Pumpkin Butter

This Pumpkin Butter is light, creamy and easy to make with real pumpkin puree and cozy fall spices. This healthy homemade spread is packed with flavor and makes a tasty toast topping or oatmeal add-in! 

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Updated November 2023

Pumpkin Butter Recipe – A Delightful Fall Treat

Fall is in the air, and that means it’s time to indulge in all things pumpkin! One of the most delectable pumpkin creations you can whip up in your kitchen is homemade Pumpkin Butter. Bursting with the rich, warm flavors of autumn, this pumpkin spread is spot-on to Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter and makes the perfect addition to your breakfast table or as a sweet snack spread. The best part? It’s easy to make and will fill your home with the cozy scent of fall.

Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need:

Many pumpkin spread recipes call for refined sugars such as granulated or brown sugar. To make this pumpkin butter recipe healthy, we kept the ingredient lineup nice and simple. It starts with pumpkin puree and ends with a few key seasonings.

• Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show,  you can use your own homemade pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin puree provides for that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
• Coconut Sugar: To add sweetness and depth of flavor, we use coconut sugar. You can substitute it with golden monk fruit sweetener or Brown Swerve for a sugar-free version.
• Pure Maple Syrup: For a natural sweetener with a hint of maple goodness. Opt for Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup, allulose or sukrin gold if you’re looking for a sugar-free alternative.
• Apple Cider or Unsweetened Apple Juice: Adding a touch of tartness and natural sweetness, this ingredient complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the overall aroma and flavor of the pumpkin butter.
• Pure Lemon Juice: A touch of acidity from lemon juice balances the sweetness and brightens the flavors.
• Cinnamon Sticks: Cinnamon is synonymous with fall and adds that warming, spiced kick.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Whether you’re using homemade pumpkin pie spice or a your favorite store-bought brand, this blend amplifies the fall flavor profile.
• Fine Sea Salt: Just a tiny pinch of salt helps to round out the flavors and make them pop.

Instructions: How to make Pumpkin Butter

This one-pot recipe really couldn’t be any easier. All you have to do is throw your ingredients into the pot and let them simmer!

• Combine the Ingredients:Add all the ingredients to a large pot or saucepan and stir well.

• Simmer for Thickening: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low or medium-low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until thickened (you want it to bubble but not too much). Stir frequently.
• Adjust Sweetness and Spices: Add more sweetener or spices, to taste.
• Transfer and Store: Once cooled completely, transfer to a large glass container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Serve and Enjoy: Spread over toast, pancakes, or stir into oatmeal for a delightful autumn breakfast treat.

Tips for Success:

• Keep an eye on the mixture while simmering, as it can bubble up.
• Adjust the sweetness and spices to suit your personal taste.

Variations:

Pumpkin Butter is fabulous as is, but if you want to get creative, here are some variations to consider:

• Nutty Delight: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
• Spicy Heat: For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Creamy Twist: Mix in a dollop of cream cheese for a creamier texture.
• Slow Cooker: Want an easier hands-off option? Try our set-and-forget Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter instead.

Substitutions:

If you need to make some ingredient swaps, here are a few suggestions:

• Coconut sugar can be replaced with golden monk fruit sweetener for a sugar-free version.
• Pure maple syrup can be substituted with Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup for a sugar-free option.
• You can use ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon sticks (use about 1-2 teaspoons).
• Pumpkin pie spice can be replaced with a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

How to Use Your Homemade Pumpkin Butter

There are tons of ways you can enjoy this delicious fall spread. It has tons of uses, and it also tastes amazing on its own by the spoonful! Here are some delightful serving ideas:

• In Coffee: this pumpkin goodness will melt right into your coffee and give it the best pumpkin spice flavor imaginable!
• On Pancakes, Waffles or French Toast: Drizzle it over our fluffy healthy pumpkin pancakes, gluten-free pumpkin waffles or pumpkin french toast.
• In Oatmeal: Swirl it into your morning steel cut oatmeal or our pumpkin baked oatmeal for a pumpkin spice kick.
• On Toast: For a quick and easy fall breakfast, whip up some toast and top it with your pumpkin butter.
• On Muffins: If you love all things pumpkin, you have to make our Healthy Pumpkin Muffins and top them with some of this yummy pumpkin spread!
• Yogurt: Add it to your yogurt bowls or or ice cream to make pumpkin nice cream for a seasonal twist.

Storage and Freezer Instructions:

Refrigeration: To keep your Pumpkin Butter fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Freezer: If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it for up to 6 months. Be sure to use freezer-safe containers.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree? Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Make sure it’s well-drained and has a similar consistency to canned pumpkin.
2. What’s the difference between pumpkin pie filling and canned pumpkin puree? Pumpkin pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced, while canned pumpkin puree is pure pumpkin. Be sure to use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe.
3. Can I reduce the sugar content for a healthier option? Absolutely! You can use a sugar substitute like golden monk fruit sweetener or Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup to reduce the sugar content.
4. What can I do if my Pumpkin Butter is too thick or too thin? If it’s too thick, you can add a little more apple juice or apple cider to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, continue simmering until it thickens to your liking.
5. How can I make it spicier or less spicy? To make it spicier, increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice. To reduce the spiciness, use less spice or omit it altogether.
6. Can I use ground spices instead of cinnamon sticks and pumpkin pie spice? Yes, ground spices can be used as substitutes. Use 1-2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon sticks and adjust the pumpkin pie spice to taste.
7. Can I add nuts to this recipe? Yes, you can add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch. Just fold them in after the mixture has thickened.
8. Is Pumpkin Butter Healthy? Pumpkins are a great source of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. So homemade pumpkin spice butter is generally pretty healthy, and this version accommodates plenty of special diets. It’s paleo, gluten-free and vegan, and you can also make it keto-friendly by using a low carb sugar-free sweetener of your choice. In addition, this spread is made without any refined sugar!

More pumpkin recipes you will love:

Healthy Pumpkin Bread

Paleo Pumpkin Cookies

5 from 1 vote

Print

Pumpkin Butter

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

35 mins

 

This Pumpkin Butter is light, creamy and easy to make with real pumpkin puree and cozy fall spices. This healthy homemade spread is packed with flavor and makes a tasty toast topping or oatmeal add-in!

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: best fall recipes, easy fall recipes, fall recipes, healthy fall recipes, pumpkin butter, pumpkin butter recipe, pumpkin recipe, vegan fall recipes

Servings: 16 servings

Calories: 60 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

• 30 oz pumpkin puree , homemade or canned (3.75 cups or Two 15-oz cans), not pumpkin pie filling
• 2/3 cup coconut sugar , you can sub with golden monk fruit sweetener or Brown swerve for a sugar-free option
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup , you can sub with Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup, allulose or Sukrin gold for a sugar-free option
• 1/2 cup apple cider , or unsweetened apple juice
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp pure lemon juice
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 1-2 tsp pumpkin pie spice , to taste
• tiny pinch of fine sea salt

Instructions

1. Add all the ingredients to a large pot or saucepan and stir well.

2. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low or medium-low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until thickened (you want it to bubble but not too much). Stir frequently.

3. Add more sweetener or spices, to taste.

4. Once cooled completely, transfer to a large glass container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks,

5. Spread over toast, pancakes or stir into oatmeal.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

How to store:

Refrigeration: To keep your Pumpkin Butter fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Freezer: If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it for up to 6 months. Be sure to use freezer-safe containers.

• Slow Cooker: Want an easier hands-off option? Try our set-and-forget Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter instead.

Nutrition Facts

Pumpkin Butter

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 60 Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Fat 1g2%

Saturated Fat 1g5%

Sodium 17mg1%

Potassium 128mg4%

Carbohydrates 15g5%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 10g11%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 8273IU165%

Vitamin C 2mg2%

Calcium 24mg2%

Iron 1mg6%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.