Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter
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Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter: A Fall Essential
As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than the warm and spicy flavors of pumpkin butter. This autumnal treat, rich with pumpkin puree and sweetened with spices, is not only versatile but also incredibly easy to make in a slow cooker.
Pumpkin butter, a concentrated version of pumpkin puree, is often mistaken for jam or spread, though it contains no butter at all. It’s a velvety smooth mixture perfect for slathering on toast, mixing into yogurt, spreading on pancakes, or even swirling into your morning coffee. Best of all, the slow cooker method makes it a breeze to prepare, leaving you with hours of the delightful scent of fall spices wafting through your home.
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Why Make Pumpkin Butter at Home?
Store-bought versions are often packed with preservatives or too much sugar, but when you make it at home, you can control the ingredients and sweetness. Plus, the slow cooker method requires minimal effort, making it an ideal recipe for a busy fall weekend.
How to Enjoy Pumpkin Butter
- Spread: On toast, muffins, or croissants.
- Baked Goods: Mix into pancake or waffle batter, or use it as a filling for turnovers and pastries.
- Desserts: Swirl into ice cream, blend into milkshakes, or drizzle over cakes.
- Gifts: Jar it up for a homemade gift that everyone will love!
Recipe for Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter
Ingredients:
- 1 (29 oz) can of pumpkin puree (or 3 ½ cups homemade pumpkin puree)
- 1 cup of brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup of apple cider (or apple juice)
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, apple cider, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Stir everything until well combined. You can adjust the spices to your liking for a more personalized flavor profile.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Cook for 6 to 8 hours, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to keep the lid slightly ajar during the last hour to let the excess moisture evaporate. The mixture will thicken as it cooks.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: During the last hour of cooking, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The vanilla will round out the flavors, while the salt balances the sweetness.
- Cool and Store: Once the pumpkin butter has thickened to your desired consistency, turn off the slow cooker and let it cool. Transfer it into clean, airtight jars or containers.
- Store and Enjoy: Pumpkin butter will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or up to 6 months in the freezer. You can also water-bath can it for a longer shelf life.
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Pro Tips:
- Smooth Consistency: If you like your pumpkin butter super smooth, you can give it a quick blend with an immersion blender at the end of the cooking process.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sugar according to your preference. For a deeper flavor, try adding a bit of maple syrup or honey.
- Canning Option: If you prefer to preserve your pumpkin butter for the long term, make sure to follow proper canning procedures, as pumpkin butter is a low-acid food that needs careful handling.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter is a true fall treat that fills your kitchen with the warm, spiced aroma of autumn. It’s easy to make and incredibly versatile, providing a delicious way to enjoy pumpkin all season long. Whether spread on toast, mixed into oatmeal, or used as a gift, this homemade butter is sure to become a seasonal favorite!
Now, grab your slow cooker, cozy up with a blanket, and let the scent of pumpkin butter fill your home!