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Sticky apple butter glazed ribs sliced and served warm
Isaac blogger

Apple Butter BBQ Ribs

Tender oven-baked apple butter BBQ ribs coated in a rich, glossy glaze with balanced sweet, smoky, and tangy flavor for an easy, comforting meal.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories:
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 racks baby back ribs
  • 1 cup apple butter
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • 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)
  • Salt and black pepper

Method
 

  1. Before You Begin
  2. Prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
  3. Prepare Ribs
  4. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Remove membrane from back of ribs and pat dry thoroughly.
  5. Season
  6. Mix seasoning ingredients and rub evenly over both sides of ribs.
  7. Bake Low and Slow
  8. Wrap ribs tightly in foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake 2½–3 hours until ribs are tender and internal temperature reaches 190–203°F (88–95°C) and meat pulls slightly from bones.
  9. Make Sauce
  10. While ribs bake, combine apple butter, BBQ sauce, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until smooth and slightly thickened.
  11. Glaze
  12. Carefully unwrap ribs. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (205°C). Brush ribs generously with sauce.
  13. Finish Baking
  14. Return ribs to oven uncovered and bake 10–15 minutes, until glaze thickens, darkens slightly, and becomes glossy.
  15. Rest and Serve
  16. Let ribs rest 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Remove the membrane for more tender ribs.
  • Wrap tightly during baking to prevent drying.
  • Apply a thick BBQ sauce during the final glaze stage for best texture.
  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and store airtight up to 4 days.
  • Reheat covered at 325°F (163°C) until heated through to retain moisture.