Homemade Pumpkin Butter Recipe

If you are a fan of all things butter, this pumpkin butter recipe is for you! It's quick and easy to make, a recipe that can be made sugar free and a great gift to brighten anyone's day. If you haven't grabbed my Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer recipe yet, I'd recommend you do so! It's another quick & easy pumpkin recipe that tastes so much better homemade!

Why Marci Loves This Recipe

• Quick & Easy to Make!
• Makes a great gift for teachers, neighbors, friends & family! Simply place the pumpkin butter in a jelly jar, tie with a cute ribbon and you have an easy gift that can be gifted to a whole lot of happy faces!
• Can be made keto/low carb by ensuring the apple juice is sugar free as well as using a sugar free alternative. My favorite sugar alternative is Sukrin and is available in the USA on Amazon!

Ingredients Needed For Pumpkin Butter Recipe

• 15 oz can Pumpkin Puree
• ¾ c apple juice - if you Keto/sugar free look for a sugar free apple juice
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 c white sugar - if keto be sure to use a granulated sugar replacement like Sukrin:1. 

How To Make Homemade Pumpkin Butter Recipe

In a medium sauce pan of medium high heat, place all of the ingredients and stir to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce heat. Allow to simmer for 30 minutes or until the mixture has thickened.

Place is mason jars and store in the refrigerator.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pumpkin Butter

Adjusting Sweetness and Spices

Customizing your pumpkin butter is like creating your own signature dish. Want it sweeter or spicier? Here’s how you can adjust:

• Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter spread, consider adding a little more sugar or a drizzle of honey. For those who like it less sweet, you can simply reduce the amount of sugar. And remember, taste as you go!

• Spices: The spices are what give pumpkin butter its signature warmth. You can tweak these to your liking:

  • Cinnamon: For a cozy, comforting flavor, consider adding an extra dash.

  • Ginger and Cloves: Give your pumpkin butter a lovely zing! Increasing these will add more warmth.

  • Nutmeg: This can be a bit strong, so a little goes a long way. Adjust to find your perfect balance.

Does your family love cinnamon? Add a pinch more! Not a fan of cloves? Feel free to cut back. The beauty of homemade pumpkin butter is making it just the way you like.

Variations of Pumpkin Butter

Pumpkin butter is delicious on its own, but why not try a few creative twists? Maple Pumpkin Butter and Spiced Pumpkin Butter are two delightful options that bring unique flavors to the table. Let's explore how to make these variations at home.

Maple Pumpkin Butter

Craving the golden sweetness of maple syrup? This variation adds a rich and comforting flavor to your pumpkin butter, perfect for chilly fall mornings!

Start by following your basic pumpkin butter recipe, but swap out some of the sugar for pure maple syrup. Here's how to do it:

• Ingredients Adjustment: Use 1 cup of sugar and replace the remaining ½ cup with maple syrup. This not only sweetens your butter but also infuses it with that amazing maple aroma.
• Mix and Heat: Combine the ingredients, including the maple syrup, in your saucepan as usual. Keep stirring to ensure everything blends smoothly.
• Simmer to Perfection: Let it simmer, soaking up all those delicious flavors until it thickens into a spreadable delight.

Maple syrup brings out the natural richness of pumpkin, making each spoonful taste like a cozy fall day wrapped in a jar!

Spiced Pumpkin Butter

For those who love a bit more zing, adding extra spices is the way to go! This variation will fill your kitchen with a tantalizing aroma and offer a warmer taste profile.

Consider these spices for your spiced pumpkin butter:

• Cardamom: Adds a sweet and citrusy touch.
• Allspice: Offers a complex flavor of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Star Anise: Gives a hint of licorice.

Here's how to blend them:

1. Spice Selection: Pick one or two of your favorite spices to add to the original spices already in your recipe. Start with a pinch, then adjust to taste.
2. Incorporate with Care: Add the selected spices to your mix, stirring them in as you go.
3. Simmer and Taste: As your pumpkin butter simmers, taste-test to ensure the flavor balance is just right.

How to Store Homemade Pumpkin Butter

Refrigeration Tips

Storing your pumpkin butter in the fridge is the simplest way to keep it fresh for a few weeks. But how long does it really last? Generally, pumpkin butter can be stored in the fridge for up to three weeks. 

• Use airtight containers: Mason jars are a popular choice. Just make sure the lid is sealed tightly to keep the air out.
• Label and date: It's a good idea to label your container with the date you made the pumpkin butter. This way, you’ll know exactly when it was made and when it's time to say goodbye.
• Keep it cool: Always store the jar in the coldest part of your fridge, usually near the back where it's less likely to be affected by temperature changes.

Freezing Pumpkin Butter

If you'd like to enjoy that sweet, spiced goodness for longer than three weeks, freezing is your solution. Here’s how to do it safely:

1. Cool Completely: Before you even think about freezing, make sure your pumpkin butter has cooled down to room temperature. This step helps prevent ice crystals from forming.

2. Choose the Right Containers: Opt for freezer-safe containers or bags. If using bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing them up tight.

3. Leave Space: When filling the containers, leave about an inch of space at the top. Pumpkin butter can expand as it freezes, and you'll want to avoid a messy freezer situation.

4. Label Everything: Don’t forget to write the date on the containers. Pumpkin butter can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.

5. Thaw Properly: When you're ready to use, thaw your pumpkin butter in the fridge overnight. Avoid microwaving, as this can alter the texture and flavor.

FAQs about Pumpkin Butter

Can I use pumpkin pie filling?

No. Pumpkin pie filling and pumpkin puree are not the same things. The filling has added seasoning, sugar and other ingredients added in. 

What can I use pumpkin butter for?

Pumpkin butter is more versatile than you might think! It's like the secret ingredient ready to jazz up your meals. 

• Spread it on toast: Start your morning with a sweet and spicy boost by swapping your usual jam for pumpkin butter.
• Mix into yogurt or oatmeal: Add a scoop to your morning routine for an autumn twist.
• Pair with cheese: Use it as a topping on a cheese platter or mix it into a baked brie for a creamy delight.
• Bake into muffins or bread: Stir some into your batter for extra moisture and flavor.
• Top your pancakes or waffles: It's like showering your breakfast with a cozy, flavorful hug!