What's the Best Substitute for Apple Butter?
Whether you're out of Apple Butter or looking for a healthier alternative, finding the right substitute can save your recipe. Thick, smooth spread made from slow-cooked apples with spices, used as a spread and in baking In this guide, we'll explore the best substitutes that work in most recipes and help you achieve similar results.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for apple butter are applesauce, apple jam, or homemade apple butter using apples and spices.
Best Substitutes for Apple Butter
Applesauce
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- baking
- cooking
- spreading
- desserts
Description
Cooked and pureed apples that provide similar apple flavor and moisture in baking applications.
Thinner consistency than apple butter. May need to reduce other liquids in recipes.
Apple Jam
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- spreading
- baking
- desserts
- breakfast
Description
Sweet, spreadable preserve made from apples that provides concentrated apple flavor.
Sweeter than apple butter due to added sugar. May need to reduce sugar in recipes.
Apple Preserves
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- spreading
- baking
- desserts
- breakfast
Description
Chunky apple preserve with pieces of fruit that provides texture and apple flavor.
Chunkier texture than smooth apple butter. May need to puree for smooth applications.
Pear Butter
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- spreading
- baking
- desserts
- breakfast
Description
Similar fruit butter made from pears with comparable texture and sweetness.
Slightly different flavor but similar texture and sweetness profile.
Pumpkin Butter
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- spreading
- baking
- desserts
- breakfast
Description
Thick, spiced spread made from pumpkin that provides similar texture and spice profile.
Different flavor but similar thick, spreadable consistency. Great for fall recipes.
Homemade Apple Butter
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- spreading
- baking
- desserts
- breakfast
Description
Make your own by slow-cooking apples with cinnamon, cloves, and sugar until thick and smooth.
Cook apples with spices for 2-3 hours until very thick. Can be made in a slow cooker.
Apple Pie Filling
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- baking
- desserts
- breakfast
- cooking
Description
Sweet, spiced apple mixture that provides similar flavor profile with chunkier texture.
May need to puree for smooth applications. Contains more sugar than traditional apple butter.
How to Choose the Right Substitute
When choosing a substitute for Apple Butter, consider the recipe's requirements for taste, texture, and cooking method. Think about whether you need something that mimics the original exactly or if a different but complementary flavor would work. Also consider dietary restrictions and availability of ingredients.
Cooking Tips
Apple butter is made by slow-cooking apples with spices until very thick and smooth
Perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or pancakes for breakfast
Use in baking to add moisture and apple flavor to cakes, muffins, and breads
Apple butter pairs beautifully with pork, especially in glazes and marinades
Store homemade apple butter in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage
Add apple butter to oatmeal or yogurt for a sweet, spiced breakfast
Use as a filling for pastries, tarts, or thumbprint cookies
Apple butter can be used in savory dishes like roasted vegetables or as a glaze for meats
Always taste and adjust seasonings when using substitutes
Consider the cooking method - some substitutes work better in certain applications