Get ready to fall in love with a sensational autumnal spread—Pumpkin Butter! Thick, velvety, sweet, and perfectly spiced, this easy homemade delight captures all the cozy flavors of the season in just half an hour. If you’re craving the taste of spiced pumpkin pie on your morning toast, oatmeal, or pancakes, let’s take your breakfast game to a whole new level!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Big Fall Flavor: Every spoonful bursts with the iconic warmth of autumn thanks to pumpkin, brown sugar, maple, and classic pumpkin pie spices.
- Super Simple: Just one pot and a handful of pantry staples, and you’re only 30 minutes away from homemade Pumpkin Butter happiness!
- Versatile Uses: Spread it, swirl it, dollop it—on toast, yogurt, muffins, or even ice cream, this recipe is the ultimate kitchen multitasker.
- Homemade is Better: You get to control the sweetness, spice, and quality—no weird ingredients or waterlogged substitutes here!
Ingredients & Substitutions
What makes this Pumpkin Butter truly shine is how every ingredient works together to create that signature thick, spreadable texture and a deep, caramelized sweetness. Each item is there for a reason, but don’t worry—there are plenty of easy swaps if you need them!
- Pumpkin Purée: The star of the show! Use 100% pure pumpkin purée for best results; avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains extra water and spices.
- Brown Sugar: Adds rich, molasses-y sweetness and helps deepen the color as the butter simmers.
- Maple Syrup: Brings a cozy, caramel-like undertone—you can use honey if you’d prefer.
- Apple Juice: A splash brightens the flavor and adds a hint of tartness; apple cider also works beautifully.
- Lemon Juice: Keeps the spread tangy, balanced, and fresh-tasting.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend delivers that distinctive holiday spice. Don’t have it? Substitute with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Cinnamon: For a boost of sweet warmth and aroma.
- Sea Salt: Just a pinch wakes up all the other flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: A finishing touch that adds roundness and depth.
How to Make Pumpkin Butter
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Grab a small or medium saucepan and add all your ingredients—pumpkin purée, brown sugar, maple syrup, apple juice, lemon juice, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, sea salt, and vanilla extract. Give everything a thorough whisk to make sure the spices dissolve and everything is evenly blended before you start cooking.
Step 2: Simmer Low and Slow
Turn the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 25 minutes. Whisk often—really, every few minutes! This keeps the Pumpkin Butter silky smooth and prevents any bits from sticking and scorching on the bottom. As it cooks, you’ll see the color deepen and the texture thicken up beautifully.
Step 3: Check for Perfect Consistency
Your Pumpkin Butter is ready when it’s thick enough to mound on a spoon and has taken on a rich, caramel-copper hue. If you want it even thicker, just simmer a few minutes longer, stirring constantly toward the end to prevent burning. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before transferring to your favorite jar or container.
How to Serve Pumpkin Butter
Garnishes
You can keep things classic with a sprinkle of cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg on top, or stir in a swirl of extra maple syrup just before serving. For a festive touch, try scattering chopped toasted pecans or pepitas over the spread—it adds both crunch and autumn flair.
Side Dishes
Pumpkin Butter is the hero of any breakfast or brunch spread. Slather it over warm toast, bagels, or English muffins, or offer it alongside scones, pancakes, waffles, or even a cheese board for a sweet note. It’s also divine stirred into plain yogurt or oatmeal—the options are endless!
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming homemade gift, spoon Pumpkin Butter into cute glass jars and tie them with rustic twine and a handwritten label. At a party, serve it in a small dish with mini spoons next to warm biscuits or a graze board. Or, swirl it over cheesecake or ice cream for a dessert that shouts “fall is here!”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Pumpkin Butter cools completely, pop it into a jar or airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks. It will firm up a little as it chills, developing even more concentrated flavor over time—so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better on day two!
Freezing
Need to preserve that autumn magic for later? Transfer Pumpkin Butter to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to six months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for perfectly creamy results.
Reheating
If you love your pumpkin butter warm, simply spoon some into a microwave-safe bowl and heat gently in 10–15 second bursts, stirring between each, until just warmed through. Alternatively, warm it on the stovetop over low heat—just don’t let it simmer or it may thicken more than you like.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée?
Absolutely! Just roast and purée your own pumpkin for an even more homemade touch. Make sure it’s cooked down and well-blended—if it’s a bit watery, let it strain or simmer uncovered a bit longer to thicken before adding the other ingredients.
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Is it okay to use pumpkin pie filling instead?
It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin purée, since pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar, spices, and extra liquid, which can make the Pumpkin Butter runny and overly sweet. The flavor and texture just aren’t the same!
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Does Pumpkin Butter need to be canned for long-term storage?
No, this recipe isn’t designed for canning since it doesn’t contain enough sugar or acid to be safely stored at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is the way to go.
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What are some fun ways to use Pumpkin Butter besides toast?
So many! Spread it inside grilled cheese, swirl into yogurt, use as a filling for thumbprint cookies, dollop over pancakes, or layer in parfaits with granola. You can even use it on roasted sweet potatoes or as a “frosting” for cinnamon rolls. Get creative!
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t made homemade Pumpkin Butter yet, now’s the perfect time to treat yourself. It’s cozy, customizable, and genuinely easy—a sweet little luxury you’ll want to keep in your fridge all autumn long (and maybe even beyond). I hope you’ll give it a try and discover just how much joy a spoonful can bring!
Print
Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade Pumpkin Butter recipe is a delightful fall treat that can be spread on toast, added to yogurt, or used as a filling for pastries. Made with warm spices and natural sweeteners, it’s a cozy addition to your autumn menu.
Ingredients
Brown Sugar:
6 Tbsp
Pumpkin Purée:
1 29 oz can
Maple Syrup:
2 Tbsp
Apple Juice:
1/4 cup
Lemon Juice:
1 tsp
Pumpkin Pie Spice:
2 tsp
Cinnamon:
1/4 tsp
Sea Salt:
1/8 tsp
Vanilla Extract:
1/2 tsp
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
- The color will darken slightly as it simmers. Keep whisking to prevent burning.
- Once a smooth, thick texture is achieved with a deeper color, you’re done!
Simmer on low heat for 25 min, whisking often.
Notes
- It may seem like using pumpkin pie filling in a can is an easy substitute, but they add water and additional ingredients that don’t yield the same texture.
- Apple cider is a delicious substitute!
