If you’re craving ribs that are tender, sticky, and loaded with sweet and smoky flavor—you’re in for a treat. These Apple Butter BBQ Ribs combine a nostalgic pantry staple with the bold flavors of barbecue to create a finger-licking masterpiece you’ll want to make again and again.
Perfect for Sunday dinners, backyard barbecues, or just treating yourself to something special—this recipe is simple, satisfying, and seriously delicious.
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Why You’ll Love These Apple Butter Ribs
- 30 minutes of prep, then slow-baked to perfection
- Sweet apple butter balances smoky BBQ sauce
- Perfect for oven or grill
- Can be made ahead for easy entertaining
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 racks baby back ribs (about 4–5 pounds total)
- 1 cup apple butter
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
How to Make Apple Butter BBQ Ribs
1. Prep the Ribs
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (this helps keep them tender). Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Season with a Dry Rub
Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Rub the mixture all over the ribs, front and back, massaging it into the meat.
3. Wrap and Bake
Wrap each rack tightly in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 2½ to 3 hours, or until meat is tender and starting to pull away from the bones.
4. Make the Apple Butter BBQ Sauce
While the ribs bake, combine apple butter, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan.
Simmer on medium-low for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and glossy.
5. Caramelize the Sauce
Once ribs are done, remove from the oven and carefully unwrap.
Increase oven temp to 400°F (200°C). Brush ribs generously with the apple butter sauce.
Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake 10–15 minutes until caramelized.
6. Slice and Serve
Let ribs rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice and serve with extra sauce on the side.
What to Serve with BBQ Ribs
These ribs are rich and saucy—so pair them with simple sides that complement the bold flavor:
- Creamy coleslaw
- Buttery cornbread
- Potato salad or baked beans
- Grilled veggies or a garden salad
- Iced tea or apple cider for sipping
Recipe Tips & Variations
- No apple butter? Use applesauce mixed with brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Make-ahead option: Bake and refrigerate up to 1 day ahead. Glaze and finish in a hot oven before serving.
- Grill-friendly: Use indirect heat to cook ribs wrapped in foil, then brush with sauce and grill over direct heat to caramelize.
- Heat control: Omit cayenne pepper for a milder version.
FAQs: Homemade Easy Apple Butter BBQ Ribs
Here are some common questions about making these delicious and tender ribs:
Q: What kind of ribs should I use for this recipe?
A: This recipe works well with pork spareribs or baby back ribs. Choose whichever you prefer!
Q: What makes these ribs “easy”?
A: They’re easy because they use simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, often involving baking or slow cooking before finishing on the grill or under the broiler. The apple butter also simplifies the sauce!
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, these ribs are a great make-ahead option. You can cook them through the baking/slow cooking stage and then finish them on the grill or under the broiler closer to serving time. The flavors also meld beautifully overnight.
Q: Is the apple butter flavor very strong?
A: The apple butter provides a subtle sweetness and fruity depth that complements the savory barbecue flavors, rather than overpowering them. It creates a rich, unique sauce.
Q: What can I serve with these ribs?
A: These ribs pair wonderfully with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, potato salad, baked beans, or cornbread.
Q: Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?
A: While the recipe highlights homemade apple butter BBQ sauce for unique flavor, you can certainly customize it with your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce mixed with apple butter for a quicker version.
Q: How do I know when the ribs are done?
A: The ribs should be tender and easily pull away from the bone when cooked.1 The internal temperature of pork should reach 145°F (63°C).2
Save & Share This Recipe
These Apple Butter BBQ Ribs are a comforting twist on a cookout classic—perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re a rib rookie or a BBQ pro, this sweet and smoky combo is guaranteed to impress.
Pin it, print it, or send it to a friend—you’ll want this one in your recipe box forever. 🧡
Apple Butter BBQ Ribs Recipe Card
Sweet, Smoky & Fall-Off-the-Bone Tender!
🕒 Total Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
Serves: 5
Perfect for Backyard BBQs, Weekend Dinners, or Holiday Feasts
Ingredients
- 2 racks baby back ribs (4–5 lbs total)
- 1 cup apple butter
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Ribs
- Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C)
- Remove silver skin membrane from ribs
2. Make the Dry Rub
- Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper
- Massage rub onto both sides of ribs
3. Bake Low & Slow
- Wrap ribs in foil & place on a baking sheet
- Bake 2.5–3 hrs until tender
4. Make the Sauce
- In saucepan: Combine apple butter, BBQ sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire
- Simmer 15 mins until slightly thickened
5. Glaze & Finish
- Raise oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Unwrap ribs, brush with sauce
- Bake 10–15 mins, uncovered, to caramelize
6. Rest & Serve
- Let rest 5–10 mins, slice, and serve with extra sauce
Serving Suggestions
- Sides: Coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans
- Greens: Grilled asparagus or simple garden salad
- Drinks: Apple cider or iced sweet tea
Pin this Recipe to Save it for BBQ Season!
❤️ Loved by families. Messy in the best way.
