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Aug 30 2023

The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Apple Sauce BBQ Sauce

Find the recipe card at the end of the post. Make sure to read the content as it contains chef tips, substitution options, and answers to FAQs to help you succeed the first time around!

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I'm taking my favorite Musselman's Apple Sauce and transforming it into a competition-worthy BBQ sauce! Sweet, tangy, and so easy! From pulled pork to shredded chicken, grilled shrimp to wings, this sauce is amazing! The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Applesauce BBQ Sauce, competition bbq sauce, barbecue sauce, sweet and tangy barbeque sauce, bbq pulled chicken, bbq pulled pork, The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Apple Sauce BBQ Sauce
I'm taking my favorite Musselman's Apple Sauce and transforming it into a competition-worthy BBQ sauce! Sweet, tangy, and so easy! From pulled pork to shredded chicken, grilled shrimp to wings, this sauce is amazing! The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Applesauce BBQ Sauce, competition bbq sauce, barbecue sauce, sweet and tangy barbeque sauce, bbq pulled chicken, bbq pulled pork, The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Apple Sauce BBQ Sauce
I'm taking my favorite Musselman's Apple Sauce and transforming it into a competition-worthy BBQ sauce! Sweet, tangy, and so easy! From pulled pork to shredded chicken, grilled shrimp to wings, this sauce is amazing! The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Applesauce BBQ Sauce, competition bbq sauce, barbecue sauce, sweet and tangy barbeque sauce, bbq pulled chicken, bbq pulled pork, The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Apple Sauce BBQ Sauce
I'm taking my favorite Musselman's Apple Sauce and transforming it into a competition-worthy BBQ sauce! Sweet, tangy, and so easy! From pulled pork to shredded chicken, grilled shrimp to wings, this sauce is amazing! The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Applesauce BBQ Sauce, competition bbq sauce, barbecue sauce, sweet and tangy barbeque sauce, bbq pulled chicken, bbq pulled pork, The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Apple Sauce BBQ Sauce
I'm taking my favorite Musselman's Apple Sauce and transforming it into a competition-worthy BBQ sauce! Sweet, tangy, and so easy! From pulled pork to shredded chicken, grilled shrimp to wings, this sauce is amazing! The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Applesauce BBQ Sauce, competition bbq sauce, barbecue sauce, sweet and tangy barbeque sauce, bbq pulled chicken, bbq pulled pork, The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Apple Sauce BBQ Sauce
I'm taking my favorite Musselman's Apple Sauce and transforming it into a competition-worthy BBQ sauce! Sweet, tangy, and so easy! From pulled pork to shredded chicken, grilled shrimp to wings, this sauce is amazing! The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Applesauce BBQ Sauce, competition bbq sauce, barbecue sauce, sweet and tangy barbeque sauce, bbq pulled chicken, bbq pulled pork, The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Apple Sauce BBQ Sauce

I’m taking my favorite Musselman’s Apple Sauce and transforming it into a competition-worthy BBQ sauce! Sweet, tangy, and so easy! From pulled pork to shredded chicken, grilled shrimp to wings, this sauce is amazing!

I'm taking my favorite Musselman's Apple Sauce and transforming it into a competition-worthy BBQ sauce! Sweet, tangy, and so easy! From pulled pork to shredded chicken, grilled shrimp to wings, this sauce is amazing! The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Applesauce BBQ Sauce, competition bbq sauce, barbecue sauce, sweet and tangy barbeque sauce, bbq pulled chicken, bbq pulled pork, The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Apple Sauce BBQ Sauce

This blog post is not sponsored however the social media posts are. I wanted to share it on my website as not everyone is on social media and this recipe is too amazing for folks to miss!

The Apple Sauce Boss!

Whether you’re 5 or 75, apple sauce is always welcome. I grew up on Musselman’s Apple Sauce and to this day you will always find a container in my fridge and another on the pantry shelf.

TKW Family Love

I just saw this recipe you posted on Facebook and I knew I had to try it! I absolutely LOVE it!
Sweet & Tangy is the perfect description!
I kept waking by the jar that was cooling on the counter and had to taste it every time!
Soooooo good! 💖 Thank you!
p.s. Just when I thought that chicken rub was my favorite! 😉


Robin C


It’s so refreshing, especially living in Arizona. When most folks think of Apple Sauce they think of it as a side dish for the holidays or a favorite pork dinner, but it’s such a diverse ingredient that can be used in so many different ways. Today I’m sharing an old family BBQ sauce recipe I grew up on and still make to this day!

Grab Your Ingredients

I'm taking my favorite Musselman's Apple Sauce and transforming it into a competition-worthy BBQ sauce! Sweet, tangy, and so easy! From pulled pork to shredded chicken, grilled shrimp to wings, this sauce is amazing! The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Applesauce BBQ Sauce, competition bbq sauce, barbecue sauce, sweet and tangy barbeque sauce, bbq pulled chicken, bbq pulled pork, The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Apple Sauce BBQ Sauce

This recipe is so simple and uses simple pantry ingredients. It comes together in under 20 minutes and is easily one of those recipes you’ll put on repeat!

  • Musselman’s Original Apple Sauce
  • Ketchup
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Brown Sugar
  • Seasonings

BBQ Sauce In Under 20 Minutes

I'm taking my favorite Musselman's Apple Sauce and transforming it into a competition-worthy BBQ sauce! Sweet, tangy, and so easy! From pulled pork to shredded chicken, grilled shrimp to wings, this sauce is amazing! The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Applesauce BBQ Sauce, competition bbq sauce, barbecue sauce, sweet and tangy barbeque sauce, bbq pulled chicken, bbq pulled pork, The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Apple Sauce BBQ Sauce

This sauce comes together in no time.

  1. Put all of the ingredients in a pot, whisk it together, and set the heat to medium.
  2. Bring the mixture just to a light boil (a few bubbles) while stirring and then reduce the heat to low.
  3. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring often.

The mixture will thicken up as it cools

Healthy and High-Quality You Feel Good About

As a 4th and 5th generation grower-owned company started in 1907, Musselsman’s has been producing the best products. They truly are the ‘apple experts’.

I'm taking my favorite Musselman's Apple Sauce and transforming it into a competition-worthy BBQ sauce! Sweet, tangy, and so easy! From pulled pork to shredded chicken, grilled shrimp to wings, this sauce is amazing! The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Applesauce BBQ Sauce, competition bbq sauce, barbecue sauce, sweet and tangy barbeque sauce, bbq pulled chicken, bbq pulled pork, The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Apple Sauce BBQ Sauce

Yes, making Apple Sauce at home is easy but honestly, there’s something about the apples that they use that gives their Apple Sauce that edge of excellence. Quality matters. You can taste the freshness in every spoonful! These folks are the experts through and through!

Lip-Smackin’ Delicious

I'm taking my favorite Musselman's Apple Sauce and transforming it into a competition-worthy BBQ sauce! Sweet, tangy, and so easy! From pulled pork to shredded chicken, grilled shrimp to wings, this sauce is amazing! The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Applesauce BBQ Sauce, competition bbq sauce, barbecue sauce, sweet and tangy barbeque sauce, bbq pulled chicken, bbq pulled pork, The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Apple Sauce BBQ Sauce

As soon as I tasted the sauce when it was done I couldn’t help but smile. This reminded me so much of my Mom and every single summer cookout we had.

This sauce was her go-to sauce and it went on every protein we grilled (FYI this on a burger is amazing!), on meatloaf when she wanted to step away from her usual tomato sauce, and of course pulled pork.

My Sandwich Obsession

This BBQ sauce is what spawned 2 new recipes – my Fall Apple Coleslaw and an upcoming Pulled Chicken Sandwich recipe.

I ate this sandwich (and also as a lettuce wrap) every day for a week, one time it was twice in one day, it’s no exaggeration! I fell HARD for it!

This sauce is LEGIT folks!

I'm taking my favorite Musselman's Apple Sauce and transforming it into a competition-worthy BBQ sauce! Sweet, tangy, and so easy! From pulled pork to shredded chicken, grilled shrimp to wings, this sauce is amazing! The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Applesauce BBQ Sauce, competition bbq sauce, barbecue sauce, sweet and tangy barbeque sauce, bbq pulled chicken, bbq pulled pork, The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Apple Sauce BBQ Sauce

Water Bath Canning Method

You can preserve this using a water-bath method.

When I can my BBQ sauces, I typically let them set in Water Bath Canning Set for ~20 minutes for my altitude, and then when I remove them, flip the cans upside down on a cooling rack for at least an hour. Don’t ask me why I flip them upside down – that’s just how Mom did it so I do it too.

I'm taking my favorite Musselman's Apple Sauce and transforming it into a competition-worthy BBQ sauce! Sweet, tangy, and so easy! From pulled pork to shredded chicken, grilled shrimp to wings, this sauce is amazing! The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Applesauce BBQ Sauce, competition bbq sauce, barbecue sauce, sweet and tangy barbeque sauce, bbq pulled chicken, bbq pulled pork, The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Apple Sauce BBQ Sauce
  1. As the sauce is cooking, heat the water bath canning pot over medium heat. You want it at least 1/2 way filled and brought to a simmer.
  2. Pour the sauce into the jars, remove any air bubbles in the jar, clean the edges, and place the lid and band on. Tighten the lid to ‘finger tightness”
  3. Use a jar lifter and place the jars in the canner on the rack. Be sure the jars do not touch each other. Make sure the water covers the jars by 1-2 inches. If it doesn’t, pour boiling water overtop.
  4. Bring to a boil and once it starts to boil, set the timer for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove them from the pot, flip them upside down, and place them on a cooling rack for at least an hour.
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The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Apple Sauce BBQ Sauce

I'm taking my favorite Musselman's Apple Sauce and transforming it into a competition-worthy BBQ sauce! Sweet, tangy, and so easy! From pulled pork to shredded chicken, grilled shrimp to wings, this sauce is amazing! The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Applesauce BBQ Sauce, competition bbq sauce, barbecue sauce, sweet and tangy barbeque sauce, bbq pulled chicken, bbq pulled pork, The Most Amazing Sweet & Tangy Apple Sauce BBQ Sauce
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5 from 20 reviews

I’m taking my favorite Musselman’s Apple Sauce and transforming it into a competition-worthy BBQ sauce! Sweet, tangy, and so easy! From pulled pork to shredded chicken, grilled shrimp to wings, this sauce is amazing!

  • Author: TKWAdmin
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 3.5 cups
  • Category: barbeque, bbq, dipping sauce, sauce, sweet and tangy
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: barbeque, bbq, dipping sauce, Sauce, sweet and tangy

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Musselman’s Original Apple Sauce
  • 2 cups ketchup
  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. In a pot, add all of the ingredients, whisk together, and put the heat to medium. Bring the mixture just to a boil and reduce the temperature to low. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring often.
  2. Remove from the heat, transfer to a heat-safe jar, cover, and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

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54 responses

  1. Robin C
    March 30, 2026

    I just saw this recipe you posted on Facebook and I knew I had to try it! I absolutely LOVE it!
    Sweet & Tangy is the perfect description!
    I kept waking by the jar that was cooling on the counter and had to taste it every time!
    Soooooo good! 💖 Thank you!
    p.s. Just when I thought that chicken rub was my favorite! 😉

    Reply
    1. Lori
      March 30, 2026

      Right?! I always tell folks is the simplest recipes that always are the best. You don’t need a million ingredients or even expensive ones to make something truly delicious! I’m so thrilled that you love this as much as I do!

      Best Kitchen Wishes!

      Reply
  2. SJ
    September 26, 2025

    Do you know or has anyone attempted to can this recipe? I don’t think there is anything in the ingredients that would prevent it from canning successfully. Also, has anyone tried it with homemade apple sauce? It’s apple canning season and I am on the hunt for new recipes as I have TONS of apples to process. I’d love to incorporate a BBQ Sauce on my shelves and this recipe sounds super tasty. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

    Reply
    1. Lori
      October 2, 2025

      Hi SJ,

      Sorry I didn’t response sooner but I was out of town. Yes you can water bath can this. Mom would often use her homemade apple sauce when we didn’t have Musselman’s on hand. This is a pantry staple in our house for sure!

      Best Kitchen Wishes!

      Reply
  3. Laura Gregson
    June 30, 2025

    This sounds like an amazing, unique bbq sauce!! Will be trying soon! Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Lori
      June 30, 2025

      It’s such a classic BBQ sauce that everyone loves. It’s so easy and a great base recipe!

      Best Kitchen Wishes!

      Reply
  4. Crystal
    June 17, 2025

    Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! I’ve tried to get people to make me some with no luck . I’ve bought it somewhere before but they haven’t ordered anymore. So now I can make it myself which is way better ! You have made my heart happy! It’s delicious!

    Reply
    1. Lori
      June 18, 2025

      WOOHOO! You’re most welcome Crystal! This is such a classic recipe and makes for a great base (like if you wanted to add chipotle or so forth for some heat).

      Best Kitchen Wishes!

      Reply
  5. Maile Kido Jacobson
    January 30, 2025

    I have never tried applesauce in a BBQ sauce. I can’t wait to try this recipe!

    Reply
    1. Lori
      January 30, 2025

      It’s so easy and such a great versatile BBQ sauce!

      Best Kitchen Wishes!

      Reply
  6. jan fisher
    October 22, 2024

    how much does the recipe make?

    Reply
    1. Lori
      October 22, 2024

      Now that’s weird; the nutrition label with all of that details just ‘disappeared’ for a minute. It’s back though. ~3.5 cups.

      Best Kitchen Wishes!

      Reply
  7. Eve
    December 23, 2023

    I can’t wait to try this apple butter sauce and the chicken sandwich..yummmmm

    Reply
    1. Lori
      December 24, 2023

      That apple sauce bbq sauce is everything!

      Best Kitchen Wishes!

      Reply
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