Pumpkin Butter Recipe
The Pumpkin Butter Recipe you are about to discover is an absolute delight! This creamy, spiced spread is perfect for toast, pancakes, or even as a topping on ice cream. It’s not just simple to make but also incredibly versatile for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast at home or a festive gathering with friends. Enjoy the rich flavors of fall all year round!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up this delicious pumpkin butter in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and sweet notes creates a perfect balance, making every bite a treat.
- Versatile Usage: Use it as a spread for bread, an ice cream topping, or stir it into oatmeal for added flavor.
- Great for Gifting: Package your homemade pumpkin butter in cute jars and share with friends and family during the holidays.
- Long Shelf Life: This pumpkin butter can be stored for weeks, allowing you to enjoy its delightful taste long after making it.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process of this pumpkin butter recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will help streamline your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Jars for storage
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Perfect for evenly cooking the pumpkin mixture over low heat without constant supervision.
- Mixing spoon: Essential for thoroughly combining ingredients before cooking.
- Measuring cups: Ensure precise measurements for consistent results every time.
Ingredients
The best pumpkin butter you will ever taste! Transform canned pumpkin into decadent pumpkin butter. Great on ice cream or toast.
For the Pumpkin Butter
- 45 oz. canned 100% pumpkin puree (three 15-oz. cans OR a 29-oz. can and a 15 oz. can)
- 2 ½ cups light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 cups apple juice (cider works well too)
- 1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
- ÂĽ tsp. ground cloves
- â…› tsp. ground ginger
- 1 dash salt
How to Make Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients listed above. Measure each component accurately using your measuring cups and spoons.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In your slow cooker:
1. Add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, apple juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt.
2. Stir well until everything is nicely combined.
Step 3: Cook the Mixture
Cover the slow cooker:
– Cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
– Stir occasionally if possible to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Once cooked:
1. Stir the mixture again to ensure it’s well blended.
2. Allow the pumpkin butter to cool on the counter for one hour before transferring it into jars for storage.
Enjoy your homemade pumpkin butter as a delightful addition to various dishes!
How to Serve Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Pumpkin butter is a versatile treat that can elevate many dishes. Whether you enjoy it on breakfast items or as part of dessert, here are some delicious serving suggestions.
On Toast
- Use whole grain or sourdough bread for a hearty base. Spread a generous layer of pumpkin butter for a delightful breakfast option.
With Ice Cream
- Drizzle pumpkin butter over vanilla ice cream. This combination creates a warm and cool dessert experience that’s perfect for any season.
In Oatmeal
- Stir in pumpkin butter into your morning oatmeal. This adds flavor and sweetness, making your breakfast more enjoyable.
As a Dip
- Serve pumpkin butter as a dip with sliced apples or pears. The natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the fruit’s tartness.
In Baking
- Incorporate pumpkin butter into baked goods like muffins or pancakes for added moisture and flavor.
On Pancakes or Waffles
- Top fluffy pancakes or waffles with pumpkin butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an autumn-inspired breakfast.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Butter Recipe
To make the best pumpkin butter, follow these easy tips for optimal flavor and texture.
- Choose quality pumpkin puree: Using high-quality canned pumpkin ensures rich flavor.
- Adjust spices to taste: Feel free to experiment with spices like allspice or cardamom for a unique taste.
- Cook low and slow: Cooking on low heat allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Store properly: Keep your pumpkin butter in airtight jars in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spices can significantly enhance the flavor profile of your pumpkin butter.
- Taste before serving: Always give your pumpkin butter a taste test before serving; adjust sweetness if necessary.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your pumpkin butter can enhance any meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavor beautifully.
- Cinnamon Roll Waffles – These sweet and fluffy waffles are drizzled with icing, making them perfect alongside pumpkin butter.
- Apple Crisp – The warm spices in apple crisp pair excellently with the sweet notes of pumpkin butter.
- Sweet Potato Biscuits – Flaky and buttery, these biscuits are ideal for spreading on with pumpkin butter.
- Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses, especially creamy varieties, balances out the sweetness of the pumpkin spread.
- Granola Bars – Homemade granola bars provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with smooth pumpkin butter.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots or squash can be drizzled with pumpkin butter for added flavor.
- Savory Scones – Cheese scones offer a savory element that complements the sweet richness of pumpkin butter.
- Pecan Pie Bars – Sweet and nutty, these bars provide an indulgent dessert option when served with a dollop of pumpkin butter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your pumpkin butter, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Using the wrong type of pumpkin: Always opt for 100% pumpkin puree. Avoid using pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor.
- Not adjusting sweetness: Some might find the recipe too sweet. Consider reducing the brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet taste.
- Ignoring cooking times: Cooking your pumpkin butter too short or too long can affect texture. Make sure to follow the recommended cooking times closely for best results.
- Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the pumpkin butter to cool is crucial. Remember that skipping this can result in a runny consistency when stored.
- Not storing properly: Using the wrong containers can spoil your pumpkin butter faster. Use airtight jars or containers for optimal storage.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Freeze in freezer-safe jars or containers.
- It can be stored for up to 6 months.
Reheating Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe dish for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 20-30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat while stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about our pumpkin butter recipe.
How do I make pumpkin butter recipe thicker?
To thicken your pumpkin butter, simply cook it longer on LOW heat. This allows excess moisture to evaporate and leads to a richer consistency.
Can I use fresh pumpkins instead?
Yes, you can! Make your own puree by roasting fresh pumpkins and blending until smooth. Just make sure to remove any seeds and skin first.
What can I serve with this pumpkin butter recipe?
Pumpkin butter is delightful on toast, pancakes, or even ice cream! It’s also great as a filling for pastries or paired with cheese.
How long does homemade pumpkin butter last?
Homemade pumpkin butter lasts about two weeks in the refrigerator and up to six months if frozen properly.
Final Thoughts
This easy Pumpkin Butter Recipe is not just delicious but incredibly versatile! Perfect for breakfast or dessert, it brings warmth and joy to any meal. Feel free to customize it—add more spices, or even mix in some nuts for a delightful twist. Give this pumpkin butter a try, and enjoy its wonderful flavors!

Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall year-round with this easy Pumpkin Butter Recipe. This creamy, spiced spread transforms simple ingredients into a delightful treat that’s perfect for slathering on toast, drizzling over pancakes, or topping off dessert. Made with canned pumpkin puree and aromatic spices, this homemade pumpkin butter is not only simple to prepare but also versatile enough to enhance a variety of dishes. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet breakfast at home or hosting a festive gathering, this pumpkin butter will bring warmth and joy to every bite. Plus, it makes a lovely gift packaged in adorable jars!
Ingredients
- 45 oz canned 100% pumpkin puree
- 2 ½ cups light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 cups apple juice (or cider)
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- ÂĽ tsp ground cloves
- â…› tsp ground ginger
- Dash of salt
Instructions
- Gather and measure all ingredients.
- In a slow cooker, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, apple juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- After cooking, stir again and let cool for one hour before transferring to jars.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 72
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg