Apple Cider Fruit Spread (Trader Joe's Dupe)
I started purchasing the most delicious apple cider fruit spread from Trader Joe's in 2022. I became so obsessed with this chunky, slightly jammy spread that I bought several jars. It was my favorite oatmeal topping. If you know anything about Trader Joe’s, they have many seasonal products that most of us wait a year to devour. Trader Joe’s Lemon Madelines and Apple cider fruit spread have me in a chokehold. I cannot wait for them to show up on the shelves.
This year was different. My husband and I wandered the store looking at the treacherous pumpkin items. I hoped to get to the honey and jam section and see my beloved apple cider fruit spread. I did not see it. I thought, “That’s okay; they still have some more seasonal things to release.” I didn’t think to ask the gentleman at check out. I went home and didn’t think much else. We’re back at Trader Joe’s one week later, and I still don’t see the spread. There’s pumpkin butter and cinnamon spread, but there isn’t any apple cider fruit spread. This time, I asked the person checking me out. He offered to look in the system and came back with terrible news. The apple cider fruit spread is discontinued. How is that even possible? People clearly don’t know what they’re missing.
Apple cider fruit spread is a cross between apple pie filling, chunky apple sauce, and apple butter. It’s perfectly sweetened with a subtle warmth from spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The sweet and warm flavors balance with a generous tartness from lemon and orange juice.
Immediately following the conversation with the Trader Joe’s clerk, I told my husband I would go home and figure out how to make apple cider fruit spread. I am so happy that I did because it might be even better than what you used to be able to buy on the Trader Joe’s shelf.
The beauty of this recipe is that you can dump everything into the pot and let it simmer. I prefer using this as a condiment, so one batch will last me for a bit. I store it in a mason jar and keep it in the fridge, and my bowl of oatmeal has never been happier.
When making apple cider fruit spread, you must peel the apple and be sure to dice your apples into small pieces. The apples should cook down a bit but hold their shape. That’s one of the great things about this spread is that it has some texture. I made this recipe with honey crisp apples, but Jonagold, SweetTango, or Golden Delicious are all great options.
You could probably pull this recipe off without the citric acid, but I wanted to get as close to what you can buy in the jar as possible because I was testing things. Fruit Pectin is not something you can leave out. It helps things thicken properly.
You will absolutely be making apple cider fruit spread year-round with this recipe. Your pancakes, biscuits, french toast, and oatmeal will thank you.
Apple Cider Spread
Ingredients
- 3 cups of apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup apple cider
- ⅓ cup orange juice
- ½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup cane sugar
- ⅛ tsp of salt
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 ½ tbsp of fruit pectin
- ½ tsp citric acid
- Orange slice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepot on medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar is dissolved and the apples have started to release their juices. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking for one hour. The mixture should begin to thicken slightly.
- Once the mixture is slightly thick, remove from heat and allow to cool before pouring into a mason jar or airtight container.
- Serve on biscuits, pancakes, on top of oatmeal, and more!
Notes
Honeycrisp apples were used in this recipe, but any firm apple that will hold shape while cooking can be used.
Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 month. This recipe can be canned in mason jars and made shelf-stable for up to 18 months.
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