Apple Butter BBQ Sauce

Before You Get Started

Here are a few helpful notes before you begin:

• Use a good quality apple butter. Homemade is wonderful, but store-bought works too. Just know that sweetness levels vary.
• Balance is key. Apple cider vinegar keeps the sauce tangy and prevents it from being too sweet.
• Don’t skip the simmer. That 10 to 15 minutes of cooking time lets the flavors meld and the sauce thicken up.
• Stir often so the sauce doesn’t stick or scorch at the bottom.
• A wide, heavy saucepan works best for simmering.

** Tip: Taste your sauce before adding extra sugar or vinegar. Apple butters can vary in sweetness, so tweak the seasoning to make it just right.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Apple Butter BBQ Sauce

Step 1: Whisk Together the Base

In a medium saucepan, whisk the ketchup, apple butter, vinegar, and a splash of water until smooth. The ketchup gives body, the apple butter adds fruitiness, and the vinegar brings tang.

Now stir in the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne if you like some heat. This blend is what gives the sauce its sweet-smoky depth.

Step 2: Simmer Until Thickened

Set the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and let it cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s glossy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

** Tip: If the sauce ever looks like it’s cooking too fast or starting to stick, just turn the heat down a bit and keep stirring.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Before you call it done, take a taste. Add more vinegar if you like it tangier, or a touch of sugar if it needs more sweetness. If it seems too thick, stir in a splash of water. Let the sauce cool before storing.

How to Use

This sauce is sweet and tangy, which makes it perfect for just about everything! Brush it over baby back ribs, grilled chicken breast, or bbq chicken thighs in the oven; toss it with Crock Pot pulled pork or bbq beef for the ultimate sandwich. Spread it on burgers or wings, or use it as a dip with fries and baked potato wedges. Tip: mix a spoonful with mayo for a quick sandwich spread.

Storage Tips

• Let the sauce cool completely before storing.
• In the fridge: Keep it in a sealed jar for up to a week.
• In the freezer: Store in smaller containers or ice cube trays for 3 to 6 months.
• To reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, thinning with a splash of water if it’s too thick.

** Mom Tip: Label your jars with the date so you’ll know how long they’ve been in the fridge or freezer.

Variations to Try

Want to mix it up? Here are some fun twists:

• Add chipotle, cayenne, or hot sauce for extra heat.
• Boost the smoky flavor with liquid smoke or extra smoked paprika.
• Swap in honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
• Try a fruit twist with pear butter or peach butter.
• Stir in a splash of bourbon for a grown-up version.
• Keep it vegan by choosing a plant-based Worcestershire sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is my sauce too thin? It likely hasn’t simmered long enough. Just keep cooking until it reduces and thickens, or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste.
• Why did my sauce separate? That usually happens if the heat was too high. Whisk it again over low heat, or use an immersion blender to bring it back together.
• Can I can this sauce for long-term storage? This recipe is designed for short-term fridge or freezer storage. For canning, you’ll need a recipe tested for safe acidity levels.
• Can I use applesauce instead of apple butter? You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. If you try it, cook the sauce longer to help it thicken and deepen in flavor.
• Is apple butter bbq sauce gluten-free? Yes, if you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and check your ketchup brand.