Spiced Pumpkin Butter (An easy, homemade recipe!)

Welcome fall with open arms—and spoons at the ready—for this cozy, homemade Spiced Pumpkin Butter. Simmered with warming spices and just the right touch of sweetness, it’s the perfect spread to satisfy your pumpkin cravings all season long. Slather it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or spoon it over pancakes for an instant autumn upgrade.

The leaves are turning, there's a cool crispness in the air, and the sweaters are out — it’s unmistakable, fall is officially here! This time of year brings many favorite things, but none quite as anticipated as the return of pumpkin flavors. From pumpkin cold foam, pumpkin donuts to pumpkin bread, pumpkin is the star of the season. But have you tried a less common, yet equally delightful treat: spiced pumpkin butter?

Pumpkin butter is a beautiful spread that often takes a backseat to the more popular pumpkin pie filling, but not anymore! It's a fantastic way to infuse the beloved pumpkin taste into an array of baked delights, from macarons to muffins, and even as a dollop in a warm bowl of oatmeal. Plus, making your own pumpkin butter ensures you get the best flavor, using simple ingredients right from the grocery store or your kitchen pantry.

 So, grab a loaf of fresh bread, some crisp apples, or even a scoop of ice cream, and let this pumpkin butter bring the taste of the season directly to your table. Enjoy the process, the delicious aromas, and most importantly, your heartwarming creation. Happy fall, pumpkin lovers!

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

This fall, make your breakfasts and snacks a little more special with this delightful spiced pumpkin butter. It’s a homemade treat that you'll look forward to ALMOST as much as the changing of those beautiful autumn leaves.

Here's some reasons why you'll love having a jar of pumpkin butter at the ready...

• Simplicity: It's a straightforward recipe, perfect for first-time makers! Simple a few minutes of prep, simmer and store the leftovers!
• Versatility: From adding to your morning toast, banana bread or a sensational pumpkin soup, this butter is the ideal complement.
• Long Shelf Life: Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, your pumpkin treat can be savored over many weeks!
• Rich, Authentic Flavor: Fresh pumpkin puree and warm spices make every spoonful a celebration of fall!

🍴Ingredients

• Pumpkin Purée: The star ingredient — fresh or canned, it's your choice!
• Maple Syrup: For that cozy added sweetness.
• Apple Cider: Adds a delightful tang, enhancing the pumpkin's sweetness.
• Dark Brown Sugar: For a deep molasses-like sweetness that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin.
• Warm Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger — the heartwarming trio that defines autumn.

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

⏲️ Substitutions & Variations

• Apple Delight: Substitute apple butter or homemade apple juice for a portion of the pumpkin puree to introduce a tangy sweetness, perfect for an autumnal twist on the traditional recipe.
• Sweet Potato Swap: Out of pumpkin? No problem! Sweet potato puree makes a delightful stand-in, delivering a similar texture with a unique, sweet note all its own.
• Creamy Indulgence: For a decadent treat, mix finished butter with cream cheese at room temperature. Spread it on fall treats or dollop onto banana bread for a creamy, dreamy experience.

This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!

📖 Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Combine pumpkin purée, apple cider, dark brown sugar, and warm spices in a saucepan.

Step 2: Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.

Step 3: Adjust the spices, to taste, before removing from heat to cool. Transfer to an airtight container for storage, or enjoy it right away!

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips/Expert baking tips

• Experiment with sweeteners: maple syrup or coconut sugar are great alternatives to brown sugar if desired!
• Don't rush the cooking process; a low, steady heat ensures a beautifully thickened butter.
• Add a dash of lemon juice or vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor complexity.
• Pumpkin butter freezes incredibly well; just ensure it's in a freezer-friendly container for longer storage.
• Speaking of low and slow, no need to watch a pot; use your slow cooker! Combine ingredients in the bowl, set on low, and let it simmer for a fuss-free, richly-spiced pumpkin butter.

💭 Recipe FAQs

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