooking process caramelizes the sugars in the apples, creating a rich, complex flavor that’s both sweet and slightly tart.
## Making Your Own Apple Butter (Optional, but Recommended!)
While you can certainly buy apple butter at the store, making your own is a rewarding experience, especially if you have access to an abundance of apples in the fall. Homemade apple butter allows you to control the sweetness and spices, tailoring it to your exact preferences. Plus, the aroma that fills your home while it’s simmering is simply divine.
Here’s a basic recipe for homemade apple butter:
**Ingredients:**
* 6 pounds apples (such as Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and quartered
* 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
* ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon ground cloves
* ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* ¼ teaspoon salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the apples, apple cider, brown sugar, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well to combine.
2. **Cook Down:** Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the apples are very soft and easily mashed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. **Mash:** Once the apples are soft, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to create a smooth puree. Be careful when using an immersion blender as the mixture will be hot.
4. **Continue Cooking:** Return the pot to the stovetop, uncovered, and continue to simmer over low heat for another 1-3 hours, or until the apple butter has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning. The apple butter is ready when a spoonful placed on a cold plate holds its shape and doesn’t run.
5. **Process for Canning (Optional):** If you want to store your apple butter for longer than a few weeks, you can process it in a hot water bath. Ladle the hot apple butter into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean, place lids and rings on the jars, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude).
6. **Cool and Store:** Let the jars cool completely on a wire rack. You should hear a popping sound as the lids seal. Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year. If you don’t can the apple butter, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
## Sweet Recipes with Apple Butter
Now that you’re armed with your own jar of apple butter (or have a store-bought one ready to go), let’s explore some delicious sweet recipes:
### 1. Apple Butter Oatmeal
This is a simple and comforting way to start your day. Stir a spoonful or two of apple butter into your favorite oatmeal recipe for added sweetness and flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* ½ cup rolled oats
* 1 cup milk or water
* 1-2 tablespoons apple butter
* Pinch of salt
* Optional toppings: chopped nuts, dried fruit, granola, a drizzle of maple syrup
**Instructions:**
1. Combine oats, milk or water, and salt in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until oats are cooked through.
3. Stir in apple butter until well combined.
4. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy.
### 2. Apple Butter Pancakes or Waffles
Elevate your weekend brunch with apple butter-infused pancakes or waffles. Simply add a few tablespoons of apple butter to your favorite pancake or waffle batter.
**Ingredients:**
* Your favorite pancake or waffle batter
* 2-4 tablespoons apple butter
* Optional toppings: whipped cream, chopped apples, maple syrup, cinnamon sugar
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare your pancake or waffle batter according to the recipe instructions.
2. Gently stir in the apple butter until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Cook pancakes or waffles according to the recipe instructions.
4. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy.
### 3. Apple Butter Muffins
Apple butter adds moisture and flavor to muffins, creating a delightful treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1 cup apple butter
* ½ cup milk
* ¼ cup vegetable oil
* 1 egg
* Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts or dried cranberries
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together apple butter, milk, oil, and egg.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in nuts or dried cranberries, if using.
6. Fill muffin cups about ¾ full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
### 4. Apple Butter Cookies
These soft and chewy cookies are bursting with apple flavor, thanks to the addition of apple butter.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup apple butter
* 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* ¼ teaspoon salt
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in vanilla extract and apple butter until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
8. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
### 5. Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars
These cheesecake bars combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm flavors of apple butter, creating a decadent dessert.
**Ingredients:**
* **Crust:**
* 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
* 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* **Cheesecake Filling:**
* 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ cup apple butter
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. **Prepare the Crust:** In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. **Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:** In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gently swirl in apple butter, being careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is just set.
8. Let cool completely in the pan before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
9. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.
### 6. Apple Butter Pie
A delightful twist on classic apple pie! This pie features a filling made with apple butter, apples, and spices for an extra layer of flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts
* 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
* ½ cup apple butter
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* ¼ cup packed brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a 9-inch pie plate with one pie crust. Trim and crimp the edges.
3. In a large bowl, combine apples, apple butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss to coat.
4. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust.
5. Dot the top with butter pieces.
6. Top with the second pie crust. Trim and crimp the edges. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
7. Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
9. Let cool completely before serving.
### 7. Apple Butter Ice Cream
Add a swirl of apple butter to your favorite vanilla ice cream recipe for a delicious and unique frozen treat.
**Ingredients:**
* Your favorite vanilla ice cream recipe (or store-bought vanilla ice cream)
* ½ – 1 cup apple butter, softened
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare your vanilla ice cream according to the recipe instructions (or soften store-bought ice cream slightly).
2. Gently swirl in the apple butter until just combined. Do not overmix, as you want to maintain a distinct swirl.
3. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
4. Serve and enjoy.
### 8. Apple Butter French Toast
Spread apple butter between slices of bread before dipping in your favorite French toast batter for an extra special breakfast.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 slices of bread
* ¼ cup apple butter
* 2 eggs
* ¼ cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* Pinch of salt
* Butter, for greasing the pan
* Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, chopped apples
**Instructions:**
1. Spread apple butter on four slices of bread. Top with the remaining four slices to make sandwiches.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
4. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Cook the French toast sandwiches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
## Savory Recipes with Apple Butter
Apple butter isn’t just for sweet treats! Its complex flavor also works beautifully in savory dishes, adding depth and richness to sauces, marinades, and glazes.
### 9. Apple Butter Glazed Pork Chops
This glaze adds a touch of sweetness and spice to juicy pork chops, making them a delicious and easy weeknight meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* **Glaze:**
* ¼ cup apple butter
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
**Instructions:**
1. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together apple butter, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
5. Pour the glaze over the pork chops.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the glaze has thickened.
7. Serve immediately.
### 10. Apple Butter BBQ Sauce
This homemade BBQ sauce combines the smoky flavors of BBQ with the sweet and spicy notes of apple butter, creating a unique and flavorful sauce for ribs, chicken, or pulled pork.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup ketchup
* ½ cup apple butter
* ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
* 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* ½ teaspoon garlic powder
* ¼ teaspoon onion powder
* Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally.
4. Let cool slightly before using.
5. Brush onto your favorite BBQ meats during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
### 11. Apple Butter and Brie Grilled Cheese
This sophisticated grilled cheese combines the creamy richness of brie cheese with the sweet and tangy flavor of apple butter, creating a surprisingly delicious and satisfying sandwich.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 slices of bread
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened
* 2 ounces brie cheese, sliced
* 2 tablespoons apple butter
**Instructions:**
1. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Top with brie cheese and apple butter.
4. Top with the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
6. Serve immediately.
### 12. Apple Butter Stuffing
Add a unique twist to your Thanksgiving stuffing by incorporating apple butter for a touch of sweetness and fall flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 loaf of stale bread, cut into cubes
* ½ cup butter
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1 teaspoon dried sage
* ½ teaspoon dried thyme
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* 1 ½ cups chicken broth
* ½ cup apple butter
* ½ cup dried cranberries
* ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. In a large bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, apple butter, dried cranberries, and pecans (if using).
7. Toss to combine.
8. Pour the stuffing into a greased baking dish.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
### 13. Apple Butter Vinaigrette
A simple vinaigrette with a touch of apple butter sweetness is perfect for fall salads.
**Ingredients:**
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon apple butter
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
2. Drizzle over your favorite salad.
### 14. Apple Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Add a touch of sweetness and complexity to your mashed sweet potatoes with apple butter.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
* ¼ cup butter
* ¼ cup milk or cream
* ¼ cup apple butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: chopped pecans or toasted marshmallows for topping
**Instructions:**
1. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain well and return to the pot.
3. Add butter and milk/cream and mash until smooth.
4. Stir in apple butter, salt, and pepper.
5. Top with pecans or toasted marshmallows, if desired.
### 15. Apple Butter and Sausage Pizza
This may sound unusual, but the combination of savory sausage, sweet apple butter, and melty cheese on a pizza crust is surprisingly delicious. The key is to use a high-quality sausage and not overload the pizza with apple butter.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pre-made pizza crust or homemade pizza dough
* ¼ cup apple butter
* ½ cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
* Optional: Fresh sage leaves for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C), or according to pizza crust/dough instructions.
2. Spread apple butter evenly over the pizza crust.
3. Sprinkle with cooked sausage, mozzarella cheese, and red onion.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish with fresh sage leaves, if desired.
6. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
## Tips and Variations
* **Spice it up:** Adjust the spices in your apple butter recipe to your liking. Try adding a pinch of cardamom, allspice, or even a little chili powder for a kick.
* **Use different apples:** Experiment with different varieties of apples to create unique flavor profiles. Tart apples like Granny Smith will balance the sweetness, while sweeter apples like Fuji will create a richer, more decadent apple butter.
* **Add a touch of alcohol:** A splash of apple brandy or bourbon can add a sophisticated depth of flavor to your apple butter.
* **Make it vegan:** Substitute the butter in recipes with vegan butter or coconut oil.
* **Storage:** Store opened apple butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
## Conclusion
Apple butter is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can add a touch of fall flavor to a wide variety of dishes. From sweet breakfast treats to savory dinner entrees, the possibilities are endless. So, grab a jar of apple butter (or better yet, make your own!) and start experimenting in the kitchen. You’ll be amazed at the culinary creations you can come up with! Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor these recipes to your own tastes. Happy cooking!