If you’re ready to embrace the cozy flavors of fall in a jar, this Pumpkin Butter Recipe is absolutely what you need. It’s a rich, spiced spread bursting with pumpkin’s natural sweetness and enhanced by warm cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice—perfect for spreading on toast, swirling into oatmeal, or dolloping onto pancakes. The magic lies in its simplicity: just a handful of wholesome ingredients that simmer into a thick, luscious butter that captures all the best parts of autumn in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the delightful texture and flavor of your pumpkin butter. They come together to create that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smooth, making this recipe as comforting as it is delicious.
- 15 oz can 100% pure pumpkin: The star of the show, providing that rich pumpkin flavor and creamy base.
- ½ cup apple cider or apple juice: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of fruity tang that brightens the spread.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, mellow undertone that deepens the overall flavor.
- â…” cup packed light brown sugar: Sweetens gently while contributing a subtle molasses note for extra depth.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that perfectly complements the pumpkin.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: An essential blend of spices including nutmeg, cloves, and allspice that defines the seasonal character.
- â…› teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and spices harmoniously.
How to Make Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by pouring the pumpkin puree into a large saucepan. Add in apple cider or apple juice, vanilla extract, light brown sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s a smooth, unified mixture. This simple blend sets the stage for the rich flavors that develop during cooking.
Step 2: Simmer to Perfection
Place your saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer slowly. Stir frequently to avoid sticking or scorching, and keep simmering for about 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll notice it transforming as it thickens to the perfect buttery consistency. This patient simmer is what intensifies the flavors and gives the pumpkin butter its signature spreadability.
Step 3: Adjust and Serve
Once it reaches your desired thickness, give it a taste. Feel free to tweak the spices a bit if you want a bolder cinnamon hit or a sweeter touch. Serve your pumpkin butter warm for spreading on fresh toast, or chill it and enjoy cold as a luscious topping. Either way, you’ll find it incredibly satisfying and versatile.
How to Serve Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a visually appealing and aromatic boost. A few toasted pecans or a drizzle of honey can also elevate your pumpkin butter’s presentation and add delightful texture contrasts.
Side Dishes
Pumpkin butter pairs marvelously with warm breads like cinnamon raisin toast or a soft buttery biscuit. It also complements savory dishes beautifully; try it alongside roasted pork or mixed into creamy mashed sweet potatoes for a sweet-spicy twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, use pumpkin butter as a filling inside crepes, swirl it into yogurt bowls, or serve it as a rustic topping on vanilla ice cream for a fall-inspired dessert. You can even use it as a flavorful glaze on roasted vegetables or baked goods to add a seasonal flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your pumpkin butter has cooled, transfer it into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep its fresh taste and creamy texture for up to two weeks, making it easy to enjoy little spoonfuls whenever the mood strikes.
Freezing
If you want to keep pumpkin butter around for longer or gift it to friends, freezing is a great option. Portion it into freezer-safe jars or containers, leaving some space for expansion, and it will last beautifully for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before use.
Reheating
To refresh chilled or frozen pumpkin butter, warm it gently in a small pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth and spreadable again. Avoid overheating, as this can change the texture. A quick microwave stint with short intervals works just as well if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Roasted and pureed fresh pumpkin can be used as a substitute, but make sure the puree is smooth and that you adjust cooking time slightly to achieve the right consistency.
Is pumpkin butter the same as pumpkin jam or pumpkin pie filling?
Not quite. Pumpkin butter is thicker than pumpkin pie filling and less sweet than typical jams, with spices that give it a unique spreadable texture that’s ideal for breads and more.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! This Pumpkin Butter Recipe is naturally vegan since it contains no animal products. Just double-check that your apple cider or juice has no animal-derived additives.
How sweet is pumpkin butter?
The sweetness is moderate and balanced by the spices; the brown sugar adds warmth without overpowering the pumpkin’s natural flavor. You can always adjust the sugar amount to suit your taste.
What’s the best way to serve pumpkin butter for guests?
Serve it in a pretty bowl alongside an assortment of breads, crackers, and cheeses for a charming fall appetizer or topping station that everyone will love dipping into.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about making and enjoying your own pumpkin butter, especially as the crisp air invites cozy moments at home. This Pumpkin Butter Recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a delicious, versatile treat you’ll want to share and savor all season long. Give it a whirl—you might just find it becomes your new favorite way to welcome the flavors of autumn!
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Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pumpkin Butter recipe is a cozy, flavorful spread made by simmering pure pumpkin with apple cider, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness until thick and luscious. Perfect for autumn mornings on toast, swirled into oatmeal, or as a delightful addition to desserts.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can 100% pure pumpkin
- ½ cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- â…” cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- â…› teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, apple cider (or apple juice), vanilla extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring frequently. This slow simmer thickens the mixture, concentrating the flavors and creating the perfect pumpkin butter consistency, while preventing sticking and burning.
- Adjust and Serve: After simmering, taste the pumpkin butter and adjust the spices or sweetness if needed to suit your preference. Serve the pumpkin butter warm or allow it to cool completely and store it for later use. Enjoy as a spread or in your favorite recipes!
Notes
- Use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid added sugars and spices.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent the butter from sticking to the pan and burning.
- Store pumpkin butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- For a smoother texture, you can blend the pumpkin butter after cooking.
- Adjust sweetness and spices according to taste preferences.
