This easy peach butter is a smooth and sweet spread that makes your morning toast sing! Made with fresh peaches, sugar, and a hint of spice, it’s simple to prepare in your trusty crockpot.
You just toss in the ingredients and let the slow cooker work its magic. I often enjoy it on pancakes or even by the spoonful—who can resist? 😋
Making this peach butter is so effortless! Just blend, cook, and enjoy the fruity goodness without any fuss. Your breakfast is about to get a tasty upgrade!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are the star of this recipe. Their sweetness and natural flavor make the best peach butter. If peaches are out of season, you can use frozen peaches; just thaw and drain the excess juice first.
Sugars: I use a mix of granulated and brown sugar for depth. You can swap the granulated sugar for honey or maple syrup if needed, but adjust the quantity to taste since they are sweeter.
Spices: Ground cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg add warmth. If you prefer a lighter flavor, you could just stick with cinnamon or even add a dash of ginger for a unique twist.
Lemon Juice: This helps balance the sweetness and preserves the peach color. You can substitute it with apple cider vinegar if you’re in a pinch, but the flavor will vary slightly.
How Do I Get the Peaches Perfectly Ready for Cooking?
Preparing peaches for peach butter might seem daunting, but it’s quite simple! The goal is to have soft, juicy slices that will cook down well.
- Rinse the peaches under cool water. Use a peeler for the skin, or blanch them briefly in boiling water for easy peeling.
- Cut the peaches in half, removing the pit, and then slice them into smaller pieces. The smaller the pieces, the quicker they will break down.
- Don’t worry if there are some bruises or soft spots. They’ll blend right into the mix!
Once prepped, toss them in your crockpot and you’re ready to go! It’s all about enjoying the process and looking forward to that delicious peach butter!
Easy Homemade Crockpot Peach Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Butter:
- 5 pounds fresh peaches (about 12 large peaches), peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Time Needed:
This delightful peach butter will take about 15 minutes for prep and then cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours in your crockpot. Once it’s done cooking, give it a quick blend, and you’re all set! Overall, plan for about a 10-hour project, which includes cooking time, but the hands-on time is minimal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peaches:
Start by washing your fresh peaches under cool water. Then, peel them using a vegetable peeler or by blanching in boiling water for 30 seconds to loosen the skin. Once peeled, slice the peaches in half, remove the pits, and cut the peach halves into smaller slices. Place all the prepared peach slices in your crockpot.
2. Mix in the Sweetness and Spices:
Next, sprinkle the granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice over the peaches in the crockpot. Give everything a gentle stir, making sure the peaches are well-coated in the sugars and spices.
3. Cook the Peach Mixture:
Cover the crockpot, set it to LOW, and let it cook for 8 to 10 hours. Stir occasionally to make sure everything cooks evenly and to check for consistency. The mixture will cook down and become soft and fragrant.
4. Blend for a Smooth Finish:
Once the cooking time is up, use an immersion blender directly in the crockpot to puree the mixture until it’s nicely smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender, but remember to let it cool slightly first to avoid any splattering.
5. Add Final Touches:
After blending, stir in the vanilla extract if you’re using it. Taste your peach butter and adjust the sweetness with more sugar if you prefer it sweeter!
6. Storing Your Peach Butter:
Carefully spoon the peach butter into sterilized jars or containers. Allow it to cool completely before sealing. You can store the peach butter in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or process it in a water bath canner for longer shelf life for about a year.
7. Enjoy!
Your homemade peach butter is ready to be spread on toast, drizzled over pancakes, or stirred into yogurt. Enjoy the delicious flavors of summertime all year round!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the crockpot. This will help maintain the right consistency of your peach butter.
How Long Can I Store Peach Butter?
Your peach butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can process it in a water bath canner, which allows it to last for about a year in a cool, dark place.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Peach Butter?
Absolutely! Taste the peach butter after blending, and you can add more granulated or brown sugar to suit your preference. Just keep in mind that the sweetness can intensify as it cooks down.
What Can I Use Instead of Sugar?
If you’d like to reduce refined sugar, consider using honey or maple syrup as alternatives. Be sure to adjust the quantity since they can be sweeter. You may need to experiment a bit to find the right balance!
