If you’re in the mood for a spoonful of autumn coziness, look no further than this Pumpkin Butter Recipe. It’s thick, perfectly spiced, and just sweet enough to make everything feel like a special fall treat, whether you swirl it into your oatmeal or spread it on warm toast. The best part? All you need are a handful of pantry ingredients, a stovetop, and about half an hour to transform simple pumpkin purée into a luscious pumpkin butter that will leave you coming back for seconds (and thirds). It’s a celebration of everything we love about the season in one irresistibly smooth spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Pumpkin Butter Recipe is almost as fun as whipping it up! Each component plays an important role, infusing the butter with rich flavor, velvety consistency, and that gorgeous autumn hue we can’t resist.
- Pumpkin Purée: Choose pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) for the silkiest, most vibrant base.
- Apple Cider or Apple Juice: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle tang, giving the spread extra depth.
- Brown Sugar: A touch of light or dark brown sugar brings caramel-like richness and rounds out the spices.
- Maple Syrup: The earthy sweetness of maple syrup really ties the fall flavors together—don’t skip it!
- Ground Cinnamon: Essential for that warm, cozy aroma and classic autumn taste.
- Ground Nutmeg: Enhances warmth and nuance, adding just the right amount of spice.
- Ground Ginger: Gives the Pumpkin Butter Recipe a gentle zing and brightness.
- Ground Cloves: Just a hint intensifies the flavor, making each bite memorable.
- Vanilla Extract: Stirred in at the end, vanilla gives the spread its creamy, luscious finish.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the flavors, balancing sweetness beautifully.
How to Make Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Step 1: Combine Everything (Except Vanilla)
Start by adding the pumpkin purée, apple cider (or juice), brown sugar, maple syrup, all the spices, and just a pinch of salt into a medium saucepan. This is where the magic begins—give it a thorough stir until everything looks evenly mixed and the spices are beautifully distributed.
Step 2: Simmer and Stir
Place your saucepan over medium heat, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. As soon as those cozy fall scents fill your kitchen, lower the heat to keep things from bubbling over. Let it cook, uncovered, for about 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally—you want the Pumpkin Butter Recipe to thicken gradually and become spreadable, with all the flavors melding together.
Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches
Once your pumpkin mixture is thick and glossy, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This last step gives the butter an irresistibly creamy, aromatic finish. Let it cool completely before moving on (the wait builds anticipation, I promise!).
Step 4: Jar It Up
Once cooled, scoop your homemade Pumpkin Butter Recipe into a clean glass jar or any airtight container you have. Seal it up and pop it in the refrigerator—it will keep well for up to two weeks, and the flavors deepen as it sits!
How to Serve Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle your pumpkin butter with a dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup right before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or a handful of toasted pecans adds a gorgeous look and extra flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This Pumpkin Butter Recipe is a spreadable superstar—try it alongside warm toast, fluffy pancakes, waffles, or even on a stack of French toast. It’s dreamy atop oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, and swirled into cottage cheese, turning simple breakfasts into something special.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your next brunch board with a pumpkin butter jar front and center, surrounded by fresh apple slices, graham crackers, and croissants. Swirl it into the batter for muffins or quick breads for irresistible pumpkin spice aroma. Bonus: Wrap a jar with a pretty ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Storing this Pumpkin Butter Recipe couldn’t be easier! Once completely cool, just transfer it to an airtight container or a glass jar and keep it in your refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to two weeks, making it perfect for meal prep or spontaneous midnight snacks.
Freezing
If you want to keep your fall flavors going all year long, freeze leftover pumpkin butter in small containers or even ice cube trays. Thaw portions in the fridge overnight for a taste of autumn excitement whenever you need it!
Reheating
Pumpkin butter tastes delicious straight from the fridge, but if you want it a little warmer for drizzling, simply scoop what you need into a small bowl and microwave for 10–20 seconds. Stir to ensure it’s evenly heated, and enjoy that extra comfort.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée?
Absolutely! Just roast and puree your fresh pumpkin until smooth—measure out about 1 3/4 cups (equivalent to a 15-ounce can) and use it exactly the same way for a deep, homemade flavor.
Is this Pumpkin Butter Recipe safe to can at home?
Unfortunately, homemade pumpkin butter is not recommended for home canning due to its low acidity. Stick with refrigerated storage, and you’ll enjoy every spoonful safely.
Can I adjust the sweetness or spice?
Definitely! Feel free to add more maple syrup or brown sugar for sweetness, or tweak the spices to your heart’s content. This recipe is all about making it just right for you.
How do I make it smoother?
If you love an ultra-silky spread, give your pumpkin butter a quick blitz with an immersion blender or regular blender after it’s finished cooking. It transforms the texture beautifully!
Is Pumpkin Butter Recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally both vegan and gluten-free, so it’s perfect for sharing with a wide range of family and friends, or anyone with dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
You honestly can’t beat the creamy, spiced magic of this Pumpkin Butter Recipe. Whether you spread it on toast, stir it into your breakfast, or gift it to someone special, it’s guaranteed to add a cozy touch to your table. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes a new fall tradition for your family, too!
Print
Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with this homemade Pumpkin Butter recipe. Made with pumpkin puree, cozy spices, and a touch of sweetness, this spread is perfect for toast, oatmeal, or pancakes.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Butter Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cook the Pumpkin Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the pumpkin purée, apple cider, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cook on low for 20–25 minutes until thick.
- Finish and Store: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness to taste with more maple syrup or sugar
- For a smoother texture, blend with an immersion blender after cooking
- Enjoy on toast, oatmeal, or pancakes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
