If you love the cozy flavors of fall and want a luscious spread to brighten your breakfasts, desserts, or snacks, this Pumpkin Butter Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s rich, warmly spiced, and wonderfully smooth, capturing the essence of pumpkin pie in every bite. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, swirling it into oatmeal, or using it as a dip, this pumpkin butter brings the perfect balance of sweet and spice, making every moment feel like autumn bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up this Pumpkin Butter Recipe is a breeze since it relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each add a special touch of flavor, texture, and color. These essentials work harmoniously to create that velvety, spiced spread that’s so uniquely appealing.
- 1 (15 oz) can 100% pure pumpkin: The heart of the recipe, providing rich pumpkin flavor and a creamy base.
- ½ cup apple cider or apple juice: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle fruity undertone that brightens the mix.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances aroma and adds warmth, rounding out the overall taste profile.
- â…” cup packed light brown sugar: Gives just the right amount of sweetness and depth, thanks to its molasses content.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: A classic spice that imparts warmth and a touch of earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: The signature spice blend that ties together all the warm fall notes with hints of nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- â…› teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by gathering your ingredients and placing the pumpkin puree into a large saucepan. Next, pour in the apple cider or apple juice, add the vanilla extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and all the spices are evenly distributed for that perfect flavor harmony.
Step 2: Simmer the Mixture
Bring your combined mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once it starts bubbling, lower the heat to keep it at a simmer. Let it cook slowly for about 30 to 40 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent any sticking or burning. This slow simmer is key for thickening the pumpkin butter and intensifying those delicious flavors, transforming the texture into something luscious and spread-worthy.
Step 3: Adjust and Serve
After simmering, taste your pumpkin butter and feel free to tweak the spices if needed—for instance, a pinch more cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to suit your preferences. You can enjoy the pumpkin butter warm right away or let it cool to room temperature. Either way, it’s incredibly versatile and ready to elevate your meals.
How to Serve Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can take your pumpkin butter experience up a notch. Try sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top just before serving to highlight the aromatic spices. A small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey can also add a hint of indulgence and sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin’s earthy richness.
Side Dishes
Pumpkin butter is a brilliant companion for a variety of dishes. Spread it on toasted sourdough or warm buttermilk biscuits for breakfast, or serve it alongside cream cheese on bagels for a sweet-savory combo. It also pairs delightfully with pancakes, waffles, or even as a flavorful topper for vanilla ice cream or plain yogurt, adding that perfect fall twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not get a little creative when serving your pumpkin butter? Consider layering it into parfaits with granola and fresh fruit or swirling it into your morning oatmeal or smoothie bowls. You could even use it as a filling for crepes or pastries, making your treats not only taste amazing but also look inviting and festive for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best parts about this Pumpkin Butter Recipe is how well it keeps. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to two weeks. This means you can enjoy a quick spoonful any time you want a little burst of autumn flavor throughout your day.
Freezing
If you want to keep your pumpkin butter for even longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Transfer it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It freezes beautifully for up to three months, so you can save batches ahead of time and have fall flavors ready whenever inspiration strikes.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy some pumpkin butter from the fridge or freezer, simply warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to return it to that smooth, luscious texture, perfect for spreading or adding to your favorite dishes without losing its rich flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned for this Pumpkin Butter Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin can be used, but it requires a bit more prep—roast and puree your pumpkin until smooth before starting. Keep in mind that fresh pumpkin might have a slightly different moisture level, so you may need to adjust the simmering time to get the right consistency.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes! This Pumpkin Butter Recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure your brown sugar is vegan-certified if you want to be 100% certain, as some brands process their sugar with bone char.
Can I adjust the sweetness or spices?
Definitely. The recipe is quite flexible, so feel free to add more or less brown sugar and tweak the spices according to your taste. Everyone’s palate is different, and the goal is a spread you love.
How thick should the pumpkin butter be?
The ideal consistency is thick enough to spread easily without running off your toast. If it’s too thick when cooled, you can stir in a little apple cider or juice to loosen it up. And remember, it will thicken a bit more as it cools down.
Could I use this pumpkin butter in baking?
Yes! Pumpkin butter makes a wonderful ingredient for baking. Use it to add moistness and rich flavor to muffins, cakes, or even swirled into bread doughs for a beautiful fall twist on your baked goods.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about making your own pumpkin butter at home, and this Pumpkin Butter Recipe makes it so simple and rewarding. The warm spices, velvety texture, and natural sweetness come together to create a treat that feels like a cozy hug in a jar. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to capture the spirit of the season in the kitchen—so grab your ingredients and dive in. Your taste buds will thank you endlessly!
Print
Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin Butter recipe is a rich, spiced spread made by simmering pure pumpkin with apple cider, warm spices, and brown sugar until thickened to a luscious, buttery consistency. Perfect for adding fall flavor to toast, muffins, or even yogurt, this homemade pumpkin butter is easy to prepare on the stovetop in under an hour.
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, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the pumpkin mixture from sticking to the bottom or burning. Continue simmering until the pumpkin butter thickens to your desired consistency.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the pumpkin butter and adjust the spices as needed to your preference. The spread can be enjoyed warm immediately or cooled and stored for later use. Serve on toast, muffins, or as a flavorful addition to your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent burning or sticking.
- You can substitute apple cider with apple juice if preferred.
- Store pumpkin butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- For a smoother texture, you may blend the pumpkin butter after cooking.
- Adjust sweetness and spices according to taste.
