This easy peach butter is made right in your crockpot, blending sweet peaches with warm spices. It smells amazing as it cooks and spreads beautifully on toast!
Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for it to finish cooking. I love slathering it on pancakes for breakfast—it’s like a warm hug in a jar. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: The star of this recipe! I recommend using ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. If fresh peaches are out of season, you can also use frozen peaches; just thaw them before cooking.
Sugars: Using a mix of granulated and brown sugar gives a nice depth of flavor. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup if you prefer a natural sweetener, but remember to adjust the liquid content in the recipe.
Spices: Cinnamon is essential for that warm flavor. You can omit nutmeg and cloves if you want a lighter taste, or even experiment with ginger for a different twist!
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness and balances the sweetness. If you’re out, apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch, but use it sparingly.
How Do I Make Sure My Peach Butter Has the Right Consistency?
Achieving the perfect texture for peach butter can be tricky, but here are some tips to help you get it right.
- Cook on low heat. This will help break down the peaches slowly and evenly.
- Use an immersion blender for a smooth texture. If you don’t have one, divide the mixture into a regular blender, but be careful of the hot mixture!
- Monitor the cooking time and adjust as needed. After blending, keep it on low for an extra 30 minutes to thicken, stirring often to prevent sticking.
- If it’s too thick, you can add a little water or fruit juice to reach your desired spreadability.
Enjoy your homemade peach butter spread generously on all your favorite treats!
Easy Homemade Crockpot Peach Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 6-8 medium peaches)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust according to the sweetness of peaches)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful peach butter takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time. If you’re cooking on low, you’ll need an additional 8-10 hours for it to cook thoroughly; or 4-5 hours on high. Enjoy the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen as it slowly transforms into a smooth spread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peaches:
Start by peeling, pitting, and slicing your fresh peaches. Once they’re ready, toss the peach slices into your crockpot, creating a delightful base for your peach butter.
2. Add the Sweetness and Spices:
Now it’s time to add the sugars! Sprinkle the granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if you’re using them), lemon juice, and salt into the crockpot. Gently stir everything until the peaches are well coated. This step is crucial for ensuring that the flavors meld perfectly!
3. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot with the lid. If you’re cooking on low, set it for 8-10 hours; if you’re in a hurry, you can cook on high for 4-5 hours. Remember to stir it occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. As it cooks, the peaches will break down, and the mixture will thicken beautifully.
4. Blend It Smooth:
When the peaches are soft and the mixture has thickened, it’s time to blend! Use an immersion blender to puree the peach mixture right in the crockpot until it’s smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a traditional blender or food processor to blend it up. Just be cautious with the hot mixture!
5. Finish Off the Flavor:
After blending, stir in the vanilla extract if you’d like to add a hint of richness to your peach butter. Mix it well! This little touch makes a big difference.
6. Thicken It Up:
If you prefer a thicker consistency, cook the peach butter uncovered on low for another 30 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t stick.
7. Let It Cool and Store:
Once your peach butter reaches that perfect spreadable consistency, turn off the crockpot and let it cool slightly. Then, carefully transfer it into sterilized jars or airtight containers.
8. Enjoy Your Peach Butter!
Your homemade crockpot peach butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen for longer storage. Spread it generously on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or even use it as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal. Enjoy every bite of your delicious creation!
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Homemade Crockpot Peach Butter
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the crockpot. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since they’ll release moisture more readily.
What If My Peach Butter Is Too Sweet?
If you find your peach butter is overly sweet, consider adding a bit more lemon juice to balance the flavors. You can also stir in a pinch of salt to help curb the sweetness!
How Long Can I Store Peach Butter?
Homemade peach butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, transfer it to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to six months. Just remember to leave some space in the container for expansion!
Can I Use Different Fruits?
Absolutely! While this recipe is for peach butter, you can adapt it to use other fruits like pears or strawberries. Just be aware that different fruits may require slight adjustments in sugar and cooking time!
