Apple Butter substitute

Best substitute

Applesauce

Use the same amount as the apple butter you are replacing

Best for baking

Different texture

The best substitutes for apple butter are applesauce, apple jam, or homemade apple butter using apples and spices.

Other apple butter substitutes

Ranked, with the exact amount to use

2Apple Jam
Close match
Use the same amount
Sweet, spreadable preserve made from apples that provides concentrated apple flavor.
What changes
Best for
spreading, baking, desserts, breakfast
Sweeter than apple butter due to added sugar. May need to reduce sugar in recipes.
3Apple Preserves
Different texture
Use the same amount
Chunky apple preserve with pieces of fruit that provides texture and apple flavor.
What changes
Best for
spreading, baking, desserts, breakfast
Chunkier texture than smooth apple butter. May need to puree for smooth applications.
4Pear Butter
Different taste
Use the same amount
Similar fruit butter made from pears with comparable texture and sweetness.
What changes
Best for
spreading, baking, desserts, breakfast
Slightly different flavor but similar texture and sweetness profile.
5Pumpkin Butter
Different taste
Use the same amount
Thick, spiced spread made from pumpkin that provides similar texture and spice profile.
What changes
Best for
spreading, baking, desserts, breakfast
Different flavor but similar thick, spreadable consistency. Great for fall recipes.
6Homemade Apple Butter
Close match
Use the same amount
Make your own by slow-cooking apples with cinnamon, cloves, and sugar until thick and smooth.
What changes
Best for
spreading, baking, desserts, breakfast
Cook apples with spices for 2-3 hours until very thick. Can be made in a slow cooker.
7Apple Pie Filling
Different texture
Use the same amount
Sweet, spiced apple mixture that provides similar flavor profile with chunkier texture.
What changes
Best for
baking, desserts, breakfast, cooking
May need to puree for smooth applications. Contains more sugar than traditional apple butter.

What is Apple Butter?

Apple Butter is Thick, smooth spread made from slow-cooked apples with spices, used as a spread and in baking.

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

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between apple butter and applesauce?

Apple butter is much thicker and more concentrated than applesauce, with added spices like cinnamon and cloves. It's cooked longer to achieve a spreadable, butter-like consistency.

Can I make apple butter at home?

Yes! Cook peeled, cored apples with cinnamon, cloves, and sugar in a slow cooker for 8-10 hours on low, or on the stovetop for 2-3 hours until very thick and smooth.

Is apple butter the same as apple jam?

No, apple butter is thicker and smoother than jam, with a more concentrated apple flavor and added spices. Jam typically has chunks of fruit and is sweeter.

How long does apple butter last?

Store-bought apple butter lasts 6-12 months unopened. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 2-3 weeks. Homemade apple butter should be refrigerated and used within 2 weeks.

Related substitutes

More preserves substitutes

Apple Butter substitute

Other apple butter substitutes

2Apple Jam

3Apple Preserves

4Pear Butter

5Pumpkin Butter

6Homemade Apple Butter

7Apple Pie Filling