Homemade Peach Butter Recipe
If you adore the taste of fresh peaches but want to savor their rich, sweet flavor long after peach season ends, this Homemade Peach Butter Recipe is a total game-changer. Thick, smooth, and packed with the natural sweetness and warmth of cinnamon, this spread transforms humble peaches into a luscious butter that’s perfect for everything from morning toast to dessert toppings. Making it yourself is so satisfying, and once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this cozy, jarred delight in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Homemade Peach Butter Recipe means gathering just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that truly do all the hard work. Each item plays an important role—from bringing brightness and tang, to creating a beautifully spiced finish.
- 4 lbs ripe peaches: The star of the show, juicy and fragrant peaches give the butter its signature sweet and vibrant flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances the tartness of the fruit, while contributing to the smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup apple juice or water: Adds moisture to help cook the peaches down without overpowering their natural taste.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Provides a refreshing tang and helps preserve the color of the peach butter over time.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Warms the flavor profile with its aromatic, sweet spice that pairs wonderfully with peaches.
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves (optional): Adds a subtle hint of depth and complexity without overpowering the fruitiness.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances and balances the flavors, making everything pop just right.
How to Make Homemade Peach Butter Recipe
Step 1: Simmer the Peaches
Start by combining your peeled, pitted, and chopped peaches with the apple juice or water in a large saucepan set over medium heat. This gentle simmer helps soften the peaches, releasing their natural juices and setting the stage for that luscious butter texture. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on the mixture until the peaches are falling apart and tender — about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 2: Purée for Silky Smoothness
Once the peaches are wonderfully soft, it’s time to blend. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for convenience, or carefully transfer the mixture into a regular blender. Purée until silky smooth – this step is key to achieving that rich, spreadable consistency we love in peach butter.
Step 3: Add Flavors and Slow-Cook
Return the purée to the pan and mix in the sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, optional cloves, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything well to combine. Then, reduce the heat to low, and let your peach butter slowly simmer. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This low and slow approach allows the mixture to thicken beautifully, turning into the perfect peach butter texture over 1 to 1.5 hours.
Step 4: Test the Consistency
To check if your peach butter has thickened enough, spoon a bit onto a chilled plate. If it holds shape, doesn’t run, and the liquid separates, your peach butter is done. This is the moment where you know the magic is complete, and you’re ready to preserve or enjoy.
Step 5: Jar and Preserve
Ladle your hot, aromatic peach butter into sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace to allow for expansion. If you want to store it long-term, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Otherwise, let the butter cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator, where it will stay delicious for up to two weeks.
How to Serve Homemade Peach Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your peach butter experience by pairing it with a sprinkle of freshly chopped mint or a sliver of almond. These simple garnishes add a pop of color and extra layers of flavor that complement the warm, fruity spread beautifully.
Side Dishes
This homemade treat is incredibly versatile. Slather it onto warm biscuits or freshly toasted bread as a sweet companion to breakfast. It also makes a fantastic topping for vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt, adding richness and a sunny burst of peach flavor to your meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond the classic? Use your Homemade Peach Butter Recipe as a glaze for roasted pork or chicken to bring a subtle sweetness. You can also swirl it into oatmeal or pancake batter before cooking for pockets of fruity delight with every bite. The possibilities are endless and endlessly delightful!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover peach butter, store it in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks, making it perfect for adding a quick sweet twist to your snacks or meals during that time.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is your friend. Portion the peach butter into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen peach butter can last for several months while retaining its luscious taste and texture, so you can enjoy your homemade creation well beyond peach season.
Reheating
When you’re ready to use frozen peach butter, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If you’d like it warm, gently heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to bring out that fresh, comforting aroma again before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches to make peach butter?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work well, especially when fresh peaches are out of season. Just thaw them completely before starting your recipe to ensure even cooking and consistency.
Do I need to peel the peaches before making peach butter?
Yes, peeling the peaches helps achieve a smoother, silkier texture in your peach butter. The skin can add a bit of graininess, so removing it creates a more refined final product.
How sweet should my peach butter be?
This recipe strikes a nice balance between sweet and tangy. However, you can adjust the sugar to suit your preference, adding a little more if you like it very sweet or reducing it slightly for a more natural fruit-forward taste.
Is it necessary to can the peach butter?
Canning is recommended if you want to store the peach butter at room temperature for extended periods. If not, simply refrigerate and consume within two weeks for the best freshness and flavor.
What is the difference between peach butter and peach jam?
Peach butter is cooked longer and puréed smooth until thick and spreadable without chunks, unlike jam which usually has pieces of fruit and a more jelly-like consistency. Peach butter also tends to have a richer, more concentrated flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Homemade Peach Butter Recipe is one of those rewarding kitchen adventures that fills your home with such wonderful aromas and gives you a jar of pure peachy goodness to enjoy anytime. Whether you spread it on toast, dollop it on desserts, or use it in savory dishes, it’s a delicious way to celebrate peaches all year round. Trust me, once you try making it yourself, it will become a beloved staple that you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
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Homemade Peach Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 3 half-pint jars (about 3 cups) 1x
Description
This homemade Peach Butter recipe transforms ripe peaches into a smooth, spiced spread perfect for toast, biscuits, or desserts. Slow-cooked and naturally sweetened with sugar and lemon juice, this buttery preserve combines cinnamon and optional cloves for a warm, flavorful treat.
Ingredients
Peach Butter Ingredients
- 4 lbs ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup apple juice or water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chopped peaches and apple juice (or water) into a large saucepan over medium heat, preparing the fruit base for cooking.
- Cook Peaches: Heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches become very soft and start breaking down.
- Purée Peaches: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the mixture to a regular blender to purée the cooked peaches until smooth and consistent.
- Add Flavorings: Return the smooth peach purée to the saucepan. Stir in sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground cloves (if using), and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture, stirring frequently, for 1 to 1.5 hours. Continue until the mixture thickens to a buttery consistency that holds its shape when spooned.
- Test Consistency: Spoon a small amount onto a plate; it should not run or separate, indicating the peach butter is properly thickened.
- Jar and Preserve: Ladle the hot peach butter into sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace. Seal the jars and process in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes to ensure safe preservation.
- Cool and Store: Alternatively, let the peach butter cool, then refrigerate it. It will keep fresh for up to 2 weeks when refrigerated.
Notes
- Peeling peaches can be made easier by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds and then plunging into ice water.
- Use ripe peaches for best flavor and natural sweetness.
- The optional ground cloves add a subtle warmth but can be omitted if preferred.
- If canning, ensure jars and lids are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage.
- Peach butter can also be frozen for longer storage if not canned.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent burning at the bottom of the pan.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
