Introduction
Oh, fall. Just saying the word brings to mind crisp air, colorful leaves, and that unmistakable cozy feeling. And what better way to capture that feeling than with a jar of homemade pumpkin butter? This recipe is like a warm hug in a jar, and I’m so excited to share it with you. It reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen, filled with the sweet, spicy scent of autumn spices. It’s incredibly simple to make, and the result is pure magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: You can have this delicious pumpkin butter ready in under an hour!
- Easy: Seriously, just a few ingredients and some stirring. No fancy techniques needed.
- Giftable: These pretty jars make the most thoughtful homemade gifts for friends, family, or even as hostess gifts.
- Crowd-pleasing: Everyone loves the taste of fall, and this pumpkin butter is a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
Gather ’round, friends! Here’s what you’ll need to create your own jar of autumn bliss:
- 15 ounces pumpkin puree (one 15-ounce can): Make sure you grab pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling!
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark): This adds a lovely caramel note. I love using dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- ⅓ cup apple cider: This is the secret ingredient that adds that perfect tangy, sweet apple flavor that pairs so well with pumpkin.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Just a touch more sweetness to round things out.
- ¼ cup maple syrup: For that authentic, comforting maple goodness. Pure maple syrup is best here!
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A little acidity brightens up all those warm flavors.
- ¾ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: This magical blend is your shortcut to that classic fall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Because you can never have too much cinnamon in the fall!
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors.
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way with cloves; they add a warm, zesty kick.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get our hands (or rather, our spoons) busy! It’s so straightforward, you’ll be amazed.
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Step 1: Combine Everything. Grab a medium saucepan. No need to get fancy here. Just pour in your pumpkin puree, brown sugar, apple cider, granulated sugar, maple syrup, lemon juice, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, sea salt, and ground cloves. Give it a gentle stir to combine all those lovely ingredients.
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Step 2: Bring to a Simmer. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir everything occasionally as it heats up. You want to see gentle bubbles forming around the edges – that’s our simmer!
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Step 3: Thicken and Stir. Now, reduce the heat to low. This is where the magic really happens. Keep stirring frequently. You’ll notice the mixture starting to thicken and get glossier. You’re looking for a consistency that’s spreadable, like apple butter. This can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, so be patient with it. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor!
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Step 4: Cool Down. Once it’s reached your desired thickness, take the saucepan off the heat. Let it cool down in the pan for a bit. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
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Step 5: Store Away. Carefully spoon your beautiful, homemade pumpkin butter into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, and it’s ready to be enjoyed!
Substitutions & Additions
Feel free to play around with this recipe! It’s wonderfully forgiving.
- Sugar Swap: If you prefer, you can adjust the sugar amounts or use your favorite sweetener like coconut sugar or even a touch of honey.
- Spice it Up: Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.
- Extra Zing: A tiny bit of orange zest can add a lovely citrus brightness that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
- Nutty Delight: Stir in a tablespoon of finely chopped pecans or walnuts towards the end of the simmering time for a bit of texture.
Tips for Success
A few little pointers to make sure your pumpkin butter turns out perfectly every time:
- Pure Pumpkin is Key: Double-check that you’re using 100% pumpkin puree and not the pre-seasoned pie filling. The pie filling already has spices and sugar, which will throw off the flavor balance.
- Low and Slow: Don’t rush the simmering process. Cooking it on low heat allows the flavors to meld and deepen without scorching the bottom.
- Stir, Stir, Stir: Frequent stirring is essential to prevent sticking and ensure even thickening.
- Prep Ahead for Gifts: Make a big batch a week or two before holidays or special occasions. Pour it into cute mason jars, add a festive ribbon, and you’ve got beautiful, homemade gifts ready to go!
How to Store It
Once your pumpkin butter has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay wonderfully fresh in the refrigerator for about 2-3 weeks. I like using small mason jars; they’re perfect for gifting too!
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
You absolutely can! You’ll need to roast a sugar pumpkin until tender, scoop out the flesh, and then puree it until smooth. You’ll likely need about 1 ½ to 2 cups of pureed fresh pumpkin to equal one 15-ounce can.
How long does it take to thicken?
The thickening process can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your stove and how vigorously it’s simmering. Keep an eye on it and stir often until it reaches your desired spreadable consistency.
What’s the best way to use pumpkin butter?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Spread it on toast, scones, muffins, pancakes, or waffles. Stir it into yogurt or oatmeal. Use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies, or even as a spread on a grilled cheese sandwich for a sweet and savory treat!
Homemade Pumpkin Butter
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Airtight container
Ingredients
Hauptzutaten
- 15 ounces pumpkin puree one 15-ounce can, pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
- 0.5 cup brown sugar light or dark, dark brown sugar for richer flavor
- 0.33 cup apple cider adds tangy, sweet apple flavor
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup maple syrup pure maple syrup is best
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice brightens flavors
- 0.75 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice shortcut to classic fall flavor
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon sea salt enhances flavors
- 0.125 teaspoon ground cloves warm, zesty kick
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
- Place over medium heat and stir occasionally until gentle bubbles form around the edges (simmer).
- Reduce heat to low and stir frequently until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, about 30-60 minutes. The consistency should be spreadable like apple butter.
- Remove from heat and let cool in the pan. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Spoon the pumpkin butter into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.