Prepare to fall in love with the cozy, deeply spiced flavor of Spiced Pumpkin Butter. This luscious spread wraps up everything delightful about autumn — pumpkin, warm spices, and maple sweetness — into one irresistible condiment. Unlike store-bought versions, making your own Spiced Pumpkin Butter at home means you get to savor real pumpkin and a loftier, fresher spice profile in every swipe. Whether you want to swirl it into yogurt, spread it on fluffy pancakes, or gift it to a friend, this silky-smooth pumpkin butter is sure to become your seasonal favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Spiced Pumpkin Butter lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one adds something special — creamy texture, comforting sweetness, or aromatic warmth — blending together for an unbeatable homemade treat.
- Pumpkin purée: Use plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) for a velvety base and true squash flavor.
- Apple cider: Offers natural sweetness and a fruity depth that brightens the finished spread.
- Brown sugar: A touch of molasses from brown sugar brings body and a subtle caramel note.
- Maple syrup: For classic autumn sweetness and unmatchable aroma—pure maple makes a difference!
- Ground cinnamon: Adds that signature warmth and spice we crave in pumpkin desserts.
- Ground ginger: Just a hint for a zippy, vibrant undertone in each spoonful.
- Ground nutmeg: Lends its classic, slightly nutty aroma that rounds out the spice blend.
- Ground cloves: A small but mighty pinch gives earthy, intense spice; don’t skip it!
- Salt: Just enough to balance and highlight the flavors, never to overwhelm.
- Vanilla extract: Stirs in mellow sweetness at the end, bringing the whole spread together.
How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Butter
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Grab your medium saucepan and simply scoop in the pumpkin purée, pour in the apple cider, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Give it all a good stir with a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon — it’ll look thick at first, but watch how quickly these autumnal flavors start mingling.
Step 2: Simmer and Thicken
Set your saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once those bubbles start appearing, reduce the heat to low. Now comes the hands-on fun: cook it uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring often. You’ll see the Spiced Pumpkin Butter become glossy, thick, and rich in color as it cooks down — that’s when the magic is happening!
Step 3: Add Vanilla
When your butter looks dark, shiny, and spreadable, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract; you’ll notice right away how it rounds out the spices and smooths the flavor. This last step ties everything together, so don’t skip it!
Step 4: Cool and Store
Allow the Spiced Pumpkin Butter to cool completely in the pan — it will continue to thicken as it cools. Once at room temperature, transfer it into a clean jar or airtight container. This batch will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, ready to transform any snack or breakfast into something special.
How to Serve Spiced Pumpkin Butter
Garnishes
Dress up your Spiced Pumpkin Butter with a sprinkle of toasted pecans, a tiny dash of ground cinnamon, or some chopped candied ginger. These finishing touches add flair and a pop of flavor whether you’re serving it for a holiday brunch or an afternoon treat.
Side Dishes
Spread generously onto warm toast, freshly baked scones, pancakes, or sweet muffins for an instant autumn upgrade. Swirl into yogurt, oatmeal, or even atop vanilla ice cream for a dessert-worthy twist—there are few breakfasts or snacks that aren’t improved by a spoonful!
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon Spiced Pumpkin Butter into cute glass jars, tie on a rustic ribbon, and give them out as heartfelt, homemade edible gifts during fall gatherings. Or, turn it into a centerpiece on your brunch table with an assortment of breads, crackers, and fresh fruit for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, Spiced Pumpkin Butter keeps perfectly in a tightly sealed jar in the fridge for up to two weeks. Between uses, always use a clean spoon and store cold to maintain its fresh, vibrant flavor and irresistible texture.
Freezing
If you’d like to savor your Spiced Pumpkin Butter throughout the colder months, freeze it in smaller containers (think half-cup portions). It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months — just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Reheating
While you can enjoy Spiced Pumpkin Butter straight from the fridge, if you’d like it warm and silky, gently heat a spoonful or two in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This brings back that just-cooked flavor and makes it extra spreadable for your toast or pancakes.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin purée instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade pumpkin purée is smooth and not too watery — drain off excess liquid if needed. The flavor is fantastic when using fresh pumpkin.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
Spiced Pumpkin Butter isn’t safe for home water bath canning due to its low acidity. Stick to fridge or freezer storage; thankfully, it keeps well and tastes incredibly fresh either way!
Can I adjust the spices to my taste?
Definitely! Feel free to dial up the cinnamon or ginger, or add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for your own signature spice blend. Tasting is the best part, so customize away.
What if my pumpkin butter turns out too thick?
If it cooks down a bit too much, add a splash more apple cider or water and stir until you reach your desired consistency. It’s an easy fix and won’t affect the overall flavor.
How can I use Spiced Pumpkin Butter beyond spreading it on toast?
Try swirling it into oatmeal or yogurt, layering it in parfaits, adding dollops to baked brie, or using it as a secret ingredient in fall-inspired baked goods. It makes everything extra special!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cozy, homemade, and a little bit luxurious this season, you simply must try Spiced Pumpkin Butter. The aroma and flavor brighten any table, and the possibilities for enjoying it are endless. Let this delightful spread make your autumn breakfasts and desserts even more memorable.
Print
Spiced Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Spiced Pumpkin Butter is a delightful autumn spread that captures the essence of fall flavors in a deliciously smooth and aromatic form. This easy-to-make recipe combines pumpkin puree with a blend of warm spices and sweeteners to create a versatile condiment perfect for spreading on toast, swirling into oatmeal, or adding a seasonal twist to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Butter:
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the pumpkin purée, apple cider, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened and glossy.
- Finish and Store: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool completely, then transfer to a clean jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Use this pumpkin butter as a spread on toast, pancakes, muffins, or swirl it into oatmeal or yogurt.
- For longer storage, you can freeze it in small containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
