If you’re looking for a smooth, sunshine-bright spread to capture the essence of summer, Peach Butter is pure magic in a jar. This silky preserve showcases juicy peaches slowly cooked down into a luscious, slightly spiced treat with just the right hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. Unlike jam, Peach Butter is thick and spoonable, never cloyingly sweet, and it boasts a vibrant peach flavor that will instantly brighten up toast, yogurt, or even your next cheese board. With just a few wholesome ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll bottle up the best of peach season to enjoy all year long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Peach Butter are simple but chosen with intention—each one layers in incredible flavor and contributes to that irresistible spreadable texture. As you gather these staples, imagine all the ways each element works together to make the final result sing.
- Ripe Peaches: The star of the show—choose soft, fragrant peaches for best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness and helping the butter thicken as it cooks; you can dial it back if your peaches are extra sweet.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness to balance the sweetness and preserves the peachy color.
- Ground Cinnamon: Provides a subtle warmth that enhances the fruitiness without overpowering it.
- Ground Nutmeg: Just a touch weaves complexity through every bite, making the flavor truly memorable.
- Salt: A pinch is all you need to sharpen the flavors and make them pop.
How to Make Peach Butter
Step 1: Cook Down the Peaches
Add the peeled, pitted, and chopped peaches to a large pot set over medium heat. Let them cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every so often, until the fruit softens and releases its juices. You’ll know they’re ready when the peaches start to look a little slumpy and the pot smells like pure summer.
Step 2: Purée the Peaches
Now it’s time to transform your cooked peaches into a silky base. Use an immersion blender right in the pot (or carefully ladle the mixture in batches into a regular blender) and purée until completely smooth. This step is key for that dreamy, spreadable consistency!
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Return your puréed peaches to the pot if you blended them separately. Stir in the granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Each spoonful of these additions boosts flavor and sets your Peach Butter on the path from good to glorious.
Step 4: Simmer Low and Slow
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture uncovered, stirring frequently so it never scorches on the bottom. This part takes a bit of patience—be ready for 1 to 1.5 hours of gentle bubbling. You’re looking for the mixture to reduce and thicken until it’s spreadable and holds its shape on a spoon.
Step 5: Cool and Jar
Once your Peach Butter has reached that dreamy, buttery thickness, take it off the heat and let it cool. Transfer into sterilized jars (a funnel makes this super tidy!). Once completely cool, store your jars in the fridge—unless you plan to can them for shelf-stable storage.
How to Serve Peach Butter
Garnishes
For a pop of color and a little extra flair, try garnishing your peach butter with a fresh mint leaf, a sprinkling of toasted chopped pecans, or even a delicate dusting of ground cinnamon right before serving. Each little touch adds visual appeal and a hint of extra flavor.
Side Dishes
This Peach Butter brightens up breakfast in a heartbeat. Pair it with flaky croissants, warm scones, or a thick slice of sourdough toast. It’s also fantastic swirled into plain yogurt, spooned atop pancakes, or partnered with sharp cheddar cheese for a sweet-salty snack.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve Peach Butter in tiny ramekins or jars on a charcuterie board alongside cheeses, cured meats, and crackers. Spoon it over vanilla ice cream for a fruit-first dessert, or fill thumbprint cookies for a summery twist. Let your imagination—and your peach-loving heart—guide you!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After you’ve made your Peach Butter, store any leftovers in airtight, sterilized jars in the refrigerator. It keeps wonderfully for up to three weeks—just make sure you always use a clean spoon to avoid introducing any unwanted bacteria.
Freezing
Want to savor the taste of summer even in the dead of winter? Freeze extra Peach Butter by ladling it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It thaws beautifully, and you’ll be thrilled to have a stash ready whenever you’re craving bright fruit flavors.
Reheating
If you prefer your spread warm—for drizzling over waffles or pancakes, perhaps—gently reheat Peach Butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. It only takes a minute or two, and the flavor will be just as lush and fresh as when you first made it.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches to make Peach Butter?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches are a fantastic option when fresh ones are out of season. Just let them thaw and drain any excess liquid before starting.
Is it necessary to peel the peaches first?
While peeling the peaches gives the smoothest possible texture, you can skip this step if you don’t mind a bit of rustic charm in your peach butter. The skins will break down somewhat during cooking and blending.
How do I know when the Peach Butter is thick enough?
The classic test: spoon some onto a plate and let it cool for a minute. If it holds its shape and doesn’t run, you’re good to go! The consistency should be thick, glossy, and easily spreadable.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Definitely—if your peaches are particularly sweet or you prefer a tangier spread, feel free to cut back on the sugar. Taste as you go, but don’t eliminate it entirely since it helps with preservation and texture.
Is this recipe safe for canning?
Yes! If you want to store jars of Peach Butter at room temperature, process the filled jars using USDA-recommended water bath canning techniques to ensure food safety.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about opening a jar of homemade Peach Butter and taking in that sweet, summery aroma. Whether you spread it on hot toast or gift it to someone special, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Go ahead—give it a try and let the taste of ripe peaches brighten your day, no matter the season!
Print
Peach Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Learn how to make delicious peach butter at home with this easy recipe. Fresh ripe peaches are simmered with sugar, lemon juice, and warm spices until thickened into a flavorful spread. Perfect for toast, biscuits, or as a topping for yogurt!
Ingredients
Ripe Peaches:
- 4 pounds ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
Sugar Mixture:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the Peaches: Place chopped peaches in a large pot over medium heat. Cook for 10–15 minutes until they break down.
- Purée the Mixture: Use an immersion blender to purée the mixture until smooth.
- Add Flavorings: Return the purée to the pot, add sugar, lemon juice, spices, and salt. Simmer for 1–1.5 hours until thick.
- Cool and Store: Let the peach butter cool, then transfer to sterilized jars for refrigeration or freezing.
Notes
- Sweetness may vary, adjust sugar accordingly.
- Follow USDA guidelines for safe canning methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
