Pumpkin Butter recipe
This rich, velvety pumpkin butter captures the cozy flavors of fall with every spoonful. Made from pure pumpkin, warming spices, and a hint of apple juice, it offers a blend of sweetness and spice that’s simply irresistible.
Enjoy this pumpkin butter as a spread on toast, muffins, or pancakes, or swirl it into oatmeal and baked goods for a seasonal twist. For dessert, try drizzling it over vanilla ice cream – an easy way to elevate any sweet treat.
Perfect for gifting, this recipe makes enough to share the flavors of autumn. Keep jars in the fridge for up to three weeks, ensuring you’ll have plenty on hand for breakfast, snacks, or last-minute gifts.
Pumpkin Butter Ingredients
- Pumpkin Purée: The heart of this butter, delivering a rich, smooth base and deep pumpkin flavor that sets the seasonal tone.
- Apple Juice: Adds a hint of natural sweetness and balances the spices, infusing a touch of autumn’s warmth.
- White Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and preserves the butter’s texture, ensuring a silky finish.
- Ginger & Cinnamon: These classic spices bring warmth and a touch of earthy spice, enhancing the pumpkin’s natural flavor.
- Nutmeg & Cloves: With bold, aromatic depth, these spices round out the butter, giving it an unmistakable holiday essence.
Recipe Tips
- Achieving the Perfect Consistency
The key to rich, spreadable pumpkin butter lies in the cooking process. When you simmer the mixture, make sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking and promote even thickening. Aim for a smooth, thick consistency that clings to the spoon. If the mixture appears watery after 30 minutes, keep simmering a bit longer until it reduces further. Just avoid cooking it at too high a heat, as this can scorch the butter, affecting both flavor and texture. - Adjusting Sweetness and Spice
Tailor the pumpkin butter’s flavor to suit your taste by adjusting the sugar and spices. For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar slightly without altering the overall texture. If you love a spicier butter, increase the cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves, but add sparingly, as these spices intensify quickly. The spices deepen the pumpkin’s flavor, but overdoing it can overpower the butter’s delicate balance. - Storage for Maximum Freshness
Pumpkin butter stores well in the fridge for up to three weeks. If you want to enjoy it throughout the season, consider freezing a few jars. Ensure that jars are sterilized, and leave about an inch of headspace for expansion before sealing tightly. This way, you can savor its comforting flavors any time and share it as a homemade gift that stays fresh.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Butter
- Warm Toast or Biscuits
Pair this pumpkin butter with toasted slices of sourdough or flaky buttermilk biscuits. The warm, crisp bread contrasts with the smooth, spiced pumpkin, creating a cozy snack or breakfast treat perfect for chilly mornings. - Swirl into Oatmeal or Yogurt
Add a spoonful of pumpkin butter to your morning oatmeal or plain yogurt for a flavorful twist. Its rich, creamy texture and autumn spices will elevate these simple dishes, giving them a delightful seasonal boost. - Top Vanilla Ice Cream or Pancakes
Drizzle pumpkin butter over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fluffy pancakes for an indulgent, dessert-inspired breakfast. The warmth of the spices pairs beautifully with the creamy base, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and decadent.
FAQ
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes! You can use fresh pumpkin purée by cooking and blending the pumpkin until smooth. Just make sure it’s a similar consistency to canned purée for the best texture. - Is it possible to can pumpkin butter for long-term storage?
Due to low acidity, pumpkin butter isn’t recommended for traditional canning methods. Freezing is safer and maintains flavor and freshness for longer storage. - Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet butter, though the texture may be slightly affected. Start by reducing about ¼ cup and taste-test to suit your preference. - How can I make pumpkin butter thicker?
To thicken pumpkin butter, cook it a little longer while stirring frequently to avoid burning. The mixture should reduce and become denser, yielding a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Pumpkin Butter
This pumpkin butter is a wonderful seasonal gift, ideal for spreading on toast, muffins, or adding a hint of warmth to baked treats. It’s also delicious drizzled over vanilla ice cream. Store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 29-ounce can pumpkin purée
- ¾ cup apple juice
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Examine five half-pint jars for any cracks or rusted rings, discarding any damaged ones. Place jars in simmering water to sterilize them as the pumpkin butter cooks. Wash unused lids and rings in warm, soapy water.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine pumpkin purée, sugar, apple juice, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir until the mixture is thoroughly blended, then bring it to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, stirring frequently, for about 30 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Spoon the pumpkin butter into the sterilized jars, filling each to within 1/4 inch from the top. Run a thin spatula or knife around the inner edges of the jars to release any trapped air bubbles. Wipe the rims with a moist paper towel to ensure a clean seal. Secure lids and tightly fasten the rings.
- Allow jars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.