This homemade peach butter is a sweet, fruity treat that’s super easy to make in your crockpot! It just uses fresh peaches, sugar, and a hint of spice for extra flavor.
You’ll love how simple it is! Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic. Spread this delicious butter on toast and watch it disappear—trust me, it’s that good! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are best for flavor, but you can use frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding to the crockpot. If you’re making this in winter, canned peaches in juice or syrup can substitute; just ensure to adjust sugar accordingly!
Sugars: Granulated and brown sugar gives the right sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor from the brown sugar. You can use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar, though keep the measurements in mind. Start with less, since these sweeteners can be sweeter than sugar.
Spices: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves adds warmth to the flavor. If you don’t have nutmeg or cloves, just skip them or substitute with allspice. You can also add a pinch of ginger for an extra zing!
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness and balances the sweetness. If you don’t have lemon juice, a splash of apple cider vinegar can work too, but taste to adjust since it’s tangier.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for Peach Butter?
Getting the right texture is key for a great peach butter! Here are some steps to ensure it turns out smooth and spreadable:
- Make sure to cook the mixture long enough on low heat; this allows the peaches to break down completely.
- Stir occasionally in the last few hours—this helps to prevent sticking and allows you to check the consistency.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the peach mixture directly in the crockpot. Just be careful of splatters!
- When it thickens to your liking, remember that it continues to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit loose at first.
Easy Homemade Crockpot Peach Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Butter:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (about 8-10 medium peaches)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of preparation time and 8 to 10 hours of cooking time in the crockpot. So, just do a little chopping and mixing, and then let your crockpot handle the rest while you relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peaches:
Start by peeling, pitting, and slicing your peaches. If you want to make peeling easier, you can blanch the peaches in boiling water for about 30 seconds. Then, transfer them to a bowl of ice water; this will let the skins slip right off. Once peeled and sliced, add them to your crockpot!
2. Mix Everything Together:
In the crockpot with your peaches, stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Then, add the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and salt. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. This will help all those yummy flavors blend together as they cook.
3. Cook the Peaches:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. You want the peaches to become very soft and the mixture to thicken up. If you can, stir it occasionally during the last few hours to prevent any sticking to the sides.
4. Blend for Smoothness:
If you prefer a smoother peach butter instead of chunky, you can use an immersion blender to blend the mixture directly in the crockpot until it reaches your desired consistency. Just be careful of hot splashes!
5. Finish and Store:
Once your peach butter is thickened to your liking, stir in the vanilla extract if you’re using it. Then, carefully transfer the peach butter to sterilized jars or containers and let them cool completely. Store the peach butter in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze it for longer storage.
Now, enjoy your delicious homemade peach butter spread on toast, biscuits, or even as a delightful topping for desserts!
FAQ About Easy Homemade Crockpot Peach Butter
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the crockpot. The flavor will still be delightful!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Peach Butter?
You can easily adjust the sweetness to your taste! Start with the suggested amounts of sugar and taste the mixture before cooking. If you prefer it sweeter, add more sugar gradually until it reaches your desired sweetness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover peach butter in airtight containers or sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it for several months. Just make sure to leave some space in the jars as the mixture may expand when frozen!
Can I Substitute the Spices?
Absolutely! If you’re out of certain spices, you can skip them or use alternatives such as allspice for a similar flavor. You can also add a pinch of ground ginger for a subtle kick if you like! Just adjust per your personal preference.
