Pumpkin Butter Recipe
The Pumpkin Butter Recipe is a delightful spread that captures the essence of fall in every bite. This rich and creamy pumpkin butter transforms simple canned pumpkin into a luscious treat perfect for toast, ice cream, or even as a filling for pastries. It’s not just easy to make but also versatile enough for various occasions, from breakfast to dessert. Enjoy the warm spices and sweet aroma that will fill your kitchen while this recipe simmers away.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With only a few ingredients and minimal preparation, this recipe is straightforward for anyone to follow.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices creates a warm, cozy taste that enhances any dish it’s paired with.
- Versatile Uses: Perfect as a spread on toast, a topping for desserts, or an ingredient in baking.
- Makes a Great Gift: Packaged in cute jars, this pumpkin butter makes a thoughtful homemade gift during the fall season.
- Healthy Option: Made from natural ingredients, this recipe provides a delicious way to enjoy seasonal flavors without preservatives.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your pumpkin butter, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Jars for storage
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. It’s hands-off cooking at its best!
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining ingredients easily before cooking.
- Spoon or spatula: You’ll need this for stirring the mixture thoroughly and transferring it into jars.
Ingredients
The best pumpkin butter you will ever taste! Transform canned pumpkin into decadent pumpkin butter. Great on ice cream or toast.
For the Pumpkin Butter
- 45 oz. canned 100% pumpkin puree (three 15-oz. cans OR a 29-oz. can and a 15 oz. can)
- 2 ½ cups light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 cups apple juice (cider works well too)
- 1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp. ground cloves
- ⅛ tsp. ground ginger
- 1 dash salt
How to Make Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- In your mixing bowl, add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, apple juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt.
- Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Cook the Mixture
- Pour the mixture into your slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours.
Step 3: Cool and Store
- Once cooking is complete, stir the pumpkin butter gently with a spoon.
- Allow it to cool on the counter for an hour before spooning it into jars for storage.
Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Butter Recipe, perfect for spreading joy during any season!
How to Serve Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Pumpkin butter is a versatile spread that can elevate many dishes. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast or as a sweet treat, there are plenty of delightful ways to serve it.
On Toast
- Classic Toast: Spread pumpkin butter on warm, toasted bread for a comforting breakfast.
- French Toast: Use it as a topping for French toast to add a rich, spiced flavor.
With Ice Cream
- Pumpkin Sundae: Drizzle pumpkin butter over vanilla ice cream for a fall-inspired sundae.
- Swirl in Soft Serve: Mix it into soft-serve ice cream for a creamy texture and sweet taste.
In Baking
- Pancakes: Use pumpkin butter as a filling or topping for pancakes instead of syrup.
- Muffin Filling: Incorporate it into muffin batter for added moisture and flavor.
As a Dip
- Fruit Dip: Serve with sliced apples or pears for a healthy snack option.
- Cheese Platter: Pair with cream cheese and crackers for an easy appetizer.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Creating the best pumpkin butter involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your pumpkin butter turns out perfectly every time.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality canned pumpkin puree and fresh spices for the best flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preferences.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low allows flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Cool Before Storing: Let the pumpkin butter cool completely before transferring it to jars to prevent condensation.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Pairing side dishes with pumpkin butter can create an unforgettable meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Cinnamon Raisin Bread: The sweet and spiced flavors complement the richness of the pumpkin butter perfectly.
- Oatmeal: Swirl in some pumpkin butter into your morning oatmeal for added sweetness and flavor.
- Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices make a crisp contrast against the creamy texture of pumpkin butter.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and spoonfuls of pumpkin butter for a delicious breakfast or snack.
- Biscuits: Warm biscuits served with pumpkin butter offer a delightful blend of flavors.
- Cheese Board: Include pumpkin butter on a cheese board alongside assorted cheeses and nuts for an elegant touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a delicious pumpkin butter recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your pumpkin butter turns out perfectly every time.
- Skipping the sugar adjustment: Not adjusting the amount of brown sugar can lead to overly sweet or bland butter. Always taste and tweak based on your pumpkin’s flavor.
- Using the wrong pumpkin puree: Using pie filling instead of plain pumpkin puree can ruin the recipe. Make sure to choose 100% canned pumpkin for the best results.
- Neglecting the spices: Forgetting to add spices can result in a flat taste. Don’t skip the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—they’re key to enhancing flavor!
- Overcooking or undercooking: Cooking for too long or too short can affect texture. Pay attention to cooking times for perfect consistency.
- Cooling too quickly: Rushing the cooling process may affect preservation. Allow your pumpkin butter to cool completely before storing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Pumpkin butter stays fresh for up to two weeks.
Freezing Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Use freezer-safe jars or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to six months; just leave space for expansion.
Reheating Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in a covered dish for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Gently heat over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the pumpkin butter recipe that might help you out.
How do I use pumpkin butter?
You can spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or use it as a topping for ice cream.
Can I make this pumpkin butter recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute apple juice with a plant-based option like almond milk.
What is the best way to serve pumpkin butter?
Pumpkin butter pairs wonderfully with bread, pancakes, and even as a filling for pastries.
How long does homemade pumpkin butter last?
In the refrigerator, it lasts about two weeks; if frozen, up to six months is ideal.
Final Thoughts
This pumpkin butter recipe is not only easy but also incredibly versatile. Enjoy its rich flavors on toast or ice cream, and feel free to customize it by adjusting spices or adding nuts. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: About 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the cozy warmth of autumn with this delightful Pumpkin Butter Recipe. This creamy, spiced spread transforms simple canned pumpkin into a luscious treat that’s perfect for toast, ice cream, and pastries. With its rich flavor profile and enticing aroma, your kitchen will be filled with the comforting scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove as it simmers away in your slow cooker. Easy to make and versatile enough for any occasion—from breakfast to dessert—this pumpkin butter also makes a thoughtful homemade gift during the fall season.
Ingredients
- 45 oz. canned 100% pumpkin puree
- 2 ½ cups light brown sugar
- 2 cups apple juice (or cider)
- 1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp. ground cloves
- ⅛ tsp. ground ginger
- Dash of salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, apple juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. Stir until well blended.
- Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and cover. Cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
- Once cooked, stir gently and allow cooling for an hour before transferring to jars for storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg