If you’re looking for a way to capture the warm, comforting flavors of autumn in a jar, this Pumpkin Butter Recipe is exactly what you need! Bursting with cozy spices, a kiss of maple sweetness, and the creamy richness of real pumpkin, it’s like spreading fall right onto your morning toast. Perfect for swirling into oatmeal or dolloping onto stacks of pancakes, this spread is always a crowd-pleaser. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever went through fall without a batch of this irresistible pumpkin butter on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pumpkin Butter Recipe is how a simple lineup of classic fall ingredients can come together to create something so special. Each one plays a starring role, enhancing flavor, texture, and even the gorgeous color of your final spread.
- Pumpkin Puree: The heart of the recipe; make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture.
- Apple Cider or Apple Juice: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle fruity tang that brightens up the pumpkin.
- Brown Sugar: Gives warmth and a rich, molasses-like sweetness that deepens the flavor.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: Brings in floral sweetness and helps create that luscious, sticky texture—choose maple syrup for a classic fall twist!
- Ground Cinnamon: The iconic autumn spice, it lends warmth and a delightful fragrance.
- Ground Ginger: Provides a little zing, balancing the richness of the pumpkin with subtle spice.
- Ground Cloves: Adds deep, almost smoky undertones—use sparingly, as it’s quite potent.
- Ground Nutmeg: Rounds out the spice blend with its sweet, nutty notes.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings all the flavors into sharper focus, making everything taste brighter.
- Vanilla Extract: Stirred in at the end, it gives the pumpkin butter a warm, bakery-fresh aroma and smooth finish.
How to Make Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring everything out—this Pumpkin Butter Recipe comes together quickly, so having everything ready is key! In a medium saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, apple cider (or juice), brown sugar, maple syrup (or honey), cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. As the mixture heats up, these flavors will begin to meld into pure fall bliss.
Step 2: Simmer and Stir
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the pumpkin mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently so nothing sticks to the bottom. Once you see those little bubbles start to appear, reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, giving it a good stir every few minutes. This gentle cooking thickens the butter and deepens its flavors—your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
Step 3: Add the Vanilla and Cool
When your pumpkin butter has thickened and turned glossy, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This small step is a flavor game-changer! Allow the pumpkin butter to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. If you like yours silky smooth, you can blend the cooled butter for an ultra-creamy finish. Your Pumpkin Butter Recipe is now ready to shine.
How to Serve Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Garnishes
A simple swirl of this pumpkin butter is a delight, but adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans, a dash of extra cinnamon, or even a drizzle of maple syrup can turn an ordinary piece of toast or pancake into something special. For an extra touch, try a dollop of whipped cream—every spoonful feels like dessert!
Side Dishes
This Pumpkin Butter Recipe loves to be paired with freshly baked bread, warm English muffins, fluffy pancakes, or even spooned onto waffles as a decadent topping. For a lighter option, stir a generous spoonful into Greek yogurt or smooth it into overnight oats for instant cozy breakfast vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond breakfast! Fill crepes, swirl into cheesecake batter, or use it as a filling between cake layers. For gifting, spoon some pumpkin butter into a pretty jar, tie it with twine, and add a handwritten label. Everyone will want your Pumpkin Butter Recipe after just one taste!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your pumpkin butter will keep its delicious flavor and texture for up to two weeks in the fridge. Simply store it in a clean, airtight container—Mason jars work perfectly. Always use a clean spoon to serve so it stays fresh as long as possible.
Freezing
If you want to savor this Pumpkin Butter Recipe all year long, freezing is a great option. Spoon cooled pumpkin butter into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To bring back that just-made magic, gently warm refrigerated or thawed pumpkin butter over low heat on the stovetop. Stir often, and it’ll be ready to spread in a few minutes. If you prefer, a quick zap in the microwave works too—just stir well before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this Pumpkin Butter Recipe with fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just roast, puree, and drain your fresh pumpkin before using. Be sure your homemade puree is nice and smooth for the creamiest result.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
Because pumpkin butter is quite dense and low in acidity, it’s not considered safe for home canning. Instead, store it in the fridge or freezer and enjoy it fresh.
Can I adjust the spices to my taste?
Of course! Feel free to tweak the cinnamon, ginger, cloves, or nutmeg to create your own signature Pumpkin Butter Recipe—make it as bold or mellow as you like.
What’s the best way to make this ultra-smooth?
For the smoothest pumpkin butter, use an immersion blender or regular blender once the mixture has completely cooled. This blends everything to a velvety, spreadable consistency.
Does this Pumpkin Butter Recipe work for vegan diets?
Yes! Just use maple syrup instead of honey for a fully vegan spread. Double check your ingredients, and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for that one fall recipe everyone begs you to make year after year, this Pumpkin Butter Recipe is it. Nothing beats the cozy flavors packed into each spoonful! Whip up a batch, share it with friends, or keep it all for yourself—you’re officially ready for the tastiest fall ever.
Print
Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Indulge in the flavors of fall with this easy homemade Pumpkin Butter recipe. Perfect for spreading on toast, pancakes, or stirring into oatmeal, this sweet and spiced butter is a seasonal delight.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Butter Recipe:
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3/4 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine pumpkin puree, apple cider, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until thick and spreadable.
- Finish: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract. Let cool before transferring to a container. Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- This pumpkin butter is delicious spread on toast, pancakes, muffins, or stirred into oatmeal and yogurt.
- For a smoother texture, blend the cooled butter before storing.
- Not suitable for canning.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
