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
Scale
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
