Peach Butter Recipe: Is there anything better than the sweet aroma of ripe peaches simmering on your stovetop? If you’re looking for a way to preserve summer in a jar, peach butter might just be the perfect answer. It’s silky, smooth, sweet, and spiced just right. Whether you want to spread it on toast or swirl it into oatmeal, this homemade peach butter recipe will become your new go-to. And the best part? It’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
What is Peach Butter?
Peach butter is a smooth, spreadable fruit preserve made by slowly cooking peaches with sugar and sometimes spices until it thickens into a rich, buttery texture. Despite the name, there’s no actual butter involved. The term “butter” refers to its smooth consistency—similar to apple butter. It’s less sugary than jam or jelly, which means you taste more of the natural fruit flavor. The slow-cooking process helps intensify the peach’s sweetness while allowing natural pectin to thicken the mixture. It’s essentially a flavor-packed peach purée that’s perfect for spreading, swirling, or spooning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This peach butter recipe hits the sweet spot—literally and figuratively. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or a beginner looking for a delicious homemade project, here’s why you’ll love it:
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen.
- No Pectin Required: Peaches naturally contain enough pectin, so there’s no need for store-bought thickeners.
- Incredibly Versatile: Use it on everything from morning toast to grilled meats.
- Preserves Summer Flavors: It’s a great way to enjoy peaches all year long.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pour it into cute jars, tie a ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift.
What’s the Difference Between Peach Butter and Peach Jam?
Great question—and one that confuses a lot of people! While both are made from peaches and sugar, the key difference lies in texture and preparation.
- Peach Jam: Usually chunkier, made by boiling fruit and sugar together with added pectin. It’s thicker and more gelatinous due to added thickening agents.
- Peach Butter: Cooked longer and slower, often pureed, and reduced to a smooth, spreadable consistency. No added pectin—just time and heat.
Think of peach butter as the creamy, spreadable cousin of jam. It’s the silky smooth version, ideal when you want something less chunky and more refined.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic peach butter:
Main Ingredients
- Fresh Ripe Peaches – About 4 pounds, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- Granulated Sugar – 1 to 2 cups, depending on sweetness of peaches
- Fresh Lemon Juice – 2 tablespoons to balance the sweetness
Optional Add-ins
- Ground Cinnamon – ½ teaspoon
- Nutmeg or Clove – A pinch for a warm spice kick
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon for a hint of floral depth
Choosing the Best Peaches
Peach butter is only as good as the peaches you start with. Here’s how to pick the perfect ones:
Best Varieties
- Freestone Peaches: These are ideal because the pit separates easily from the flesh.
- Yellow Peaches: They offer a balanced sweet and tart flavor.
Ripeness Tips
- Look for peaches that are fragrant and give slightly when you press them.
- Avoid green-tinted peaches or those with bruises.
- Overripe peaches are perfect—they’ll break down more easily and add extra sweetness.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Before diving in, make sure your kitchen is stocked with the following tools:
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Immersion blender or regular blender
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
- Jars or containers for storage
- (Optional) Slow cooker or Instant Pot for alternate methods
Preparation Before Cooking
A little prep work goes a long way in making the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Washing and Peeling
- Rinse the peaches under cold water.
- To peel easily: blanch peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. The skins will slip right off.
Pitting and Slicing
- Cut peaches in half and remove the pit.
- Slice into smaller chunks for faster cooking.
This step is a bit messy but totally worth it. You’re building the foundation for that rich, velvety spread.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Peach Butter
Let’s get into the heart of the recipe. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying peach butter in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Peaches
Begin by washing the peaches thoroughly. Peel them by blanching in boiling water for 30–60 seconds, then transferring to ice water—the skins should slip off easily. Remove the pits and slice the peaches into even chunks. The riper the peaches, the sweeter and smoother your peach butter will be.
Step 2: Cook the Peaches
Place the sliced peaches in a large pot and add a splash of water or lemon juice to prevent sticking. Cook over medium heat until the peaches soften and release their juices, about 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
Step 3: Blend the Mixture
Once tender, use an immersion blender to puree the peaches directly in the pot. If you prefer a silky consistency, blend until completely smooth; for a rustic finish, leave a little texture. You can also transfer the mixture to a countertop blender if needed.
Step 4: Simmer Until Thickened
Return the puree to low heat and simmer slowly, stirring frequently. Allow moisture to evaporate naturally. The mixture will darken, thicken, and intensify in flavor as it reduces. This stage can take 1–2 hours depending on your preferred thickness.
Step 5: Flavor and Finish
Stir in sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, or lemon zest to taste. Once the peach butter is thick and spreadable, remove from heat. Cool completely before storing in jars. Enjoy on toast, biscuits, or desserts!
Slow Cooker Peach Butter Version
Want a hands-off method? Let your slow cooker do the work! This version is perfect if you don’t want to babysit your pot all day. It takes longer, but the flavor payoff is well worth the wait—and your house will smell amazing for hours.
Instructions:
- Add peeled and sliced peaches to the slow cooker along with lemon juice and sugar.
- Cover with the lid slightly ajar to let steam escape (this helps the mixture reduce and thicken).
- Cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Blend with an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker until smooth.
- Continue cooking uncovered for another 1 to 2 hours to thicken the butter.
- Once it’s thick, add any desired spices and vanilla.
This method is practically foolproof and perfect for busy days or making large batches.
Storing Your Peach Butter
Once your peach butter has reached the perfect consistency, it’s time to store it properly. You have several options depending on how long you plan to keep it.
Refrigerator Storage
- Let the peach butter cool completely.
- Transfer to sterilized jars or airtight containers.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Freezer Storage
- Use freezer-safe containers or jars.
- Leave about ½ inch of space at the top to allow for expansion.
- It’ll last up to a year in the freezer.
Canning for Long-Term Storage
If you’re comfortable with water-bath canning, peach butter is a great candidate.
- Sterilize your jars and lids.
- Ladle hot peach butter into jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace.
- Wipe rims clean, seal, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjusting for altitude if needed).
- Let jars cool and store in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months.
Always check seals before using canned products.
How to Use Peach Butter
Peach butter is one of those magical spreads that fits almost anywhere in your kitchen. It’s not just for breakfast—though it shines there, too.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Peach Butter:
- Spread on warm biscuits, toast, or bagels
- Stirred into oatmeal or yogurt for a fruity boost
- Drizzled over pancakes or waffles
- Used as a glaze for pork, chicken, or ham
- Swirled into baked goods like muffins or cakes
- Paired with cheese on a charcuterie board
- Tucked into crepes or sandwich wraps
Trust me—once you try it, you’ll be finding new uses for it every day.
Tips for Perfect Peach Butter Every Time
Making peach butter is easy, but a few tips can help you achieve next-level results.
- Use ripe (or even overripe) peaches for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
- Don’t rush the simmering process—low and slow is key to that thick, buttery texture.
- Taste as you go and adjust sweetness or spices accordingly.
- Stir often to prevent scorching, especially once it starts thickening.
- Use an immersion blender for a smoother texture and easier cleanup.
These small details make a big difference in your final result.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes have their pitfalls. Avoid these mistakes for stress-free peach butter perfection:
- Using underripe peaches: They’re less sweet and harder to break down.
- Not cooking long enough: If your butter is watery, it hasn’t reduced enough.
- Adding too much sugar upfront: Always start low—you can add more, but you can’t take it out.
- Skipping the lemon juice: It balances the sweetness and helps preserve the color.
- Not sterilizing jars if canning: Skipping this step risks spoilage and mold.
Stay mindful of these, and your peach butter will come out amazing every time.
How to Adjust Sweetness or Texture
Your peaches may vary in sweetness, so it’s important to taste and tweak as you go.
For Sweetness:
- Start with 1 cup of sugar and only add more if needed.
- If your peaches are super ripe, you may not need much at all.
- For a natural sweetener option, try honey or maple syrup—just remember these can slightly alter the flavor.
For Texture:
- Want it thicker? Simmer longer with the lid off.
- Prefer it thinner? Add a splash of water or peach juice during cooking.
- For ultra-smooth butter, blend multiple times or pass through a sieve.
Everyone has a personal preference—this recipe is flexible enough to suit yours.
Variations to Try
Bored of basic peach butter? Jazz it up with these fun twists!
Spiced Peach Butter
- Add ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of clove.
- Perfect for fall vibes and pairs well with baked goods.
Vanilla Peach Butter
- Stir in 1–2 tsp pure vanilla extract at the end of cooking.
- Gives a rich, aromatic twist that pairs beautifully with desserts.
Low-Sugar Peach Butter
- Use less sugar or substitute with natural sweeteners like honey, agave, or monk fruit.
- Add a splash of apple juice or orange juice to enhance natural sweetness without extra sugar.
These variations are easy to experiment with—and chances are, you’ll find a new favorite.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general breakdown of peach butter nutrition (per tablespoon serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 25–40 |
| Sugar | 5–8g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Carbs | 6–10g |
| Fiber | 0.5–1g |
| Vitamin C | 4% DV |
| Potassium | 2% DV |
Note: Values vary based on ingredients and sugar content.
FAQs about Peach Butter Recipe
1. Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Thaw them first and drain excess liquid before cooking. They work just as well and are a great off-season option.
2. Why is my peach butter too runny?
You may not have cooked it long enough. Return it to the stove and simmer with the lid off until it thickens to your liking.
3. How long does homemade peach butter last?
If stored in the fridge, it lasts 2–3 weeks. If canned properly, it can last up to a year in a cool pantry.
4. Can I make peach butter without sugar?
Yes, though it won’t keep as long. Add natural sweeteners or enjoy it fresh within a week or so.
5. Is peach butter safe for canning?
Yes, it is! Just be sure to follow safe canning guidelines, sterilize your jars, and process in a boiling water bath.
Conclusion
Making your own peach butter is more than just a kitchen project—it’s an experience. The aroma, the vibrant color, the sweet-tart flavor—it all comes together in one beautiful jar. Whether you’re slathering it on toast, mixing it into yogurt, or gifting it to friends and family, homemade peach butter is a surefire way to capture the best of peach season. With simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a delicious, versatile spread that lasts well beyond summer.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some peaches and start simmering. Your taste buds will thank you.
