Apple Cinnamon Barbecue Sauce

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If you’re already bored with the usual BBQ taste, try apple cinnamon barbecue sauce. It features the rich sweetness of apple and the aromatic flavor of cinnamon. You can give your grilled meat a very different taste and texture with this sauce. 

Apart from grilling, you can also use it for smoking and slow cooking. The burst of fruity sweetness pairs with the spice to make your average barbecue something more special. 

In this guide, I’ll show you how to make Apple Cinnamon Barbecue Sauce from scratch. It can be a great addition to your arsenal for a delicious barbecue. 

Apple Cinnamon Barbecue Sauce

What Is Apple Cinnamon Barbecue Sauce?

It’s a fruit-based sauce that brings a wonderful balance of sweetness, spice, and tang. Thus, a perfect complement to both savory and smoky grilled meats. 

The apple component adds a slight fruity note. On the other hand, the cinnamon provides warmth and depth. It is often used to glaze meats while grilling or smoking. It can also be served on the side as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients 

Here’s a list of ingredients to make the perfect apple cinnamon barbecue sauce: 

Apple Juice or Apple Cider- 1 Cup

Apple juice or apple cider serves as the base of the sauce. It produces a fruity, sweet foundation.  Apple cider vinegar is also an option if you prefer a more tangy flavor.

Ketchup- 1 Cup

Ketchup adds a rich, tomato-based sweetness. This is a must in BBQ sauces. It helps balance the acidity of the apple juice. Also, it takes the edge off the spiciness of the other ingredients.

Brown Sugar 2 Tablespoons

Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce. Balances the tartness of the apples and the acidity of the vinegar.

Apple Cider Vinegar- 2 Tablespoons

It gives the sauce a mild tanginess. It also helps cut through the sweetness of the apples and sugar.

Ground Cinnamon- 1 Teaspoon

It is the star spice in this BBQ sauce. It adds warmth and complexity. It makes the sauce perfect for fall-inspired dishes.

Worcestershire Sauce- 1 Tablespoon

Adds a savory depth and umami to the sauce. Helps enhance the overall flavor profile.

Garlic Powder- ½ Teaspoon

It adds an aromatic, savory flavor. It complements the sweetness of the apples and cinnamon.

Onion Powder- ½ Teaspoon

Brings richness to the sauce, balancing out the sweetness and acidity.

Salt and Pepper- To Taste

They help brighten up the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
  • A dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Steps to Prepare Apple Cinnamon Barbecue Sauce: 

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine the apple juice or apple cider, ketchup, and brown sugar. Make sure to perform the whole process at a medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Let the mixture be smooth.

Tip: For a thicker consistency, simmer the mixture to reduce extra liquid. 

Step 2: Add the Seasonings

Next, add the apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ground cinnamon, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to the saucepan. Stir the mixture. Let all the ingredients combine. 

Tip: Start with less cinnamon. Add more if you want a stronger cinnamon flavor. You can also add smoked paprika if you prefer a deeper, smoky flavor.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally. Let the mixture thicken slightly, and the flavors meld together.

Tip: If the sauce gets too thick, add a little water or apple cider to thin it out.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. If you want more sweetness, add more brown sugar. For a tangier flavor, add more apple cider vinegar. 

Add more cinnamon or Worcestershire sauce to fine-tune the flavor profile.

Tip: Let the sauce cool slightly before tasting. The flavors develop more as the sauce sits.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat. Let it cool to room temperature. Next, pour the sauce into a clean jar or bottle.  Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Tip: The sauce will thicken further as it cools. It may become even richer the next day.

Serving Suggestions

Once you’ve made your apple cinnamon BBQ sauce, here are some great ways to use it:

With Ribs

Slather the sauce on pork ribs during the last 15 minutes of cooking. It creates a caramelized, sticky glaze. It’s perfect for both baby back and spare ribs.

With Pulled Pork

Toss shredded pork with this sweet and smoky sauce. It makes a delicious sandwich filling. Serve on a soft bun with coleslaw for a tasty BBQ meal.

On Grilled Chicken

Brush the sauce onto the grilled chicken during the last few minutes of cooking. Also, use it as a dipping sauce on the side for extra flavor.

With Roasted Vegetables

Drizzle the sauce over roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts. It makes a delicious side dish.

On a Burger

Add a spoonful to your beef burger. It adds a sweet and smoky flavor profile that complements the beef.

Apple Cinnamon Barbecue Sauce

Apple Cinnamon Barbecue Sauce

This is a perfect recipe to make apple cinnamon barbecue sauce at home. Easy and simple. Best with pork, beef, chicken, and vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe
CourseCondiment, Sauce
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings1.5 Cups
Calories40kcal
AuthorNaomi Rogers

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Apple Juice or Cider
  • 1 Cup Ketchup
  • 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder
  • Salt And Pepper As per taste

Instructions

  • Whisk together cocoa powder and sugar in a saucepan.
  • Add water, milk, or brewed coffee and stir to dissolve.
  • Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  • Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  • Cool, store in an airtight container, and refrigerate.

Nutrition

Calories: 40kcal

Final Thoughts

Apple cinnamon barbecue sauce adds a flavorful twist to traditional BBQ sauces. It inherits the sweetness of the apple and the warm spice of cinnamon to do the magic. The result is a bold yet delicious taste, comforting to your palate. If you haven’t tried this before, then this is the right time. The fun part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home. This sauce is versatile enough to pair with pork, chicken, beef, or even vegetables.

FAQs

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Barbecue Sauce?

Combine apple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer until thickened.

Best Meats for Apple Cinnamon BBQ Sauce?

Apple cinnamon BBQ sauce pairs beautifully with pork, chicken, beef, turkey, and even roasted vegetables.

Can You Store Apple BBQ Sauce?

Yes, apple cinnamon BBQ sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Tips for Balancing Sweet and Smoky Flavors?

Use brown sugar for sweetness and smoked paprika for smokiness. Also, adjust the acidity with apple cider vinegar to balance the sauce’s flavor profile.

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