Spiced Pumpkin Butter Recipe
If you want a jar of cozy, autumnal bliss at your fingertips, look no further than Spiced Pumpkin Butter. This velvety spread is packed with warm spices, subtle sweetness, and the unmistakable flavor of pumpkin that feels like fall in every bite. With just a handful of pantry staples and a single saucepan, you can whip up a batch of this irresistible treat that instantly elevates toast, pancakes, muffins, or even your morning yogurt. Whether shared as a charming homemade gift or kept all to yourself, Spiced Pumpkin Butter is the kind of recipe you’ll make on repeat all season long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how simple it is to create a treat that tastes like a spoonful of autumn sunshine. Each ingredient plays a special role: pumpkin creates the creamy base, brown sugar and maple syrup add depth, apple juice brightens the flavor, and those classic spices make your kitchen smell absolutely magical.
- Pumpkin purée (1 can, 15 ounces): Opt for 100 percent pure pumpkin for the richest, silkiest texture—you’ll want the kind with no sugar or spices added.
- Apple juice or apple cider (1/2 cup): This gives a light, fruity tang that enhances pumpkin’s natural flavor.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Brown sugar provides a soft sweetness with a hint of molasses that deepens the overall flavor.
- Maple syrup (1/4 cup): Real maple syrup brings a luxurious, earthy sweetness and keeps things ultra spreadable.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): This is the signature spice; don’t be shy with it!
- Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and warmth to balance the sweetness.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Just a hint makes every bite extra cozy and fragrant.
- Ground cloves (1/8 teaspoon): A tiny touch adds that unmistakable spiced complexity.
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Believe it or not, a pinch really helps those flavors sing.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Stirred in at the end, vanilla rounds out all the aromatic notes of your Spiced Pumpkin Butter.
How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Butter
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Grab a medium-sized saucepan and add the pumpkin purée, apple juice or cider, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Give everything a good stir to blend the ingredients evenly. You’ll already start to smell the essence of autumn wafting through your kitchen before the heat even hits!
Step 2: Start the Simmer
Place your saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. It’s important not to use high heat here—the flavors meld and deepen best at a slow, steady pace. As everything warms up, the mixture will look glossy and inviting, and you’ll see just how luscious Spiced Pumpkin Butter is going to be.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let your pumpkin butter cook, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir frequently to keep the bottom from scorching. As it bubbles and thickens, the color changes to a gorgeous, deep orange-brown and the aroma is absolutely enchanting. This is when the magic happens!
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch
Remove your pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This simple step brings the whole symphony of flavors together. For an ultra-smooth texture, you can use an immersion blender right in the pot—your Spiced Pumpkin Butter will become silky and spreadable, ready for endless creations.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Allow your pumpkin butter to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge and let it chill for at least a few hours to let those flavors settle and intensify. Now you’re just a scoop away from pure pumpkin joy.
How to Serve Spiced Pumpkin Butter
Garnishes
For a truly eye-catching finish, try sprinkling your Spiced Pumpkin Butter with a dusting of cinnamon, a swirl of maple syrup, roasted pepitas, or even a dollop of whipped cream when serving on toast or pancakes. These simple touches make every bite feel special.
Side Dishes
This dreamy spread is a star at breakfast or brunch but don’t forget to offer it alongside warm muffins, scones, rustic bread, or even as a dip for sliced apples and pears. It’s also fantastic spooned over oatmeal or yogurt for an instant upgrade.
Creative Ways to Present
Gift small jars of Spiced Pumpkin Butter tied with ribbon as a heartfelt gesture for teachers, neighbors, or holiday hosts. At home, swirl it into cheesecake batter, layer it in parfaits, or even use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies. Let your imagination run wild—there are so many delicious directions to go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your homemade Spiced Pumpkin Butter will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Store it in a tightly sealed jar or container, and be sure to use a clean utensil each time to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze Spiced Pumpkin Butter in small, airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Be sure to leave a bit of space for expansion. It will stay delicious for up to three months—thaw overnight in the fridge whenever you’re ready to enjoy autumn all over again.
Reheating
If your pumpkin butter thickens up in the fridge or after freezing, simply spoon it into a saucepan and warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of apple juice or water if needed to loosen the texture. Stir well, and it’s as good as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin purée instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just be sure your homemade pumpkin purée is thick and well-drained so your Spiced Pumpkin Butter isn’t too watery. Roasted pie pumpkins or butternut squash both make great options for homemade purée.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
Because Spiced Pumpkin Butter is low in acid and high in moisture, it’s not safe for home canning using traditional methods. It’s best enjoyed fresh and stored in the fridge or freezer instead.
Can I make this recipe sugar-free or use different sweeteners?
Yes! You can substitute coconut sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute if you wish, though each will alter the flavor slightly. Just be sure to taste and adjust—the magic of Spiced Pumpkin Butter is in balancing sweetness and spice.
How do I fix pumpkin butter that’s too thick or runny?
If it’s too thick, simply stir in a splash of apple juice until you reach the desired consistency. For runny pumpkin butter, simmer a bit longer uncovered to help it reduce and thicken up nicely.
Are there dairy or gluten ingredients in this recipe?
Not at all! This Spiced Pumpkin Butter is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, so it’s perfect for just about everyone at the table.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll find this Spiced Pumpkin Butter as irresistible as I do—there’s nothing quite like a dollop of it to spark some seasonal magic, no matter the time of year. Give it a try, get creative with how you serve it, and watch it become your new cozy kitchen tradition!
Print
Spiced Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Indulge in the warm flavors of autumn with this homemade Spiced Pumpkin Butter. Perfect for spreading on toast or adding to your favorite fall dishes, this easy recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin purée
- 1/2 cup apple juice or cider
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine pumpkin purée, apple juice, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir well.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Thicken and Flavor: The mixture will thicken and darken slightly. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool.
- Store: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend the finished pumpkin butter with an immersion blender.
- Delicious on toast, pancakes, muffins, yogurt, or oatmeal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
