This Easy Homemade Crockpot Peach Butter is a sweet treat you can spread on bread or pancakes. It’s made with fresh peaches and has a lovely fruity flavor that feels like summer in a jar!
I love how easy it is to make—just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work! My kitchen smells fantastic while it cooks, and I can’t resist sneaking spoonfuls as it simmers! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: The star of this recipe! Choose ripe, sweet peaches for maximum flavor. If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can use frozen peaches—just thaw and drain them well before cooking.
Sugars: Regular granulated sugar works great, but I love adding brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor. Feel free to reduce the sugar to your taste, especially if your peaches are super sweet!
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness to the flavor and helps preserve the peach color. If you don’t have lemon juice, vinegar can be a substitute, but it will alter the taste slightly.
Spices: The cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring warmth and depth. You can leave out cloves if you prefer a milder flavor or swap in a spice blend like allspice.
How Do I Get the Perfect Consistency for My Peach Butter?
Achieving that smooth and spreadable texture is essential. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Check the thickness after the initial cooking time. You want it thick enough to spread but not dry. If it seems too thick, add the optional water tablespoon by tablespoon until you find the right texture.
- Use an immersion blender to puree directly in the crockpot for easy cleanup, or carefully transfer to a blender.
- Cooking uncovered for an extra 30 minutes after blending helps reduce excess moisture and intensifies the flavors, so don’t skip this step!
Easy Homemade Crockpot Peach Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Peach Butter Base:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped (about 6-7 medium peaches)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Spices and Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Ingredient:
- 1/4 cup water (optional, for consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 8 to 10 hours of cooking time in your crockpot. You can set it to cook overnight and wake up to the delicious aroma of peach butter!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peaches:
Start by peeling, pitting, and chopping your fresh peaches into small pieces. The chopping helps them cook down better and allows for a smoother butter.
2. Mix Ingredients in the Crockpot:
In your crockpot, combine the chopped peaches with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir everything well so that the peaches are coated with the sugars and spices.
3. Cook the Mixture:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. Give it a stir every few hours if you can. The mixture will cook down and become thick and aromatic!
4. Adjusting Consistency:
After the cooking time is up, check the consistency. If it seems too thick, add a little water, mixing it in until you reach your desired spreadable texture.
5. Puree the Peach Butter:
Using an immersion blender, puree the mixture directly in the crockpot until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the hot mixture to a regular blender, being careful with the hot liquid.
6. Final Cooking to Thicken:
After you’ve blended the mixture, cook it uncovered on low for an additional 30 minutes. This step helps to thicken it further by allowing any excess moisture to evaporate and intensifying the flavors.
7. Cool and Store:
Once the peach butter has cooled, transfer it to clean jars or containers. If you’re using them within two weeks, store them in the refrigerator. For longer storage, process the peach butter in a water bath canner.
8. Enjoy Your Treat:
Spread your homemade peach butter on toast, biscuits, or even pancakes. It’s also great as a topping for desserts like vanilla ice cream! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen peaches work well! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before adding them to the crockpot. This will help maintain the right consistency for your peach butter.
How Can I Adjust the Sugar Content?
You can definitely reduce the sugar, especially if your peaches are very sweet. Start by cutting the granulated sugar down to 3/4 cup and taste testing once the butter has cooked. You can always add more sugar if needed!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover peach butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, consider processing it in a water bath canner to ensure it’s shelf-stable or freeze it for up to 6 months!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! This recipe can be adapted for other fruits like apples, pears, or plums. Just keep in mind that the cooking time and sweetness may vary depending on the fruit used. Adjust sugar and spices accordingly to suit your taste!
