What Is The Difference Between Apple Sauce And Apple Butter What’s the Difference Between Applesauce and Apple Butter?

So you’ve got your haul of Galas, Honeycrisps or Golden Delicious from the produce aisle of the orchard or supermarket and you want to extend their life and make tasty use of them. So is applesauce or apple butter the better option?

And how is applesauce different from apple butter, anyway? Read on for fruit facts, plus recipe inspiration for both of these fall all-stars.

What is applesauce?

Applesauce is a semi-solid sauce created from apples, some form of liquid (such as water or cider), hot spices, and sugar if desired. Cook everything together to soften the fruit, puree or puree, and voila—you’ve got a recipe for applesauce.

Depending on your personal preference, you can blend it into a smooth blend or leave it chunky and scent it with vanilla, citrus, or maple.

Compared to apple butter, applesauce has a lighter texture and flavor as it contains more water in the final product. With this in mind, we recommend using flavoring elements in smaller quantities.

It all boils down (sorry, we couldn’t resist!) to the fact that the peels and pulp of apples contain pectin. As you simmer them, the pectin is released and acts like a gel. Because applesauce cooks for a shorter time than apple butter, the result is mostly apples with a little gelatin.

In America, applesauce recipes are used in both sweet and savory applications. Try it over potato latkes or alongside pork chops if you’re Team Savory. If Team Sweet is more your style, mix some into your oatmeal or incorporate it into your cake batter.

What is Apple Butter?

Both applesauce and apple butter start by cooking the apples slowly and slowly with the same ingredients (liquid, flavoring elements, sweetener). But apple butter differs from applesauce in that it requires a much longer cooking time.

The result? A thicker, concentrated flavor, darker caramel-colored, spreadable “marmalade” that is more similar in texture to butter. (Chef John’s Apple Butter Recipe will walk you through the DIY.)

Contrary to what one might think from the name, there is no real butter in apple butter. That name comes from the fact that it is a dense spread.

Some serve it hot, giving it a slightly softer texture, while others eat it straight from the fridge. Either way, the flavors are often more intense than in applesauce, making apple butter recipes the perfect complement to hearty, nutty breads and tangy cheeses. (See you, charcuterie boards.)

Can you use them interchangeably?

When trying to remember the difference, we like to think of apple butter as heightened applesauce. Or applesauce boxed in and with a firmer texture.

But ultimately, both applesauce and apple butter can often be interchanged in baking recipes, especially when used as a substitute for some of the butter, oil, or eggs. Try it in our butter-free chocolate chip cookies or delicious applesauce bread.

Can you make applesauce from applesauce?

While we prefer to start from scratch, you can absolutely make apple butter from simmered store-bought applesauce in a thicker format. Just add more spices like nutmeg, cinnamon and/or cloves and cook it to your desired flavor and thickness.

Related:

• 5 simple tips for making the best homemade applesauce
• How to store apples so they stay fresh longer
• Browse our entire collection of apple recipes.