Imagine a spread so decadent, so perfectly spiced, that it transforms your ordinary breakfast into a cozy autumn experience. This homemade Pumpkin Butter is not just a recipe; it's a warm hug in a jar that captures the essence of fall in every single bite. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty crockpot, you'll create a luxurious, velvety spread that will have your family and friends begging for more.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and measure them precisely, ensuring you have fresh, high-quality pumpkin puree (preferably homemade or canned pure pumpkin).
- In a medium-sized crockpot, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Stir ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, even mixture.
- Set your crockpot to low heat setting, which will allow the ingredients to slowly caramelize and develop rich, deep flavors without burning.
- Cover the crockpot and let the mixture cook for approximately 4 hours, stirring occasionally (every 45-60 minutes) to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- As the pumpkin butter cooks, it will gradually thicken and darken, developing a rich, concentrated flavor and smooth consistency.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add lemon juice and stir well. This will brighten the flavors and help balance the sweetness.
- To test doneness, the pumpkin butter should be thick, spreadable, and have a deep amber color. When you drag a spoon through it, the mixture should hold its shape.
- Once cooking is complete, turn off the crockpot and let the pumpkin butter cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the cooled pumpkin butter to clean, sterilized glass jars with tight-fitting lids.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or as a delicious autumn-inspired spread.
Tips
- Use high-quality pumpkin puree for the best flavor - fresh or canned pure pumpkin works best, avoiding pumpkin pie filling.
- Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization.
- For a smoother consistency, you can blend the butter after cooking using an immersion blender.
- Experiment with spice ratios to suit your taste preferences.
- Ensure jars are completely sterilized before storing to extend shelf life.
- For gift-giving, consider using decorative mason jars and adding a ribbon for a personal touch.
- If the butter seems too thick, you can thin it with a little water or apple cider during cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
