Hot Buttered Apple Sauce With Cinnamon and Nutmeg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple sauce combines the familiar comfort of homemade applesauce with an extra layer of richness from butter and spices. The cinnamon and nutmeg create a warm, inviting flavor, while the vanilla and brown sugar add sweetness and depth. It’s incredibly versatile—serve it with your favorite breakfast dishes, enjoy it as a comforting snack, or serve it as a side dish to elevate your meal. Plus, it’s super easy to make, making it a perfect addition to your fall menu or any time you’re craving a bit of comfort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 6 large apples (use a mix of sweet and tart, such as Granny Smith and Fuji), peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutme g
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Melt the butter: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to bubble.
2. Cook the apples: Add the chopped apples to the saucepan and stir to coat them well with the melted butter.
3. Add sugar and spices: Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt over the apples. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer the mixture: Pour the water into the saucepan and stir again to ensure everything is well mixed. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Cook the apples: Cover the saucepan and let the apples cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very tender and begin to break down.
6. Mash the apples: Once the apples are soft, remove the lid and use a wooden spoon or a potato masher to further mash the apples to your desired consistency. For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender.
7. Add vanilla and lemon juice: Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice, mixing well.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more sugar or spices as needed.
9. Serve: Serve the apple sauce warm or allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 4 servings
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add extra spices: For an extra layer of warmth, consider adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.
• Make it smoother: If you prefer a smoother apple sauce, use a food processor or immersion blender to puree the apples after they’ve softened.
• Add dried fruit: For extra texture, add raisins or dried cranberries when the apples are simmering, allowing them to plump up with the flavors.
• Sugar alternatives: You can use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar if you prefer a different sweetener.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the apple sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the apple sauce on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use different apples?

Yes! Using a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Fuji and Granny Smith, gives the best balance of flavors, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like Gala or Honeycrisp.

2. Can I make this apple sauce without butter?

Yes, you can omit the butter for a lighter version or use coconut oil as a substitute for a dairy-free option.

3. How do I make the apple sauce smoother?

For a smooth apple sauce, you can use an immersion blender or food processor to puree the apples after they’ve softened.

4. Can I add other fruits to the sauce?

Yes, you can add pears, peaches, or berries for a fruity twist. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of fruit you’re adding.

5. How can I make the apple sauce spicier?

To add more spice, increase the amount of cinnamon or nutmeg, or try adding a dash of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.

6. Can I make this apple sauce in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the apples in a slow cooker on low for about 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, then mash or blend to your desired consistency.

7. How do I prevent the apple sauce from being too watery?

If your sauce is too watery, cook it uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and thicken the sauce.

8. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! This apple sauce stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week and even freezes well if you want to make a larger batch.

9. Can I make this apple sauce without lemon juice?

Lemon juice helps to balance the sweetness and brighten the flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can skip it or use a bit of apple cider vinegar as a substitute.

10. Can I serve this apple sauce cold?

Yes, you can serve it chilled or at room temperature, though it’s especially comforting when served warm.

Conclusion

This Hot Buttered Apple Sauce with Cinnamon and Nutmeg is a comforting and flavorful treat that’s perfect for fall but can be enjoyed year-round. The combination of sweet apples, warming spices, and butter creates a rich and irresistible sauce that can be paired with everything from pancakes to waffles. Easy to make, versatile, and deeply satisfying, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Hot Buttered Apple Sauce With Cinnamon and Nutmeg

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dessert, Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and comforting apple sauce made with tender apples, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg, perfect for fall or any time you’re craving a cozy treat.

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Ingredients

6 large apples (use a mix of sweet and tart, such as Granny Smith and Fuji), peeled, cored, and chopped

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup water

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to bubble.
2. Add the chopped apples to the saucepan and stir to coat them well with the melted butter.
3. Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt over the apples. Stir to combine.
4. Pour the water into the saucepan and stir again. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Cover the saucepan and cook the apples for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very tender and begin to break down.
6. Once the apples are soft, remove the lid and use a wooden spoon or potato masher to mash the apples to your desired consistency. For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender.
7. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice, mixing well.
8. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more sugar or spices as needed.
9. Serve the apple sauce warm or allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

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Notes

Add extra spices like ground cloves or allspice for a more complex flavor.

For a smoother apple sauce, use an immersion blender or food processor to puree the apples after they’ve softened.

For extra texture, add raisins or dried cranberries while simmering the apples.

You can substitute brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a different sweetener.

Store the apple sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg