If you’re looking for a new homemade treat to spread on your morning toast or swirl into your favorite yogurt, Peach Butter is absolutely calling your name! This sweet, softly spiced preserve captures the essence of sun-ripened peaches in a velvety, spoonable spread. It’s pure comfort in a jar, combining golden fruit, gentle warm spices, and just enough sweetness to let the natural flavor shine. Whether you make it stovetop or use your trusty slow cooker, every bite of Peach Butter feels like eating summer by the spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great Peach Butter starts with a handful of basic ingredients, each one chosen to highlight the peaches’ juicy, fragrant character. Treat yourself to ripe fruit and a pinch of spice, and watch how a few pantry staples transform into a truly irresistible spread.
- Ripe Peaches: Choose peaches that give a little when pressed; their juicy sweetness forms the heart of your butter and rewards you with the richest flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides a clean, subtle sweetness to balance the natural tartness of the fruit.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a mellow, caramel note that deepens the color and enhances the cozy aroma.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens up the peaches and helps preserve the color, while lending just enough tang to keep everything lively.
- Ground Cinnamon: A hint of spice gives that classic, homestyle comfort you expect in fruit butter.
- Ground Nutmeg: A pinch of this spice adds warmth and complexity, elevating the overall flavor.
- Salt: Just a touch brings all the flavors into balance, making each bite of Peach Butter pop.
How to Make Peach Butter
Step 1: Prep the Peaches
Once your peaches are at their juiciest, peel, pit, and chop them into bite-sized pieces. If your peaches are especially ripe, the skins should slide off easily; otherwise, a quick blanch in boiling water will help. Removing the skins guarantees the silkiest final texture for your Peach Butter.
Step 2: Combine and Mix
Add your chopped peaches to a large saucepan (or your slow cooker for a hands-off method). Sprinkle in both sugars, the lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well, making sure all the pieces are coated; this not only blends the flavors, but also draws out the peaches’ juices, kickstarting the process in the most fragrant way.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your heat to low and let everything cook gently for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. If you’re using the slow cooker, set it to low and relax. Over time, the peaches will melt down into a golden, bubbly pool, and the aroma will fill your kitchen with pure summer nostalgia. Patience is key here—slow cooking is what makes Peach Butter luscious and concentrated in flavor.
Step 4: Puree Until Smooth
Once the peaches have broken down, use an immersion blender right in the pot to blend until completely smooth. Prefer a super-fine Peach Butter? Blitz it in batches in your countertop blender. The texture should be satiny and spreadable, but not runny.
Step 5: Cook Down Further
Now let your Peach Butter cook uncovered for another 30 to 60 minutes, stirring more frequently as it thickens. You’re looking for a consistency that holds its shape on a spoon but is easy to spread. Trust your eye (and your taste!) here; there’s nothing wrong with a little sampling while you stir.
Step 6: Store and Cool
When your Peach Butter has reached peak thickness, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Use a ladle to transfer the warm preserve into clean jars or storage containers. Store in the fridge once cooled—or freeze for future sunny breakfasts.
How to Serve Peach Butter
Garnishes
A swirl of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans amps up the Peach Butter’s natural sweetness. For extra beauty, top with a fresh peach slice or a pinch of cinnamon right before serving—each garnish highlights the summery vibe!
Side Dishes
Peach Butter is incredible on classic buttery biscuits or warm scones. Try it atop pancakes, waffles, or even as a sweet layer in grilled cheese sandwiches with sharp cheddar. Spread it thick on warm toast or English muffins for a breakfast that feels like a treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon Peach Butter into mini jars for gorgeous edible gifts during peach season. Dollop onto yogurt parfaits, swirl into oatmeal, or use as a fruity filling for thumbprint cookies. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a layer to a cake or drizzle over vanilla ice cream for a fancy dessert flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Peach Butter keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three weeks when stored in clean, airtight containers. Think of it as your secret weapon for quick breakfasts and snacks—just pull out a jar and spread a little sunshine any time the craving hits.
Freezing
To store your Peach Butter longer, freeze portions in freezer-safe jars or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Make sure to leave a little space at the top for expansion. Frozen, it will last for up to six months, always ready to brighten a cold day with a little burst of peachy flavor.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Peach Butter if you’re using it as a spread; simply let it come to room temperature for easy spreading. If you’d like it warmed—perhaps as a topping for waffles—microwave in 10-second bursts, stirring in between, until just heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches to make Peach Butter?
Yes, frozen peaches work just as well as fresh—just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. This way, you can enjoy homemade Peach Butter any time of year, even when peaches are out of season.
Do I need to peel the peaches?
For the smoothest texture, peeling the peaches is best, but if you love a little rustic texture or want to save time, you can leave the skins on. Just blend your Peach Butter extra well to break down the peels.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely! If your peaches are naturally very sweet, feel free to cut back on the sugar to taste—just remember that sugar not only sweetens but helps preserve the fruit and gives the final spread a glossy finish.
Is Peach Butter the same as peach jam?
No, Peach Butter is smoother, silkier, and a bit thicker than jam because it’s cooked longer and slowly concentrated. Unlike jam, it usually doesn’t contain any added pectin, and the focus is really on getting that luxurious, spoonable texture.
What’s the best way to gift Peach Butter?
Sterilize small glass jars and fill them with your homemade Peach Butter, then tie on a ribbon and a handwritten label. It’s a heartfelt, delicious gift for teachers, neighbors, or anyone who appreciates a taste of homemade sunshine.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tasted homemade Peach Butter, it’s hard to go back to store-bought spreads. Simple, satisfying, and bursting with peachy goodness, this recipe is always a standout at breakfast, brunch, or as a thoughtful gift. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for your next jar before you know it!
Print
Peach Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop or Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Learn how to make delicious Peach Butter at home with this easy recipe. This sweet and fragrant fruit spread is perfect for toast, biscuits, pancakes, or even as a yogurt mix-in.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs ripe peaches (peeled, pitted, and chopped)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp salt
Instructions
- Place the chopped peaches in a large saucepan or slow cooker. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Cook over low heat (or on the low setting in a slow cooker) for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peaches have broken down and the mixture thickens.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth, or transfer to a blender in batches.
- Continue cooking uncovered for another 30 to 60 minutes, stirring frequently, until the peach butter reaches your desired consistency.
- Once thick and spreadable, remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer to clean jars and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, peel the peaches before cooking.
- You can adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your fruit.
- Great as a spread on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or stirred into yogurt.
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