Peach Butter

Peach butter is a delightful homemade spread that transforms ripe peaches into a velvety, flavorful treat. This versatile preserve is perfect for slathering on toast, dolloping on pancakes, or using as a filling in desserts. Its rich flavor and smooth texture make it an essential addition to your kitchen, whether you’re enjoying a cozy breakfast at home or preparing for a festive gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Incredible Flavor: Slow-cooking the peaches intensifies their natural sweetness, resulting in a rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Uses: Peach butter works wonders as a topping, filling, or even in savory dishes, adding depth and sweetness wherever it’s used.
• Perfect for Gifting: Jars of homemade peach butter make thoughtful gifts for friends and family, especially during the harvest season.
• Long Shelf Life: When canned properly, peach butter can last up to 18 months in your pantry.

Tools and Preparation

To create your peach butter masterpiece, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and ensures consistent results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Food processor or immersion blender
• Canning jars (if preserving)
• Water bath canner (if canning)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large saucepan: A spacious saucepan allows enough room to cook down the peaches without splattering, ensuring even heating.
• Food processor or immersion blender: These tools are key for achieving a smooth consistency in your peach mixture.
• Canning jars: Properly sealed jars keep your peach butter safe to store long-term without refrigeration.

Ingredients

For the Peach Butter

• 4 to 4 1/2 lbs peaches (about 14-18 medium)
• ½ cup water
• 4 cups granulated sugar

How to Make Peach Butter

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

1. Rinse your peaches under cool, running water.
2. Blanch the peaches in boiling water for 30-60 seconds. Immediately transfer the blanched peaches to a bowl of cold water. After 1 or 2 minutes of cooling, place the peaches on a towel or drainer to drain. Repeat this process until all the peaches have been blanched.

Step 2: Peel and Cut Peaches

1. Cut the peaches in half lengthwise and twist the two halves to separate.
2. Remove and discard the pit and any stringy, fibrous flesh.
3. Using your hands or a paring knife, remove the outer skin from the peaches and discard.
4. Cut the peaches into quarters or smaller pieces and place them in a large saucepan. Add ½ cup of water.

Step 3: Cook Peaches Down

1. Over medium heat, simmer the peaches until soft and mushy, stirring often.
2. Process the peach mixture in a food processor or immersion blender to produce a smooth peach pulp.

Step 4: Sweeten Your Peach Butter

1. Place 2 quarts of peach pulp in a large saucepan and add 4 cups of sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Bring the peach butter to a soft boil over medium-high heat.

Step 5: Final Cooking Stage

1. Reduce the heat to medium and cook at a low boil, stirring often and watching for scorching or sticking.
2. Cook the mixture until thick enough to form a mound on a spoon.

Step 6: Jar Your Peach Butter

1. Ladle or pour the jam into prepared jars or containers. Maintain ¼” headspace if you are going to can your peach butter.
2. If canning, process the jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes (or 15 minutes if above 6,000 feet in elevation).

Step 7: Storing Your Peach Butter

1. Jars sealed using the hot water bath canning method will retain peak quality in your pantry or dry, cool place for 18 months or longer, provided the seals remain intact.
2. If not canning, store peach butter in the refrigerator or freezer after it has cooled; consume within three weeks if refrigerated or six months if frozen.

Enjoy this delicious homemade peach butter spread on your favorite breakfasts or as an ingredient in various recipes!

How to Serve Peach Butter

Peach butter is a versatile spread that can enhance various dishes and snacks. Whether you’re looking for a sweet addition to breakfast or a unique topping for desserts, peach butter fits the bill perfectly.

On Toast or Bread

• Toast: Spread peach butter on warm toast for a delightful breakfast treat.
• Bagels: Use peach butter as a spread on toasted bagels for a fruity twist.
• Sourdough Bread: Pair with artisanal sourdough for a delicious brunch option.

With Cheese

• Cheese Board: Serve peach butter alongside creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a balanced flavor profile.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Add a layer of peach butter in your grilled cheese sandwich for an unexpected sweetness.

In Desserts

• Pancakes and Waffles: Top pancakes or waffles with peach butter instead of syrup for a gourmet breakfast.
• Ice Cream Topping: Drizzle over vanilla ice cream to create a refreshing dessert.

As a Marinade

• Glaze for Chicken: Mix peach butter with olive oil and use it as a marinade or glaze for grilled chicken.
• Dressing Base: Combine with vinegar to make a fruity salad dressing.

How to Perfect Peach Butter

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your peach butter, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Peaches: Choose ripe, juicy peaches to maximize the flavor and sweetness in your peach butter.
• Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent burning; stirring often helps maintain consistency.
• Smooth Texture: Blend the peach mixture thoroughly to ensure there are no lumps, creating that perfect smoothness.
• Taste Test: Adjust sugar levels according to your taste preference; some peaches may be sweeter than others.
• Proper Canning Techniques: If canning, ensure jars are sterilized properly to extend shelf life and maintain quality.

Best Side Dishes for Peach Butter

Peach butter pairs well with many side dishes, adding sweetness and depth. Here are some great options to enjoy alongside it:

1. Savory Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with a spoonful of peach butter creates an enticing contrast of flavors.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Serve roasted carrots or sweet potatoes drizzled with peach butter to enhance their natural sweetness.
3. Salad with Nuts: A mixed green salad garnished with nuts and dressed lightly will complement the rich taste of peach butter beautifully.
4. Cornbread Muffins: Enjoy fresh cornbread muffins spread with peach butter for a comforting side dish at any meal.
5. Fruit Salad: Toss seasonal fruits together and serve them alongside peach butter as a dip for added flavor.
6. Grilled Chicken Skewers: These savory skewers pair excellently with the sweetness of peach butter as both marinade and dipping sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making peach butter, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Blanching Step: Failing to blanch peaches can leave the skin tough and hard to remove. Always blanch for 30-60 seconds to ensure easy peeling.
• Not Measuring Sugar Accurately: Using too much or too little sugar affects the consistency and flavor of your peach butter. Always follow your recipe measurements carefully.
• Ignoring Cooking Time: Cooking for too long can lead to burnt peach butter, while cooking for too short a time can yield a runny texture. Stir often and check for thickness.
• Using Unripe Peaches: Unripe peaches won’t provide the sweet flavor you desire in your peach butter. Choose ripe, juicy peaches for the best results.
• Neglecting Storage Guidelines: Improper storage can spoil your peach butter quickly. Follow canning or refrigeration guidelines to ensure it lasts longer.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store peach butter in clean, airtight jars.
• It will last about 3 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing Peach Butter

• Use freezer-safe jars or containers.
• Peach butter can be frozen for up to 6 months.

Reheating Peach Butter

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the peach butter in an oven-safe dish until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe container and heat in short intervals, stirring between each interval until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making peach butter.

What is Peach Butter?

Peach butter is a smooth, spreadable preserve made from cooked peaches, sugar, and water. It’s great on toast or as a filling.

How long does it take to make Peach Butter?

The total time for making peach butter is approximately 70 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.

Can I use other fruits for fruit butter?

Yes! You can substitute peaches with other fruits like apples, plums, or apricots for different flavors.

How do I know when my Peach Butter is ready?

Peach butter is ready when it thickens enough to mound on a spoon. Keep stirring and monitoring as it cooks.

Is Peach Butter suitable for canning?

Absolutely! When properly canned using a water bath method, peach butter can last up to 18 months in a cool pantry.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade peach butter is not only simple but also rewarding. This spread captures the essence of summer peaches, perfect for breakfast or as a dessert topping. Try customizing your peach butter with added spices like cinnamon or vanilla for extra flavor!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Peach Butter

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x

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Description

Peach butter is a velvety, sweet spread that transforms juicy peaches into a rich preserve, perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your breakfast or desserts. This delightful homemade treat captures the essence of summer and is incredibly versatile, making it an ideal topping for toast, pancakes, or even as a unique filling in pastries. With easy preparation and minimal ingredients, you can enjoy the irresistible taste of fresh peaches all year round. Plus, it makes for thoughtful gifts during harvest season!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 to 4 1/2 lbs ripe peaches (about 14–18 medium)
• ½ cup water
• 4 cups granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the peaches by rinsing them under cool water and blanching them in boiling water for 30-60 seconds. Transfer to cold water, then peel and cut into quarters.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the peach pieces with ½ cup of water and simmer over medium heat until soft.
3. Blend the cooked peaches into a smooth pulp using a food processor or immersion blender.
4. Add 4 cups of sugar to the pulp in the saucepan, stirring until dissolved. Bring to a soft boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently until thickened enough to mound on a spoon.
6. Ladle into jars with proper headspace for canning or store in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Canning
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
• Calories: 60
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg