If you’re craving a warm, cozy spread that captures the very essence of autumn, this Pumpkin Butter Recipe is your new best friend. Rich, silky, and bursting with comforting spices, it’s the perfect way to enjoy pumpkin beyond the usual pies and lattes. Whether dolloped on toast, swirled into yogurt, or gifted in jars to friends, this luscious pumpkin butter has a way of turning everyday moments into little celebrations of fall’s bounty. It’s simple to make, irresistibly flavorful, and will quickly become a staple in your kitchen all season long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Pumpkin Butter Recipe right is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that bring out the natural sweetness and warmth of pumpkin. Each element plays a crucial role, from the smooth pumpkin puree to the fragrant spices, creating a perfectly balanced taste and texture.
- 15 oz can 100% pure pumpkin: The dense pumpkin puree forms the rich, velvety base of the butter.
- ½ cup apple cider or apple juice: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle fruity note to brighten the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a fragrant warmth that deepens the overall taste profile.
- ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar: Provides a soft caramel sweetness and helps thicken the mixture.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that classic autumn spice that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: A blend of spices like nutmeg, cloves, and ginger enhances the pumpkin’s character.
- ⅛ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
How to Make Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and placing them into a large saucepan. Combine the pumpkin puree, apple cider (or juice), vanilla extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in the pan. Give everything a good stir so all those spices and flavors start mingling beautifully right from the start.
Step 2: Simmer the Mixture
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 30 to 40 minutes. This slow cooking is where the magic happens—the caramelizing of sugar and evaporation of moisture creates that thick, silky spread you’re after. Keep stirring frequently to avoid any sticking or burning.
Step 3: Adjust and Serve
After it has thickened to your desired consistency, taste your pumpkin butter and tweak the spices or sweetness if needed. Once it’s just right, you can serve it warm or let it cool completely before transferring it to jars. Trust me, warm pumpkin butter fresh off the stove is simply heavenly.
How to Serve Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your pumpkin butter with a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or a dash of extra cinnamon on top. A swirl of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey can make it feel even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
Serve your pumpkin butter alongside warm crusty bread, flaky croissants, or creamy oatmeal to add a burst of cozy fall flavors. It also pairs wonderfully with cream cheese or as a spread for pancakes and waffles.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not get a little adventurous? Use pumpkin butter as a filling for homemade thumbprint cookies, mix it into your morning smoothie for extra richness, or even layer it in parfaits with granola and yogurt. Its velvety texture and vibrant flavor make it a versatile superstar in the kitchen.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pumpkin butter stays fresh for about two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen, so you might find it tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep your pumpkin butter longer, freezing is a perfect option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or jars, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Reheating
To enjoy warm pumpkin butter again, gently reheat it in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave in short bursts works well too, just be careful not to overheat.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Absolutely! You can roast and puree fresh pumpkin for a more homemade touch, but using canned pumpkin puree saves time and guarantees a smooth texture for your butter.
Is this Pumpkin Butter Recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, it is naturally vegan since it uses no dairy or animal products. Just be sure your apple cider or juice and vanilla extract don’t contain any added animal-derived ingredients.
How spicy does this pumpkin butter get?
The spice level is mild and cozy, thanks to traditional pumpkin pie spices. You can always add a pinch more cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice if you prefer a stronger kick.
What’s the best way to sweeten the pumpkin butter if I want it less sugary?
Consider reducing the brown sugar slightly or substituting with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey, keeping in mind that this may alter the texture and cook time a bit.
Can I use the pumpkin butter as a baking ingredient?
Definitely! It’s fantastic as a natural sweetener and flavor booster in muffins, cakes, or even swirled into cheesecake batter for a delicious seasonal twist.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Butter Recipe is a delightful way to celebrate pumpkin’s cozy charm beyond traditional desserts. I encourage you to try making it at home because once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this versatile, flavorful spread. Share it with friends, blend it into your favorite dishes, or simply savor it by the spoonful — you really can’t go wrong.
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Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade Pumpkin Butter recipe is a thick, spiced spread made from pure pumpkin puree, apple cider, and warm spices. Perfect for spreading on toast, adding to oatmeal, or using as a flavorful fall ingredient, it’s naturally sweetened and simmered to a rich, smooth consistency.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can 100% pure pumpkin
- ½ cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, add the pumpkin puree, apple cider (or apple juice), vanilla extract, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
- Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid the mixture sticking to the pan or burning, and continue until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the pumpkin butter and adjust the spices if needed to suit your preference. Serve it warm or allow it to cool for serving later. Enjoy this versatile spread on bread, biscuits, or use it in recipes requiring pumpkin flavor.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, you can blend the pumpkin butter after cooking.
- Store pumpkin butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger batches.
- Use apple cider for a richer flavor or apple juice for a milder sweetness.
- Stirring frequently during simmering helps prevent burning at the bottom of the pan.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
