If you’re searching for a deliciously cozy, spreadable treat that captures all the essence of autumn in a jar, this Pumpkin Butter is destined to become your new go-to recipe. With a velvety smooth texture and the warming kiss of cinnamon, maple, and pumpkin, it’s a simple homemade comfort food that brings so much joy to toast, pancakes, oatmeal, or even just a spoon. Nothing beats the flavor payoff for so little effort—you’ll find yourself wanting to slather this on everything, or sneak a spoonful before it hits the table. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic and utterly irresistible about Pumpkin Butter, and I can’t wait to share my favorite way to make it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pumpkin Butter lies in its handful of simple ingredients. Each one is handpicked for the important role it plays—flavor, texture, or color—delivering autumnal magic in every bite.
- Pumpkin Puree: This is the heart of the recipe, lending body, flavor, and that gorgeous orange hue.
- Apple Cider: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle tartness, which balances the spice and richness.
- Brown Sugar: Provides caramel-like depth and the perfect touch of sweetness.
- Maple Syrup: A classic fall flavor; it adds complexity and a lovely, earthy sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon: Essential for warmth, aroma, and that unmistakable “pumpkin spice” vibe.
- Ground Ginger: Brings a gentle zing and brightness that livens up each bite.
- Ground Nutmeg: Enhances the overall coziness and amplifies the pumpkin flavor.
- Ground Cloves: Offers intensity and an extra hit of spice—just enough to keep things interesting.
- Salt: A pinch sharpens all the flavors and makes everything pop.
- Vanilla Extract: Added at the end for that finishing touch of sweet, mellow aroma.
How to Make Pumpkin Butter
Step 1: Start with the Base Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine your pumpkin puree, apple cider, brown sugar, and maple syrup. These four come together to create a dreamy, spiced foundation that’s rich, sweet, and fragrant even before you add any of the spices. Give it all a good stir over medium heat to combine.
Step 2: Add the Signature Spices
Once everything is mixed, sprinkle in the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and don’t forget that dash of salt. These are what turn the pumpkin base into true autumn magic, filling your kitchen with the scent of everything cozy and wonderful. Stir them in until the mixture smells like the best slice of pumpkin pie you’ve ever dreamed up.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Now, bring your mixture just to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring every so often. Watch as your Pumpkin Butter thickens and intensifies in color—the apple cider will reduce, and the flavors will meld into something truly special.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once it’s glossy, thick, and smelling fabulous, remove your pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This last ingredient rounds out everything beautifully, adding a softness that balances the spices.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Allow your Pumpkin Butter to cool in the pan, then transfer it to an airtight container. Pop it into the fridge, and in just a couple of hours, you’ll have a dreamy, spreadable treat ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Pumpkin Butter
Garnishes
If you want to take things up a notch, try topping your Pumpkin Butter with a scattering of toasted pecans, a swirl of whipped cream, or even just a light dusting of cinnamon before serving. The added texture and aroma make your spread look irresistible and add a little gourmet flair without extra work.
Side Dishes
Pumpkin Butter is wonderfully versatile. Spread it thickly across warm toast, English muffins, or fluffy pancakes for breakfast. It’s also lovely spooned over vanilla yogurt or oatmeal, adding instant autumnal comfort to your morning routine. You’ll even find it pairs beautifully with buttery scones or as a glaze on roasted root veggies for something savory-sweet.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond the classics, get a little playful! Layer Pumpkin Butter into a parfait with granola and fruit, swirl it into cheesecake batter, or tuck it into thumbprint cookies before baking. For a truly showstopping appetizer, dollop it over baked brie or use it as a surprise filling in cinnamon rolls. There are endless ways to make this spread shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Pumpkin Butter keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen and develop with a day or two of chilling—making it even more irresistible when you go back for seconds (or thirds!).
Freezing
If you want to enjoy those cozy fall flavors later in the season, Pumpkin Butter freezes like a dream. Portion it into freezer-safe jars or containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. When a craving strikes, just thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy.
Reheating
Most of the time, you can enjoy Pumpkin Butter straight from the fridge. If you love it warm for that fresh-from-the-stove feeling, simply scoop out what you need and gently rewarm in the microwave or a saucepan. Stir well and serve on your favorite treat.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree works beautifully in Pumpkin Butter. Just be sure it’s well-drained and not too watery, as excess moisture can make your spread runny.
Is Pumpkin Butter safe to can or preserve for shelf storage?
As delicious as it is, Pumpkin Butter is not recommended for canning because its density makes it hard to guarantee safe preservation. Keep it refrigerated or frozen for maximum freshness and food safety.
Can I adjust the sweetness or spices?
Yes, this recipe is extremely forgiving! Feel free to tweak the amount of brown sugar, maple syrup, or the level of spices to suit your personal taste. Start small and add more as you go—it’s entirely customizable.
Is Pumpkin Butter vegan and gluten-free?
It sure is! Since the base is pure pumpkin and sweeteners like sugar and maple syrup, with only spices for flavor, Pumpkin Butter is naturally vegan and gluten-free (just double check your brands to be sure).
How can I use Pumpkin Butter beyond toast and pancakes?
Besides spreading on bread or pancakes, try swirling it into yogurt, adding it to oatmeal, using as a filling for pastries, or as a dessert sauce over ice cream or waffles. You’ll be amazed at how versatile it is.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the quickest ticket to autumn comfort, Pumpkin Butter is your answer. It’s simple to whip up, endlessly adaptable, and truly tastes like fall in a jar. If you haven’t tried making your own before, now’s the perfect time—your kitchen is about to smell amazing, and your breakfast routine will never be the same!
Print
Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with this easy homemade Pumpkin Butter recipe. Made with simple ingredients and warming spices, this versatile spread is perfect on toast, pancakes, or stirred into oatmeal for a cozy breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Butter:
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, apple cider, brown sugar, and maple syrup over medium heat. Stir well to combine.
- Add the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Adjust spices to taste.
- Pumpkin butter can be used on toast, pancakes, or stirred into oatmeal and yogurt.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
