Among the most nutritious and delicious fruits in the world are apples. No wonder whether they are in season or not, people find different ways that they can enjoy this delicacy. This can be done by simply washing and eating the fruit as it is, or by incorporating different recipes, among them being apple butter and apple sauce. While the main ingredient in both is apples, the two are different in several ways.

What is Apple Butter?

This is a dense spread made from apples, sugar, spices, and a liquid, which could be cider or apple juice. In order for the mixture to form a thick jam-like spread, the combination is cooked slowly over low heat for a couple of days or several hours, resulting to a deep red or brown spread.

This is a favorite especially to the Pennsylvania Dutch nationalities, which may be explained by the origin, which includes Belgium, Holland, and Germany.

What is Apple Sauce?

Made from apples, this is a semi-solid mixture made by cooking down apples, spices, sugar( optional), and a liquid, which can either be water, vinegar, cider or apple juice. The combination is cooked until the mixture is soft enough to be pureed or mashed. This process takes less than an hour to a few hours.

Applesauce originated in Europe in the 1700s and was mainly used as a preservation method for apples. It has been a staple in most regions since then.

Similarities between Apple Butter and Apple Sauce

• Both are spoonable and soft
• Both are made by slow cooking apples
• Both may be added with spices, water or sugar

Differences between Apple Butter and Apple Sauce

Definition

Apple butter is a dense spread made from apples, sugar, spices, and a liquid, which could be cider or apple juice. On the other hand, apple sauce is a semi-solid mixture made by cooking down apples, spices, sugar( optional), and a liquid, which can either be water, vinegar, cider or apple juice.

Preparation period

While apple butter is prepared for a longer period, which could be a couple of days or several hours, apple sauce is prepared for a shorter period, usually less than an hour or a few hours. 

Color

While apple butter has a deep red or brown color, apple sauce has a box brown to a yellow color.

Origin

Apple butter originated from Holland, Germany or Belgium, apple sauce originated from Europe.

Texture

Apple butter has a thick and smooth texture, due to the longer period which allows for more pectin to be released from the fruit. This is why it is easily used as a spread. On the other hand, Apple sauce is chunky, fluffier and lighter, as a result of the short cooking period.

Taste

Apple butter is deeper in flavor while applesauce is slightly spiced. 

Common use

Apple butter is mainly used as a condiment for bread, cheese, and meat. On the other hand, apple sauce is mainly used as a condiment and dessert.

Apple Butter vs. Apple Sauce: Comparison Table

Summary of Apple Butter vs. Apple Sauce

While apple butter and apple sauce are typically made using the same ingredients, they differ in various ways, especially the preparation process. Apple butter is a dense spread made from apples, sugar, spices, and a liquid, which could be cider or apple juice prepared for a couple of days or several hours. On the other hand, apple sauce is a semi-solid mixture made by cooking down apples, spices, sugar( optional), and a liquid, which can either be water, vinegar, cider or apple juice and is prepared for a shorter period, usually less than an hour or few hours.

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