This homemade peach butter is thick, silky smooth, and has a deep, rich caramel flavor from fresh summer peaches and brown sugar. Spread it on warm biscuits, stir it into oatmeal, or spoon it over vanilla ice cream.
Jump to:
I love making homemade fruit butters and sauces with fresh seasonal produce, and peach season is one of my favorites. Making a peach crumble pie and a peach dump cake is usually my first task. Then I cook the rest into a thick, silky spread.
Most peach butters use white sugar so the color stays lighter, but I prefer to use brown sugar instead. It gives this peach butter a deeper, richer caramel flavor and creates such a rich, dark amber color that is so pretty in jars.
We enjoyed this homemade peach butter on biscuits, toast, and even in a fun summer latte. And it makes the most beautiful homemade gift too! A jar tied with a ribbon and a tag is one of my favorite gifts for friends and neighbors in peach season.
Why You'll Love This Peach Butter Recipe
- Richer flavor and deeper color. Using brown sugar produces a dark amber color and a sweet caramel undertone.
- No pectin required! Just cook it low and slow, and the peaches do all the work naturally. No special ingredients or equipment needed!
- So many ways to enjoy it. Toast, biscuits, oatmeal, yogurt, ice cream, and so much more. You will find yourself reaching for it every time you open the fridge.
- Makes a beautiful gift. Spoon it into a pretty mason jar and tie on a ribbon. This makes a thoughtful and delicious gift for anyone who loves homemade goodies.
What is Peach Butter?
Peach butter is a thick, silky fruit spread made by cooking fresh peaches down until they become a rich, concentrated puree. Contrary to the name, it does not contain any butter! The name comes from the smooth, buttery texture of the finished spread.
Key Ingredients
All you need are a few simple ingredients and some fresh fruit to make this easy peach butter recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card for the exact amounts and instructions.
- Peaches: Use ripe fruit for the best flavor and color. Smaller to medium-sized peaches have more moisture and flavor than the larger ones. Frozen peaches that are thawed and drained work great when fresh ones are not in season.
- Granulated Sugar: Helps to draw out the natural juices and sweeten the fruit as it cooks.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the peach flavor and balances the sweetness. The acidic liquid also helps to activate the natural pectin in fruit.
- Light Brown Sugar: Gives the spread a deep flavor and dark color. You can use dark brown sugar if you want an even more intense caramel flavor.
- Spices: A mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves adds a warm, cozy flavor that pairs well with the peach puree and brown sugar. Feel free to use different spice blends.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a rich, warm flavor to the finished product.
How To Make Peach Butter
Making peach butter on the stovetop is very easy. It is the quickest method, but also requires the most attention.
- Cook the peaches. Pit and chop the fresh fruit, then place them in a large pot with the lemon juice and white sugar. No need to peel them since they get blended later. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are soft.
- Blend until smooth. Remove the pot from the heat and cool for 5 minutes. Use a metal immersion blender or food mill to puree the cooked fruit. A regular blender works too; just be careful with the hot liquid.
- Add the brown sugar and spices. Stir in the brown sugar, spices, and salt, then return to the pot to the heat. Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and turns a dark color.
- Stir in the vanilla. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer the peach mixture to jars or airtight containers and refrigerate.
Best Ways To Use Homemade Peach Butter
- Spread it on toast, biscuits, English muffins, or vanilla scones.
- Stir it into oatmeal, yogurt, or cottage cheese.
- Add bowls of it to a charcuterie board or cheese plate, then dip crackers or pretzels into it.
- Swirl it into cheesecakes, coffee cakes, or muffin batters.
- Use it on cinnamon sugar waffles, pancakes, or French toast.
- Use it in sandwiches with peanut butter.
BruCrew Tips
- Use ripe peaches. Choose peaches that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch for the best flavor. If they are too overripe, they can make the spread taste slightly fermented.
- Don't peel the peaches. Since everything gets blended until smooth, you do not need to peel them first. Just pit, chop, and you are good to go.
- Use a metal immersion blender. A plastic blade will melt and warp in a hot mixture. Always use metal when blending hot fruit butters!
- Be careful when stirring. As the peach butter thickens, it can stick to the bottom. Keep stirring, especially in the last 15 minutes, and use a splatter shield or tilted lid to minimize mess.
- It will thicken more as it cools. Pull the pot off the heat when it is looser than your desired consistency. As it cools, it will thicken more. If you continue to cook it down, it may be thicker than you like once it sets.
- Label your jars. Write the date on the jar, so you know when it was made. This is helpful if you are making multiple batches or freezing some to enjoy in the middle of winter.
- Give as gifts. Fill small jars, tie on a ribbon, and add a little tag. Just make sure to let them know to keep it refrigerated or frozen!
Storage Recommendations
In the Refrigerator: Let the peach butter cool completely, then spoon into small glass jars or an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 weeks.
In the Freezer: Spoon it into freezer bags or containers and freeze for 6-8 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
FAQs
The butter is ready when it's thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon and doesn't slide off. When you pull a spatula through the pot, it shouldn't quickly return to its original state. Remember, it will thicken as it cools. So take it off the heat before it reaches your desired consistency.
Combine all ingredients, except vanilla, in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. Or cook on high for 4 to 5 hours.
You can reduce it slightly, but keep in mind the brown sugar is what gives this peach butter its deep color and rich flavor. Reducing it too much will result in a lighter color. Start with ¾s of the amount called for and adjust from there.
More Homemade Butters and Fruit Preserves
- Apple Butter
- Pumpkin Butter
- Strawberry Chia Jam
- Cherry Preserves
- Seedless Blackberry Preserves
- Lemon Curd
Do you love a recipe you tried from Inside BruCrew Life?
Please leave a 5-star ⭐️ rating and a review in the comments section below.
Recipe
Peach Butter
This homemade peach butter is thick, silky smooth, and has a deep, rich caramel flavor from fresh summer peaches and brown sugar. Spread it on warm biscuits, stir it into oatmeal, or spoon it over vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds pitted and diced peaches (3 large)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place the diced peaches, lemon juice, and granulated sugar in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes or until the fruit is soft.
- Remove the pot from the heat and cool for 5 minutes. Use a metal immersion blender to puree the cooked fruit.
- Stir in the brown sugar, spices, and salt. Simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, until thickened. Stir often and be careful of hot splatters.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Let cool completely, then stir into jars and refrigerate.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 2 tablespoonsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 216Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 7mgCarbohydrates: 54gFiber: 2gSugar: 51gProtein: 1g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
Leave a Reply