Are you looking for a delicious and tangy twist on traditional recipes? Look no further than the humble crabapple! This underrated fruit is packed with flavor and potential, just waiting to be unlocked by creative cooks. From sweet treats like pies and tarts, to savory sauces and condiments, crabapples can add a unique dimension to any dish.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering crabapple recipes that showcase the fruit’s versatility and tantalizing flavor profile. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for new inspiration, these sweet and tangy treats are sure to please even the most discerning palates.
So go ahead, get creative with crabapples, and discover the world of flavors waiting for you!
Spiced Crabapple Butter
Transform your fall gatherings with this warm and aromatic Spiced Crabapple Butter, perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or using as a topping for pancakes or waffles. This recipe combines the sweetness of crabapples with the warmth of spices to create a deliciously flavorful condiment.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups crabapples, chopped
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine chopped crabapples, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in softened butter until fully incorporated.
5. Let cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Crabapple Jelly with Cinnamon
This sweet and tangy jelly is made from the tart crabapples that grow in many backyards, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a glaze for meats. With the warmth of cinnamon, this jelly is a delicious way to preserve the flavors of fall.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups crabapple juice (or crabapple and apple juice blend)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 package (0.25 oz) powdered pectin
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Combine crabapple juice, sugar, water, and cinnamon in a large pot.
2. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, mix powdered pectin with a little water until smooth.
4. Add pectin mixture to the crabapple mixture and stir well.
5. Return mixture to a boil, then remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
6. Strain jelly through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into clean jars. Seal and refrigerate.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Crabapple Sauce
Roasted Crabapple Sauce Recipe
Get ready to elevate your fall and winter meals with this sweet and tangy roasted crabapple sauce! This easy-to-make condiment is perfect for topping pork chops, chicken, or even using as a dip for crackers.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 crabapples, cored and halved
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the crabapples, brown sugar, honey, and salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Transfer the apple mixture to a baking dish and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and caramelized.
4. Remove from the oven and stir in the apple cider vinegar and water.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Stir in the butter until melted and season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Crabapple Pie with Lattice Crust
Savor the sweet-tart flavor of crabapples in this classic pie, topped with a delicate lattice crust.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups crabapples, chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Water, for brushing
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine chopped crabapples, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Roll out half of the pie dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Place into a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Fill with the crabapple mixture and dot with butter pieces.
5. Roll out remaining pie dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a pastry cutter or knife to cut into strips for lattice top.
6. Place lattice strips on top of filling, weaving them together. Brush with egg wash and trim edges.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Crabapple Cider
Discover the sweet and tangy taste of crabapple cider, perfect for fall gatherings or as a refreshing drink any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups crabapples, chopped (about 1 1/2 pounds)
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine chopped crabapples and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes.
2. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes or until the cider has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Strain the cider through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard solids.
4. Add sliced lemon and cinnamon stick (if using). Chill in refrigerator before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Crabapple Chutney
This sweet and tangy chutney is a perfect condiment for your next picnic or BBQ, made with fresh crabapples, onions, and spices. It’s also a great way to use up those leftover apples from the fall harvest.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups crabapples, chopped
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine crabapples, onion, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, ginger, and cinnamon.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the chutney has thickened and reduced slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Caramelized Crabapple Tart
Caramelized Crabapple Tart: A Sweet and Tangy Delight
This tart combines the sweetness of caramelized crabapples with a buttery crust, creating a perfect blend of flavors. Perfect for a fall or winter dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 2-3 crabapples, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to desired thickness.
3. In a large skillet, cook crabapples over medium heat with sugar, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.
4. Arrange caramelized crabapples in a circular pattern on the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. Fold edges of pastry up to create a crust, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush crust with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Crabapple and Ginger Jam
This sweet and tangy jam is a perfect combination of flavors, featuring crabapples, ginger, and just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups crabapples, chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon pectin
Instructions:
1. Combine the chopped crabapples and granulated sugar in a large saucepan.
2. Add the chopped crystallized ginger and lemon juice to the mixture.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the jam has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test”.
4. Stir in the pectin and continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to a clean glass jar.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Baked Crabapple Dumplings
Cozy up with a warm and comforting dish featuring the sweet-tart flavor of crabapples. These baked dumplings are perfect for a chilly evening or as a side dish for your next family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/2 cup crabapple filling (see below)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Crabapple Filling:
– 1 cup crabapples, peeled and chopped
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and beaten egg.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Spoon the crabapple filling into the dough, folding gently to combine.
5. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Crabapple Barbecue Sauce
This sweet and tangy barbecue sauce is made with fresh crabapples, perfect for slathering on ribs, chicken, or pork chops during your next outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup crabapples, chopped
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine chopped crabapples, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly.
3. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Let cool before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate or freeze for later use.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Crabapple Sorbet
This recipe harnesses the sweet-tart flavor of crabapples to create a unique and refreshing sorbet. Perfect for hot summer days or as a palate cleanser between courses.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups crabapples, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the crabapples, sugar, water, and lemon juice.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the fruit is tender.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much juice as possible.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
6. Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Freeze the sorbet for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Crabapple-Stuffed Pork Loin
Elevate your pork loin with the sweet and tangy flavors of crabapples in this impressive main course recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) boneless pork loin
– 1/4 cup crabapple jam or preserves
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together crabapple jam, brown sugar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and thyme.
3. Lay the pork loin flat on a work surface. Make a horizontal incision in the center of the loin, being careful not to cut all the way through.
4. Stuff the crabapple mixture into the incision, spreading it evenly throughout the loin.
5. Close the incision and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
6. Season the outside of the pork loin with salt and pepper.
7. Place the stuffed pork loin in a roasting pan and roast for 25-30 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
8. Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Crabapple and Rosemary Focaccia
This sweet and savory focaccia combines the tartness of crabapples with the earthy flavor of rosemary, perfect for a unique appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup crabapple jam
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– Coarse sea salt, for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add remaining 2 cups of flour, mixing until a sticky ball forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Drizzle crabapple jam over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle rosemary leaves on top.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Crabapple Compote with Vanilla
This flavorful compote is perfect as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream, or as a sweet and tangy accompaniment to pork chops or pancakes.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups crabapples, cored and chopped
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped crabapples, sugar, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the crabapples are tender and the liquid has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
4. Let the compote cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Crabapple and Pear Crisp
This autumnal crisp combines the sweetness of pears with the tanginess of crabapples, topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar topping. Perfect for a cozy evening dessert or brunch!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed crabapples, peeled and sliced
– 1 ripe pear, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine crabapples and pear.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour over fruit mixture and toss until combined.
4. Transfer fruit mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
5. Mix oats, brown sugar, and cold butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle topping evenly over fruit.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until topping is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Crabapple Glazed Chicken
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of crabapples with the savory flavor of chicken to create a deliciously glazed dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup crabapples, chopped
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine chopped crabapples, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
3. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the glaze thickens slightly.
4. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
5. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush with the crabapple glaze.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and glazed to perfection.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Crabapple Infused Vodka
Add a sweet and tangy twist to your vodka with this simple recipe that combines the flavors of crabapples and vodka.
Ingredients:
– 1 liter (33.8 oz) vodka
– 2 pounds (4 cups) crabapples, washed and sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. In a large glass jar or container, combine sliced crabapples and granulated sugar.
2. Pour the vodka over the crabapple mixture, making sure that all the fruit is covered.
3. Seal the jar tightly and let it infuse at room temperature for 4-6 weeks, shaking the jar every few days to combine the flavors.
4. After the infusion period, strain the vodka through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into another container. Discard the crabapples and reserve the infused vodka.
Cooking Time:
– Infusion time: 4-6 weeks
Crabapple and Walnut Muffins
These moist and flavorful muffins combine the sweetness of crabapples with the earthy taste of walnuts, perfect for a snack or breakfast on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup crabapple puree (see note)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, egg, crabapple puree, walnuts, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Note: To make crabapple puree, cook down 1 cup of fresh or frozen crabapples with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 tablespoon water until tender. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp. Let cool before using.
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of crabapples with these 18 delicious recipes! From classic jams and jellies to savory sauces and baked goods, there’s something for every palate. Try your hand at making Spiced Crabapple Butter or Crabapple Jelly with Cinnamon. Savor the roasted flavor of Roasted Crabapple Sauce or indulge in a slice of Crabapple Pie with Lattice Crust. And don’t miss the unique twists like Crabapple Chutney, Caramelized Crabapple Tart, and Crabapple-Stuffed Pork Loin. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these crabapple recipes are sure to delight!