Peach Butter

Peach Butter

Peach butter is a luscious, sweet spread that captures the essence of ripe, juicy peaches in a smooth, buttery consistency. Unlike traditional fruit preserves, peach butter is cooked down to a rich, creamy texture, concentrating the natural sweetness and flavor of the fruit.

This delightful spread is perfect for slathering on toast, pancakes, or biscuits, and it can also be used as a filling for pastries or drizzled over yogurt.

Making peach butter at home not only fills your kitchen with a heavenly aroma but also allows you to enjoy the taste of summer long after the season has passed. Let’s embark on the journey to create this scrumptious treat!

Ingredients

• 8 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped (about 10-12 medium peaches)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Make

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

Peel and Chop: Start by peeling the peaches. A great tip for peeling is to blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath. The skins will slip off easily. After peeling, pit and chop the peaches into small pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Peaches

Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the chopped peaches, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well to mix the ingredients.

Cook the Mixture: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook for about 15-20 minutes until the peaches are soft and have released their juices.

Step 3: Blend the Mixture

Puree the Peaches: Once the peaches are softened, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches. Just be careful when blending hot liquids; allow some steam to escape to avoid splattering.

Step 4: Thicken the Butter

Cook Down: Return the pureed peach mixture to the pot and continue to cook over low heat. Stir frequently to avoid burning, and let it simmer until it thickens, which may take about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The consistency should be similar to a thick applesauce.

Add Spices and Vanilla: Once thickened, stir in the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and vanilla extract (if using). Taste the peach butter and adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if desired.

Step 5: Jar the Peach Butter

Prepare Jars: While the peach butter is simmering, sterilize your jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Let them dry upside down.

Fill the Jars: Once the peach butter has reached the desired thickness, carefully ladle it into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue.

Seal the Jars: Place the sterilized lids on top and screw on the metal bands until they are fingertip-tight.

Step 6: Process the Jars

Water Bath Canning: Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure they seal properly. This step helps preserve the peach butter for long-term storage.

Cool and Store: After processing, carefully remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool on a clean towel or wire rack. You should hear the satisfying “pop” of the lids sealing as they cool. Once completely cooled, store the peach butter in a cool, dark place.

Chef’s Note

Peach butter is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different spices based on your preferences. For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also blend in other fruits, like raspberries or blackberries, to create a unique flavor profile. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the peach butter until it’s completely smooth. This spread makes a fantastic gift, so consider making extra jars to share with friends and family!

Nutritional Information (per tablespoon)

• Calories: 50
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 1mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 13g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 11g
• Protein: 0g
• Vitamin C: 8% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin A: 2% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Calcium: 0% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Iron: 0% of the Daily Value (DV)

Conclusion

Making peach butter at home is not just a rewarding culinary project; it’s a way to capture the sweet, fragrant essence of peaches and enjoy it year-round. Whether you spread it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or use it in your baking, this homemade peach butter is sure to delight your taste buds.

So gather your fresh peaches, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delightful process of creating your own delicious peach butter. With every jar, you’ll be savoring a taste of summer long into the colder months!

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