Ready in: 30 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Stovetop · Storage: 1 week in refrigerator.Quick Answer
This cozy Hot Buttered Apple Sauce with Cinnamon and Nutmeg is a delightful homestyle treat that can be effortlessly prepared to warm up your autumn gatherings.As the crisp autumn air settles over New York City, it signals the approach of the holiday season-a time filled with gatherings, gratitude, and the warmth of home-cooked meals. One of my favorite comforts during this time is a delightful bowl of Hot Buttered Apple Sauce with Cinnamon and Nutmeg. The aroma of spiced apples mingling with melting butter creates a symphony of scents that instantly transport me back to my childhood, evoking memories of apple picking in the Hudson Valley.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Warm and comforting, perfect for chilly autumn evenings.
- Easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients.
- Versatile dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats and desserts.
- Can be customized with spices like vanilla, cardamom, or allspice.
- Offers a taste of nostalgia, evoking cherished memories of home and family.
Ingredients
This simple list of ingredients will help you create a comforting dish that embodies the flavors of the season.
Fruits
- 4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
Butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter
Sweeteners and Spices
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Other Ingredients
- Juice of half a lemon
- A pinch of salt
- Water, as needed
How to Make Hot Buttered Apple Sauce with Cinnamon and Nutmeg (Step-by-Step)
Follow these easy steps to create a delicious batch of apple sauce that'll warm your heart and home.
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your Granny Smith apples. The tartness of these apples balances perfectly with the buttery sweetness, and their texture holds up beautifully when cooked. As I diced the apples, the fresh, crisp scent filled my kitchen, reminding me of my trips to local orchards.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt and bubble, basking in the nutty aroma of browning butter. It should become a light golden color-don't let it burn!
Step 3: Cook the Apples
Once the butter is melted, toss in the diced apples. Stir them to coat with the butter, and let them cook down for about 5 minutes. You're looking for them to become slightly tender, releasing their sweet juices.
Step 4: Add Sweetness and Spice
Sprinkle in the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. The warm spices will dance through the air, heightening your anticipation. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld-this is where the magic happens!
Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Salt
Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon to brighten the flavors, and add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness. If necessary, add a splash of water to ensure the apples don't stick to the pan as they continue to cook.
Step 6: Blend for Smoothness (Optional)
If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree the mixture. I love leaving a bit of texture, but you do you!
Step 7: Serve Hot
This apple sauce is best served warm. Ladle it into bowls and marvel at the inviting swirl of golden brown topped with a light dusting of extra cinnamon if you're feeling fancy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the Wrong Apples: Stick to tart apples like Granny Smith; sweet varieties won't provide the right balance.
- Overcooking the Apples: Keep an eye on them-cooking too long can lead to a mushy sauce.
- Neglecting to Taste: Always taste as you go! Adjust sweetness and spice according to your palate.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Add a Splash of Vanilla: For an extra layer of flavor, include a splash of vanilla extract at the end of cooking.
- Pair with Savory Dishes: This apple sauce complements roasted meats beautifully-think Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to play around with flavors! Cardamom or allspice can add a delightful twist.
Variations
- Try using different types of apples, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, for a sweeter sauce.
- Add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for added texture and sweetness.
- Incorporate a bit of ginger for a spicy kick.
- Substitute maple syrup for granulated sugar for a unique flavor.
How to Serve
- Ladle it into bowls and serve warm for the best experience.
- Top with a light dusting of extra cinnamon for presentation.
- Use as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or yogurt.
- Pair with cheeses for an elegant appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the apple sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for later use.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to three months; thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While perfecting this recipe, I realized that the simple act of making apple sauce can bring back cherished memories and create new ones around my kitchen table. It's a reminder that sometimes the most heartfelt dishes are the simplest ones, deeply tied to our traditions and gatherings.Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 cups · Serving Size: ½ cupNutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~150 calories · 1g protein · 24g carbs · 7g fat
Recipe by:
Savor the Cozy Hot Buttered Apple Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare your Granny Smith apples by peeling, coring, and dicing them.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it becomes a light golden color.
- Add the diced apples to the melted butter, stirring to coat them and letting them cook for about 5 minutes until slightly tender.
- Sprinkle the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg over the apples, stirring everything together and allowing the flavors to meld.
- Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and add a pinch of salt. If needed, add a splash of water to prevent sticking.
- If a smoother sauce is desired, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture to the desired consistency.
- Serve the hot apple sauce warm, ladled into bowls and optionally topped with extra cinnamon.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use sweet apples instead of Granny Smith?
It's best to stick with tart apples like Granny Smith for the right balance of flavors. Sweet varieties may not provide the same tangy taste.
2. How can I make the apple sauce less chunky?
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree the mixture after cooking to your desired consistency.
3. Can I store leftovers, and how long do they last?
Yes, the Hot Buttered Apple Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.
4. What can I serve this apple sauce with?
This apple sauce pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, making it a great complement to Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham.
5. Can I add other spices to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like cardamom or allspice to add a delightful twist to the flavor profile.
