The beauty of this slow cooker pumpkin butter recipe lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor it develops over time. As the pumpkin, sugars, and spices meld together in the slow cooker, they create a rich, velvety spread that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. The slow, gentle cooking process allows the natural sweetness of the pumpkin to shine while the spices infuse their warm, aromatic notes, making this pumpkin butter a perfect topping for your favorite fall treats. Whether spread on warm toast, swirled into oatmeal, or used as a baking ingredient, this pumpkin butter is sure to become a seasonal favorite, bringing comfort and joy to every dish it graces.
Ingredients
- 1 can (29 ounces) pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple juice or cider
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients and make sure you have everything measured out and ready to go. This will make the process smoother.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, apple juice (or cider), lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice, and salt to your slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Cook on Low: Set your slow cooker to the low setting. Cover and cook for 6-8 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. As the pumpkin butter cooks, it will thicken and darken in color.
- Check Consistency: After about 6 hours, check the consistency. The pumpkin butter should be thick and spreadable. If it is still too watery, remove the lid and continue to cook for another 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Cool and Store: Once the pumpkin butter is thick and spreadable, turn off the slow cooker and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer the pumpkin butter to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or frozen for longer storage.
- Serve: Enjoy your homemade pumpkin butter on toast, muffins, pancakes, or as a flavorful addition to yogurt and oatmeal. It’s also a great ingredient for baking, adding a rich pumpkin flavor to various recipes.
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Tips for Success
- Stirring: Make sure to stir the pumpkin butter occasionally, especially during the last few hours of cooking, to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Adjusting Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. If you prefer a spicier pumpkin butter, you can add a bit more cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
- Texture: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree the pumpkin butter after it has finished cooking and cooled slightly.
This slow cooker pumpkin butter is a wonderful way to embrace the flavors of fall and add a touch of seasonal delight to your meals. Enjoy the process of making it and savor the delicious results!
