Peach Butter Recipe
If you’re longing for a spoonful of pure summer sunshine all year round, Peach Butter is exactly what you need. This luscious fruit spread captures the juicy essence of ripe peaches, enhanced just right with a hint of cinnamon and brown sugar. The thick, silky texture makes it a star on toast, pancakes, or swirled into yogurt—trust me, you’ll want to put this on absolutely everything!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Peach Butter is that you only need a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients. Each one has a role to play: the peaches bring that floral sweetness, the spices add warmth, and a squeeze of lemon keeps all those flavors bright and fresh. Here’s what you’ll need (and why):
- 4 lbs ripe peaches: The star of the show—choose the ripest, juiciest peaches you can find for maximum flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste): Sweetens and helps draw out the peaches’ juices; taste as you go to suit your preference.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel depth that makes the spread truly irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and balances that natural peach sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Lends a comforting, cozy spice that pairs perfectly with peaches.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Just a sprinkle adds subtle warmth and complexity.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: Keeps the sweetness in check and makes the peach flavor pop.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds everything out with a fragrant finish.
How to Make Peach Butter
Step 1: Prepare the Peaches
Start by peeling and pitting your peaches, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. If you want to save time, blanch the peaches in boiling water for a minute, then plunge them into ice water—the skins will slip right off! Get all that gorgeous fruit into a big Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot.
Step 2: Cook the Fruit Down
Set the pot over medium heat and let the peaches cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Give them a good stir now and then, and soon you’ll see them release their sweet nectar and begin to soften. The aroma at this stage is incredible—like a peach orchard in full bloom!
Step 3: Puree Until Smooth
Once the peaches have broken down, it’s blending time. Use an immersion blender to puree everything until velvety smooth right in the pot—no need to dirty another bowl! If you don’t have an immersion blender, a standard blender does the trick—just work in batches and be careful with the hot mixture.
Step 4: Add Sweeteners and Spices
Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly. This is where the magic starts—the sugars melt in, the spices open up, and every bite of Peach Butter develops a deep, layered flavor.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer gently, uncovered, for 1 to 1 ½ hours. Stir often to prevent sticking (and sneak a taste or two!). It should reduce and thicken into a rich, spreadable butter. You’ll also see the color darken, and the kitchen will smell like pure happiness.
Step 6: Add Vanilla
In the last five minutes of cooking, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds an aromatic finish and rounds out all those bright, sweet, and spicy notes.
Step 7: Cool and Store
Let the Peach Butter cool completely before transferring it to clean jars or containers. Once cooled, store it in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, or stash it in the freezer for longer keeps. That’s it—you’re now the proud creator of homemade summer preserves!
How to Serve Peach Butter
Garnishes
A swirl of Peach Butter on hot toast or a fresh scone is a joy on its own, but you can jazz it up with a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or a few thin peach slices. For a special touch, finish with a pat of butter and let the flavors mingle.
Side Dishes
Pair Peach Butter with classic breakfast foods: pancakes, waffles, or biscuits are perfect partners. It’s delightful spooned over Greek yogurt, oatmeal, or even dolloped onto vanilla ice cream for a summertime dessert. Bonus: it’s marvelous on cheese boards, especially with mild Brie or tangy goat cheese!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re gifting jars of Peach Butter, tie on a handwritten tag and tuck a cinnamon stick under the ribbon. For brunch, offer a “butter board” with Peach Butter, fresh bread, and a medley of spreads or cheeses. Even swirl it into muffin or cake batters for a surprising twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Popped into a clean, sealed jar, Peach Butter will stay fresh and flavorful in your refrigerator for up to three weeks. The flavors actually deepen with time, so don’t be afraid to savor it slowly—if it lasts that long!
Freezing
Want to enjoy sweet Peach Butter past peach season? Just freeze it! Ladle into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion, and store for up to six months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when a craving strikes.
Reheating
If your Peach Butter thickens up after chilling or freezing, simply stir it well or warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. This will restore its luscious, spreadable texture—just like fresh!
FAQs
Can I make Peach Butter with frozen peaches?
Absolutely! Thaw the peaches and drain off any excess liquid before starting the recipe. Frozen peaches can actually make this treat possible any time of the year.
What’s the difference between peach jam and Peach Butter?
Peach jam is chunkier and usually sweeter, while Peach Butter is blended until super smooth and simmered longer for a richer, more concentrated flavor. Think of Peach Butter as the silkier, more sophisticated cousin!
How can I adjust the sweetness?
Taste as you go—it’s your butter, after all! Start with a little less sugar if your peaches are super ripe, and add more if needed. The recipe is totally flexible to your preferences.
Can I can Peach Butter for pantry storage?
Yes, you can use safe canning methods to preserve Peach Butter for even longer. Just follow tested guidelines from a reputable source, as proper acidity and sanitation are essential for safe canning.
Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
It’s both! No animal products or gluten-containing ingredients needed—just pure fruit, spices, and a touch of sugar. Perfect for almost any dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
No matter how you serve it up, Peach Butter is one of those recipes that always feels like a little homemade luxury. It’s bright, sweet, and surprisingly simple—honestly, you’ll wonder why you ever bought fruit spread at the store. I hope you give this a try and discover a new summer favorite to share and savor!
Print
Peach Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: About 3 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Learn how to make delicious peach butter at home with fresh peaches, sugar, and warming spices. This easy stovetop recipe results in a flavorful spread perfect for toast, pancakes, and more.
Ingredients
Peach Butter:
- 4 lbs ripe peaches (peeled, pitted, and chopped)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cook Peaches: Place the chopped peaches in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook for 10–15 minutes until they break down.
- Puree: Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Thicken: Cook until the mixture thickens and darkens. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Cool and Store: Let the peach butter cool before transferring to jars for refrigeration or freezing.
Notes
- For a smoother consistency, strain through a fine mesh sieve.
- This peach butter is versatile and pairs well with toast, pancakes, yogurt, or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
