If you are looking for a delightful spread that combines the tartness of rhubarb, the sweetness of apples, and the natural floral notes of honey, you will absolutely love this Rhubarb Apple Honey Butter Recipe. It’s a luscious, smooth treat that feels like a warm hug in a jar, perfect for brightening up your breakfasts, snacks, or even dinner accompaniments. This recipe masterfully balances flavors and textures, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special and irresistibly spreadable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the most fun part because each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony in this Rhubarb Apple Honey Butter Recipe. From the tart and vibrant rhubarb to the sweet apple and aromatic spices, every component lends its own magic.
- 4 stalks of rhubarb (about 4 cups), chopped: Provides a vibrant tartness and a beautiful rosy hue.
- 1 apple, cored and cut into chunks: Adds natural sweetness and smooth texture to balance the tanginess.
- 1/2 cup honey: Infuses a subtle, floral sweetness and helps with the creamy consistency.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth of flavor to envelop the fruitiness.
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Introduces a gentle spice that complements both rhubarb and apple wonderfully.
How to Make Rhubarb Apple Honey Butter Recipe
Step 1: Puree the Fruits
Start by adding the chopped rhubarb and apple chunks to your blender or food processor. Blend them until you achieve a smooth, even puree. This mixture forms the creamy base of your butter, unifying the sharpness of rhubarb with the gentle sweetness of apple into a luscious spread.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan
Pour the fruit puree into a medium saucepan. Stir in the honey, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. This addition enriches the flavor profile, layering sweetness and warmth that makes the butter so addictive. Stir gently to blend everything well.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks or burns to the bottom. This helps break down the fruit further while infusing the honey and spices thoroughly.
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
Lower the heat to a simmer and cook the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every few minutes. You’re looking for a thickened texture that will coat the back of a spoon. This step is where your magic truly happens—the combination reduces down to that decadent, spreadable consistency we all crave.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Remove your saucepan from the heat and let the butter cool slightly. Then, pour it into a clean glass jar. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to ensure freshness and a good shelf life for your Rhubarb Apple Honey Butter Recipe.
How to Serve Rhubarb Apple Honey Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit of finely chopped fresh mint or a few dried rose petals on top of your butter for an elegant and refreshing contrast. A little twist of lemon zest can brighten the flavor even more, adding a pop of color and a zing that makes each bite sing.
Side Dishes
This butter is a dream companion to warm, crusty breads, flaky croissants, or even buttery crackers. It also pairs beautifully with soft cheeses like brie or cream cheese, providing a sweet and tangy counterpoint that elevates your cheese board instantly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try swirling the Rhubarb Apple Honey Butter Recipe into plain yogurt for a luscious breakfast treat or dolloping it atop pancakes and waffles instead of syrup for a more natural sweetness. Another fun idea is to serve it alongside grilled pork or roasted chicken as a fruity condiment that adds unexpected depth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover butter in an airtight jar or container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks, making it easy to enjoy over multiple meals without rushing through the jar.
Freezing
If you want to make your Rhubarb Apple Honey Butter Recipe last longer, you can freeze it in small, airtight containers. Frozen, it will remain delicious for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before your next spread session.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly made softness after refrigeration or freezing, gently warm the butter in a microwave-safe dish for about 20-30 seconds, or let it sit at room temperature. Stir well before serving to restore its creamy texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen rhubarb and apples?
Absolutely! Frozen rhubarb and apples work perfectly for this recipe. Just thaw them fully and drain any excess liquid before blending to avoid a watery butter.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This Rhubarb Apple Honey Butter Recipe uses honey, which some vegans avoid. You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly version with a slightly different, but still delightful, sweetness.
How long does homemade rhubarb apple butter keep?
Refrigerated rhubarb apple butter typically lasts up to two weeks when stored properly in an airtight container. For longer storage, freezing is a great option.
Can I adjust the cinnamon amount?
Yes! Cinnamon adds warmth and spice, but if you prefer less or more, feel free to adjust the quantity to your taste. You can even substitute with nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
What texture should the butter have?
The ideal texture is smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still spreadable. It should not be runny or overly stiff; simmering time controls this, so keep a close eye during cooking.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting about homemade spreads, and this Rhubarb Apple Honey Butter Recipe is no exception. Its vibrant flavors and silky texture will quickly make it a kitchen staple you reach for again and again. So why not take a little time to make a batch? Your morning toast, afternoon snack, and even dinner sides will thank you for it.
Print
Rhubarb Apple Honey Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 half-cup servings
- Category: Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Rhubarb Butter is a smooth, lightly spiced fruit spread made from fresh rhubarb and apple, sweetened with honey and infused with vanilla and cinnamon. Perfect for spreading on toast, stirring into yogurt, or using as a flavorful topping for desserts, this homemade butter captures the tangy sweetness of rhubarb in a luscious, shelf-stable form.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 4 stalks of rhubarb (about 4 cups), chopped
- 1 apple, cored and cut into chunks
Sweeteners and Flavorings
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit: Add the chopped rhubarb and apple chunks to a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth, creating a uniform puree.
- Combine ingredients: Pour the fruit puree into a saucepan. Stir in honey, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well incorporated.
- Bring to boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and scorching.
- Simmer and thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir every few minutes until the butter thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Cool and jar: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the rhubarb butter to cool slightly. Pour it into a clean glass jar and let it cool completely before sealing.
- Store properly: Refrigerate the jar for up to two weeks. For longer shelf life, use proper canning techniques to preserve the rhubarb butter safely.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm rhubarb stalks for the best flavor and texture.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Adjust the cinnamon quantity to taste, starting with 1/4 teaspoon and increasing if desired.
- This butter is delicious spread on toast, dolloped on pancakes, or swirled into oatmeal.
- Ensure stirring frequently during cooking to prevent burning on the bottom of the pan.
- Follow safe canning methods if you intend to store the rhubarb butter for longer than two weeks.
