Pumpkin Butter Recipe
The Pumpkin Butter Recipe you are about to discover is a delightful and easy way to bring the flavors of fall into your kitchen. This rich, creamy spread transforms simple canned pumpkin into a decadent treat that pairs beautifully with toast, ice cream, or even as a filling in desserts. Perfect for cozy breakfasts or festive gatherings, this pumpkin butter is sure to impress your family and friends with its warm spices and sweet flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, you’ll have delicious pumpkin butter ready in no time.
- Versatile Use: Great on toast, pancakes, or as a topping for desserts like ice cream or cheesecake.
- Perfect for Fall: Infused with warm spices, this recipe captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
- Makes a Great Gift: Jars of homemade pumpkin butter make thoughtful gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
- Healthy Indulgence: Packed with nutrients from pumpkin and apple juice, it provides sweetness without excessive calories.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Pumpkin Butter, gather these essential tools to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Jars for storage
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This allows for hands-off cooking. Simply set it and forget it while your flavors meld together over several hours.
- Mixing spoon: A sturdy mixing spoon helps you combine the ingredients evenly for consistent flavor throughout the pumpkin butter.
Ingredients
To create the best Pumpkin Butter, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Pumpkin Butter
- 45 oz. canned 100% pumpkin puree (three 15-oz. cans OR a 29-oz. can and a 15 oz. can)
- 2 ½ cups light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 cups apple juice (cider works well too)
- 1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp. ground cloves
- ⅛ tsp. ground ginger
- 1 dash salt
How to Make Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- Add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, apple juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt into your slow cooker.
- Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Cook the Mixture
- Cover the slow cooker.
- Set it to cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
Step 3: Cool and Store
- Once the cooking time is complete, stir the pumpkin butter again before cooling.
- Allow it to cool on the counter for about an hour.
- Spoon the cooled pumpkin butter into jars for storage.
With this simple yet delicious recipe, you’re on your way to enjoying homemade pumpkin butter that’s perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Pumpkin butter is a versatile spread that can elevate many dishes and snacks. Whether you want a sweet treat or a flavorful addition to your breakfast, here are some delightful serving suggestions.
On Toast
- Cinnamon Raisin Bread – Spread pumpkin butter on toasted cinnamon raisin bread for a warm, comforting breakfast.
- Sourdough – The tanginess of sourdough pairs beautifully with the sweetness of pumpkin butter.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Swirl pumpkin butter into vanilla ice cream for an autumn-inspired dessert.
- Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream – Enhance your pumpkin spice ice cream by adding a dollop of pumpkin butter on top.
In Oatmeal
- Breakfast Oatmeal – Stir in a tablespoon of pumpkin butter into your morning oatmeal for added flavor and nutrition.
- Overnight Oats – Mix pumpkin butter into your overnight oats for a creamy, spiced twist.
As a Dip
- Fruit Dip – Use pumpkin butter as a dip for fresh apple slices or pear wedges during fall gatherings.
- Cheese Board – Include pumpkin butter on a cheese board alongside sharp cheeses for a sweet and savory combination.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Butter Recipe
To make sure your pumpkin butter turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Ingredients – Select the best canned pumpkin puree and fresh spices for maximum flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness – Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar according to your taste preference.
- Cook Low and Slow – Cooking on LOW allows flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Cool Before Storing – Let it cool completely before transferring it to jars to prevent condensation inside the containers.
- Experiment with Spices – Don’t hesitate to add more spices like cardamom or allspice for unique flavor profiles.
- Store Correctly – Keep your pumpkin butter in airtight jars in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Pairing your pumpkin butter with complementary side dishes can create an exquisite dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Pancakes – Serve fluffy pancakes topped with pumpkin butter instead of syrup for a delightful twist.
- Waffles – Spread on warm waffles alongside whipped cream for an indulgent brunch treat.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt, granola, and pumpkin butter in a jar for a nutritious breakfast parfait.
- Savory Biscuits – Enjoy flaky biscuits with pumpkin butter as a sweet contrast to savory flavors.
- Cheddar Muffins – The sharpness of cheddar muffins balances perfectly with the sweetness of pumpkin butter.
- Stuffed French Toast – Make stuffed French toast filled with cream cheese and topped with pumpkin butter for an unforgettable dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your pumpkin butter, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.
- Skipping the spices: Not adding enough spice can lead to bland pumpkin butter. Ensure you measure cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices accurately for maximum flavor.
- Using the wrong pumpkin: Avoid using pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree. Always choose 100% canned pumpkin to get the best results.
- Not stirring during cooking: Failing to stir occasionally can cause uneven cooking. Make it a point to stir your mixture at least once while it’s in the slow cooker.
- Ignoring cooling time: Skipping the cooling step can lead to a watery consistency. Allow your pumpkin butter to cool before transferring it to jars for better texture.
- Overfilling jars: Filling jars too full can result in leaks. Leave some space at the top of each jar when storing your pumpkin butter.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in airtight containers for up to 2 weeks.
- Ensure the pumpkin butter is completely cool before sealing.
Freezing Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months.
- Portion into smaller containers for easy thawing.
Reheating Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, and heat until warm.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, heat in short bursts, stirring between intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: In a saucepan over low heat, stir frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Pumpkin Butter Recipe that might help clarify your process.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! You can make homemade pumpkin puree from fresh pumpkins, but ensure it’s well-cooked and blended smoothly.
How long does homemade pumpkin butter last?
Homemade pumpkin butter lasts up to two weeks in the refrigerator and up to six months if frozen properly.
Can I adjust the sweetness of my pumpkin butter?
Absolutely! You can reduce or increase the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preference.
What can I serve with this Pumpkin Butter Recipe?
This recipe pairs beautifully with toast, pancakes, or even as a topping for ice cream!
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Butter Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adjusting spices or sweetness according to your preference. It makes a delightful addition to breakfast or dessert spreads. Try making it today and enjoy the cozy flavors of fall!
Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth of autumn with this delightful Pumpkin Butter Recipe. This easy-to-make spread transforms simple canned pumpkin into a rich, creamy delight that’s perfect for enhancing your favorite breakfast dishes or desserts. Bursting with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this pumpkin butter evokes cozy feelings while bringing a sweet and spiced flavor to toast, pancakes, and even ice cream. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply enjoying a quiet morning at home, this recipe will impress with its delicious versatility. Plus, it makes for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season!
Ingredients
- 45 oz. canned pumpkin puree
- 2 ½ cups light brown sugar
- 2 cups apple juice
- 1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp. ground cloves
- ⅛ tsp. ground ginger
- Dash of salt
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, apple juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt.
- Stir until well blended.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
- After cooking, stir again and allow to cool for about an hour before spooning into jars.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
