This easy homemade crockpot peach butter is a sweet treat that makes your kitchen smell heavenly! With just ripe peaches, sugar, and a hint of spice, it’s super simple.
You can spread it on toast, pancakes, or just eat it by the spoonful! Trust me, once it’s done cooking, you’ll want to grab a jar and savor every bit. 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh ripe peaches are essential for the best flavor. If they’re out of season, try using frozen peaches, just make sure they’re thawed first. Canned peaches are an option too, but check for added sugar.
Sugars: I love using both granulated and brown sugar; the brown sugar adds a deeper flavor. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, try honey or maple syrup instead, but adjust the quantity to taste.
Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves make this peach butter aromatic and comforting. If you don’t have cloves, you can skip them or substitute with allspice for a similar taste.
Lemon juice: This keeps the peach butter from browning and adds brightness to the flavor. If you’re out of lemons, lime juice works as a nice substitute.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for Peach Butter?
Getting the texture just right is key for great peach butter. After slow cooking all those flavors together, you’ll want to puree the mixture.
- Use an immersion blender directly in the crockpot for quick work, or transfer batches to a standard blender. Be careful with hot contents!
- If you like some fruit chunks, blend just until combined for a more rustic feel.
- After blending, return the mixture to the crockpot uncovered. This allows excess moisture to evaporate, thickening your butter to that perfect spreadable consistency.
Easy Homemade Crockpot Peach Butter
Ingredients:
- 6 cups fresh ripe peaches (about 8 large peaches), peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Time Estimate:
This delicious peach butter will take about 8 to 10 hours to cook on low in the crockpot, plus some extra time for preparation and blending. In total, you’re looking at approximately 10 hours of cooking time and about 30 minutes of hands-on work. Make it overnight for a delightful breakfast treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peaches:
Start by peeling, pitting, and chopping your fresh peaches into small chunks. This ensures they cook down evenly and create that lovely butter consistency.
2. Mix Ingredients in the Crockpot:
In your crockpot, combine the chopped peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until the peaches are well-coated and the sugars start to dissolve. It’ll start smelling amazing already!
3. Cook on Low:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours. Give it a stir every once in a while to make sure it’s cooking evenly and not sticking to the sides.
4. Blend for Smoothness:
After the cooking time, use an immersion blender directly in the crockpot to puree the mixture until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend less. Just keep blending until it’s to your liking!
5. Thicken Up:
Return the peach butter to the crockpot and cook uncovered on low for an additional 1 to 2 hours. This allows some moisture to evaporate and helps thicken the butter until it’s nicely spreadable.
6. Add Vanilla:
If you’re using vanilla extract, stir it in well after thickening. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your peach butter.
7. Store Your Peach Butter:
Let your delicious peach butter cool slightly. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to sterilized jars or containers. You can refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks or process it in a water bath canner for longer shelf life.
8. Enjoy!
Spread your delightful peach butter on toast, pancakes, or biscuits. It also makes a delicious glaze for meats. Enjoy every sweet scoop!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and drained of excess moisture before adding them to the crockpot. This will help maintain the right texture.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Peach Butter?
If you prefer a less sweet peach butter, feel free to reduce the sugar amounts. Start with half the amount and taste as it cooks. You can always add more sugar later if needed!
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Butter?
Store any leftover peach butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, consider canning it using a water bath method to keep it for several months.
Can I Add Other Spices or Flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can add ginger for a bit of zing, or even a splash of bourbon or rum for a unique flavor. Just make sure to balance the spices with the sweetness of the peaches.
