Filled with warming spices and sweetened naturally with apple cider and maple syrup, Homemade Pumpkin Butter is easy to make and delicious on everything from homemade biscuits to sweet potato pancakes to pumpkin muffins.
Pumpkin butter is a lot like apple butter, a thick, rich, sweetened spread that is filled with flavor.
My secret to the BEST pumpkin butter is apple cider. The apple cider works to flavor and sweeten the pumpkin butter naturally. Along with maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this pumpkin butter is downright divine! No one would guess that it is made without the addition of refined sugars.
How to Make Pumpkin Butter
Pumpkin Butter is as simple as simmering the ingredients together over low heat until the pumpkin butter thickens and reduces.
My only tip to keep in mind when making pumpkin butter is to be sure to stir frequently when simmering. This will keep the mixture from burning on the bottom of the pan, and allow the mixture to cook evenly. You will know your pumpkin butter is ready when it has thickened and the color has deepened.
Serving Suggestions
- Slather it on toast, English muffins, pumpkin muffins, biscuits, or even whole wheat pancakes.
- Stir 2 tablespoons of the pumpkin butter into individual servings of Instant Pot Oatmeal for a quick version of Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal.
- Add ¼ cup of pumpkin butter into the egg mixture when making French Toast for Pumpkin French Toast. YUM!
- Make a sharp cheddar quesadilla and dip it into the pumpkin butter--that sweet and savory combination is so good.
- Eat it by the spoonful--no one will judge you!
- Pumpkin Butter also makes a fabulous hostess or neighbor gift.
More Pumpkin Recipes
- Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins
- Fall Quinoa Salad with Pumpkin Vinaigrette
- Homemade Pumpkin Pie
- Pumpkin Roll
If you tried this recipe for Naturally Sweetened Pumpkin Butter, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
Homemade Pumpkin Butter
Ingredients
- 29 ounces 100% pumpkin puree or 2 (15 ounces) cans
- 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, apple cider, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla. Bring the mixture to a low boil over high heat. Once small bubbles begin to appear, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Once the mixture has reduced and thickened, turn off the heat. Taste and adjust seasonings and then allow to cool before storing.
- Store in airtight glass jars for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Lonnie Harrell
What is the serving size?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Lonnie. A serving for apple butter is 2 tablespoons
Gina Wilkie
Kristen - in the instructions, it says to simmer for 3 hours...you mean minutes, right?
Kristen Chidsey
For pumpkin butter, you want to simmer for 3 HOURS! You can also place in slow cooker on low for 6 hours. This reduces the mixture and makes it thick and sweet.
Katie
The instructions say 30 minutes. Is it no longer 3 hours?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Katie! 3-4 hours is if you are using the slow cooker 🙂
Deborah Davis
Hi Kristen,
Such a simple yet sensational seasonal delight! I can't wait to make this! Thank you so much for sharing this Pumpkin Butter recipe at the Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I appreciate it!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Deborah--it will take you almost no effort as well, which is truly a bonus!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life
That does sound wonderful!! I've never made anything like that, but I'm thinking I might need to try it! 🙂
Kristen Chidsey
It is too easy not to try 🙂 If you like apple butter--you will love this!
Kristina and Millie
sounds so delicious! I have to make and try this. I love apple cider so I can drink any extra right 🙂
Kristen Chidsey
Um, of course!! I love to warm my cider up and sit and drink it by a bonfire. I think my family has plans to do just that later this week 🙂
Miz Helen
I have got to make this Pumpkin Butter it will be fabulous on so many different things. Hope you are having a great day and thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with Full Plate Thursday!
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Kristen Chidsey
Pumpkin Butter is awesome on just about anything. I love just stirring a spoonful into my oatmeal in the morning.
chanelle
This looks really yummy. I love pumpkin and fall flavors!
Kristen Chidsey
Then you will love this....on everything:-)
Life Images by Jill
Thanks Kirsten. Just love your site, your recipes and your food photography. Food photography is a bit of a passion for me, and I am hoping to be able to spend more time doing this and spread my wings very soon. I am so glad I found you today!
Thank you and have a lovely weekend ahead.
Kristen Chidsey
Jill, you just made my morning. Photography is my biggest weakness so being complimented on it is HUGE. Can't wait to hear your tips and tricks and learn from you! Best of luck as you spread your wings!
Life Images by Jill
This sounds so interesting. I have never heard of pumpkin butter. I think I might try it - but what is canned pumpkin puree? I guess I could substitute so cooked mashed pumpkin?
Hvae a happy week. I am joining you at What's It Wednesday.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi There Jill! Pumpkin puree is simply cooked and mashed pumpkin--so buy all means you can use homemade. Each can would be about 2 cups of your homemade version. Thanks for stopping by 🙂