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a small wooden spoon scooping homemade apple butter barbecue sauce out of a small glass jar
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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. 
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Condiment, Dip, Sauce
Cuisine: American, Southern
Servings: 10
Calories: 83kcal

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

Calories: 83kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 300mg | Potassium: 139mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 232IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg