Apple Butter Barbecue Sauce
Apple butter barbecue sauce is the perfect way to extend barbecue season well into the fall. This sweet, smoky sauce is sweet and savory with cozy background of warming spices, making perfect spread on all your favorite grilled meats.
A lot of people think barbecues and cookouts are only a summer thing but we extend them all fall long through football season.
What’s better than watching the game on a crisp day with a big helping of barbecue chicken or ribs?
Not much.
And with this apple butter barbecue sauce, you perfectly bridge the gap from summer cookout to fall effortlessly.
It blends classic smoky barbecue flavor with the rich, spiced sweetness of apple butter for a sauce that’s thick, tangy, and just a little sweet.
Slather it on anything and everything from ribs and pulled pork to grilled chicken and burgers!
Ingredients
To make them you’ll need:
- Ketchup– Whatever kind you have in the fridge
- Apple butter– You can buy it from the grocery store or use our delicious homemade version. Alternatively, you can buy it from a local orchard when apples are in season.
- Vinegar– Apple cider vinegar.
- Water
- Sugar– Brown
- Worcestershire sauce
- Mustard– Yellow mustard
- Spices– Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
How to Make
Apple butter barbecue sauce is so easy to make!
Just whisk all of the ingredients together in a sauce pan set over medium heat.
Bring the mixture to a slow simmer, stirring often.
As soon as it starts to simmer, turn the heat to low.
Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s thickened some.
Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Use and enjoy!
Storing
Let the mixture cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Tips and Tricks
- As is, this barbecue sauce is pretty mild. Add more cayenne pepper or even a little hot sauce if you want a kick.
- You have to keep stirring it as it cooks so the sugar doesn’t burn.
- The sauce is done when it has reduced some and thickened enough to coat the back of your spoon. If it is too thin, let it keep simmering. If it is too thick, stir in a little more water.
Other Apple Butter Recipes
Apple butter barbecue sauce is a delicious, savory way to use one of fall’s best condiments.
Make it and enjoy!
Looking for other apple butter recipes?
Try these:
If you’ve tried this APPLE BUTTER BARBECUE SAUCE, or any other recipe on the site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers! You can also follow along with me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes and whatever else we’ve got going on!
Apple Butter Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3/4 cup apple butter
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 packed tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- pinch cayenne pepper optional
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a sauce pan set over medium heat. Whisk together until evenly combined.1 cup ketchup, 3/4 cup apple butter, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 3 packed tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, pinch cayenne pepper, salt & pepper
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring often, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's thickened some.
- Taste, carefully because it will be hot, and adjust the seasonings, if needed.
- Use and enjoy!
Notes
- As is, this barbecue sauce is pretty mild. Add more cayenne pepper or even a little hot sauce if you want a kick.
- You have to keep stirring it as it cooks so the sugar doesn't burn.
- The sauce is done when it has reduced some and thickened enough to coat the back of your spoon. If it is too thin, let it keep simmering. If it is too thick, stir in a little more water.
Nutrition
recipe adapted from The Seasoned Mom
