This Easy Homemade Crockpot Peach Butter is smooth and sweet, making it perfect for spreading on toast or pancakes. It fills your home with a lovely fruity aroma as it cooks!
I love how simple it is to make. Just toss the peaches in the crockpot and let it do its magic. It’s like a cozy hug in a jar! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh ripe peaches are essential for a sweet flavor and smooth texture. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen peaches—just let them thaw first.
Sugars: The recipe uses granulated and brown sugars, which add sweetness and depth. For a healthier alternative, consider using honey or maple syrup, but reduce the amount slightly since they are sweeter.
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness and helps preserve the peach color. If you don’t have lemon juice, lime juice works as a good substitute, adding its unique flavor.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create a warm flavor profile. Feel free to omit or adjust the spices according to your preference. A bit of ginger can add a nice kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Texture for Peach Butter?
Getting that velvety smooth texture is key for this peach butter. The best way is to puree the mixture after it’s cooked down. An immersion blender is super convenient, but if you don’t have one, a regular blender works great too! Just be cautious hot mixtures can splatter.
- After slow cooking the peaches, puree until smooth.
- Return to the crockpot and let it cook uncovered to thicken.
- Stir frequently during the last stage to prevent sticking.
Easy Homemade Crockpot Peach Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 pounds fresh ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 to 12 hours total to make this delicious peach butter. This includes about 20 to 30 minutes for prep and cooking time of 8 to 10 hours on low, plus another 1 to 2 hours for thickening. It’s mostly hands-off, so you can just let the crockpot do its magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peaches:
Start by washing your peaches thoroughly. Next, peel them, pit them, and slice them into small pieces. This will help them cook down evenly.
2. Combine Ingredients:
In your crockpot, add the sliced peaches along with granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Give everything a good stir so the peaches are well-coated with the sugars and spices.
3. Slow Cook the Peaches:
Cover the crockpot and set it to low. Let it cook for about 8 to 10 hours. Stir it occasionally to make sure everything is cooking evenly. You’ll know it’s ready when the peaches are very soft and have broken down.
4. Blend Until Smooth:
Using an immersion blender, puree the peach mixture directly in the crockpot until it’s nice and smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender. Blend until smooth, and then put it back in the crockpot.
5. Thicken the Peach Butter:
Leave the lid off the crockpot and continue cooking on low for another 1 to 2 hours. This helps thicken the mixture. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking. You can adjust the sweetness or spice levels to your taste as it cooks!
6. Store Your Peach Butter:
Once it’s thickened to your liking, let the peach butter cool. Transfer it to sterilized jars, and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. You can also can it for longer storage if you’d like!
Enjoy your homemade peach butter spread on warm toast, biscuits, or pancakes! It’s a delightful treat that captures the essence of summertime!
FAQ About Easy Homemade Crockpot Peach Butter
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work well; just ensure they’re fully thawed before slicing and adding them to the crockpot. This will help maintain the consistency and flavor of your peach butter.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Peach Butter?
If you prefer a less sweet peach butter, start by using less sugar and tasting the mixture as it cooks. You can always add more sugar later if needed, but remember that the sweetness tends to intensify as it cooks down.
Can I Can This Peach Butter for Long-Term Storage?
Yes, you can! To can your peach butter, make sure to follow safe canning practices. Sterilize your jars and lids, fill the jars with the hot peach butter, leaving a little headspace, and process them in a hot water bath for longer shelf life.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Peach Butter?
This peach butter is fantastic on toast, biscuits, or pancakes. You can also use it as a filling for pastries or as a topping for yogurt or ice cream. It adds a delicious fruity flavor to many dishes!
