Pumpkin Butter Recipe
The Pumpkin Butter Recipe you’re about to discover is the ultimate treat for fall lovers! This creamy, spiced spread turns ordinary canned pumpkin into a luscious delight that’s perfect for toast, ice cream, or even as a gift in jars. Whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or a seasonal gathering, this pumpkin butter will impress everyone with its rich flavor and smooth texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you’ll create a delicious spread without any fuss.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg gives this pumpkin butter a warm, comforting taste perfect for fall.
- Versatile Use: Enjoy it on toast, pancakes, or even as a topping for desserts. The possibilities are endless!
- Great for Gifting: Pack it in jars and share with friends and family for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Using the right equipment makes all the difference in achieving that perfect pumpkin butter.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Jars for storage
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking and evenly blends flavors over time.
- Mixing spoon: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly before cooking.
- Measuring cups: Ensure precise amounts of each ingredient for consistent results.
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
- Add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, apple juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt to your slow cooker.
- Stir until combined.
Step 2: Cook the Mixture
- Cover the slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
Step 3: Cool and Store
- Once cooking is complete, stir the pumpkin butter again.
- Allow it to cool on the counter for an hour before spooning it into jars.
This easy-to-follow Pumpkin Butter Recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen! Enjoy it throughout the season or share it with loved ones—it’s bound to be a hit!
How to Serve Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Pumpkin butter is a versatile spread that can enhance many dishes. Whether you prefer it on breakfast items or in desserts, there are countless ways to enjoy this delicious pumpkin butter recipe.
On Toast
- Whole Grain Bread: Spread pumpkin butter over toasted whole grain bread for a hearty breakfast.
- Sourdough: The tanginess of sourdough pairs beautifully with the sweetness of pumpkin butter.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Drizzle pumpkin butter over vanilla ice cream for a fall-inspired dessert.
- Cinnamon Ice Cream: The warm spices in pumpkin butter complement cinnamon ice cream perfectly.
As a Dip
- Apple Slices: Use pumpkin butter as a dip for fresh apple slices for a delightful snack.
- Graham Crackers: Serve pumpkin butter with graham crackers for a sweet and crunchy treat.
In Baking
- Pancakes or Waffles: Add a dollop of pumpkin butter to pancakes or waffles for extra flavor.
- Muffins: Swirl pumpkin butter into muffin batter before baking for a moist and flavorful bite.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Butter Recipe
To make the best pumpkin butter, attention to detail is key. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve the perfect texture and flavor every time.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality canned pumpkin puree and fresh spices for the best taste.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar based on your personal preference.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat allows flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in richer taste.
- Store Properly: Keep your pumpkin butter in airtight jars in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to add other spices like allspice or cardamom for unique flavors.
- Test Consistency: If your pumpkin butter is too thick, add a splash of apple juice until you reach desired consistency.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your pumpkin butter can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Oatmeal: Top warm oatmeal with a spoonful of pumpkin butter for added creaminess and flavor.
- Charcuterie Board: Include small bowls of pumpkin butter on your charcuterie board alongside cheeses and nuts.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Drizzle warm roasted sweet potatoes with pumpkin butter as a sweet complement.
- Pork Chops: Serve pork chops with a side of pumpkin butter as an unexpected yet tasty sauce.
- Stuffed Acorn Squash: Fill acorn squash with grains and top with pumpkin butter for added richness.
- Cinnamon Rolls: Offer warm cinnamon rolls alongside pumpkin butter for an indulgent treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making pumpkin butter can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls. Here are mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the spices: Not using enough spices can lead to bland pumpkin butter. Ensure you measure out cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for maximum flavor.
- Rushing the cooking time: Cooking on high instead of low might save time, but it could affect the texture. Always follow the recommended cooking times for a smooth consistency.
- Overpacking jars: When storing your pumpkin butter, avoid packing jars too tightly. Leave some space to allow for expansion during cooling.
- Neglecting to stir: Failing to stir the mixture can cause uneven cooking. Stir once or twice during cooking for even flavor distribution.
- Ignoring storage conditions: Improper storage can spoil your pumpkin butter faster. Make sure to store in airtight containers in the right conditions.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in airtight containers.
- Use within 2 weeks for best flavor.
Freezing Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Use freezer-safe jars or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 6 months.
Reheating Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm in an oven-safe dish for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe container and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat on low in a saucepan while stirring until desired warmth is reached.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the pumpkin butter recipe that might help clarify your doubts.
How Can I Customize My Pumpkin Butter Recipe?
You can add different spices like allspice or vanilla extract for unique flavors. Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar too!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure it’s cooked and pureed to match the consistency of canned pumpkin puree.
What is the Best Way to Serve Pumpkin Butter?
Pumpkin butter is delicious on toast, pancakes, or even as a topping for ice cream. Get creative with how you enjoy it!
Is This Pumpkin Butter Recipe Healthy?
With low calories and fiber content, this pumpkin butter recipe can be a healthy treat when enjoyed in moderation.
Final Thoughts
This pumpkin butter recipe is not only easy but incredibly versatile. Its rich flavors can elevate simple breakfasts or desserts alike. Feel free to customize with your favorite spices or use fresh ingredients to make it uniquely yours!

Pumpkin Butter
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the 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 slathering on toast, drizzling over ice cream, or packaging in jars as thoughtful gifts. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create rich flavors and smooth textures that will impress your family and friends. Whether enjoyed at breakfast, dessert, or during seasonal gatherings, this pumpkin butter is bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 45 oz. canned pumpkin puree (three 15-oz. cans or one 29-oz. can and one 15-oz. can)
- 2 ½ cups light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 cups apple juice
- 1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp. ground cloves
- ⅛ tsp. ground ginger
- Dash of salt
Instructions
- In your slow cooker, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, apple juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt.
- Stir until well mixed.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
- After cooking, stir again and allow it to cool for an hour before transferring to jars.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (15g)
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg