Peach Butter

Peach butter is a delightful homemade spread that captivates the senses with its sweet, rich flavor. This versatile treat is perfect for breakfast on toast, as a topping for desserts, or even as a gift. The unique feature of peach butter lies in its slow cooking process, which intensifies the natural sweetness and aroma of fresh peaches. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking to preserve summer’s bounty, this peach butter recipe will surely impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can create your own delicious spread at home.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for spreading on bread, pairing with cheese, or adding to desserts.
• Natural Ingredients: Made from fresh peaches and sugar, free from artificial preservatives.
• Long-lasting: Canning allows you to enjoy the taste of summer all year round.
• Great for Gifting: Share jars of homemade peach butter with friends and family for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the ingredients, let’s gather some essential tools that will help you create the perfect peach butter.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Food processor or immersion blender
• Water bath canner (if canning)
• Jars or containers for storage

Importance of Each Tool

• Large saucepan: This is crucial for cooking down the peaches evenly and preventing scorching.
• Food processor or immersion blender: These tools ensure your peach mixture achieves a smooth consistency, vital for a creamy texture in peach butter.
• Water bath canner: If you choose to can your peach butter, this tool helps preserve it safely for long-term storage.

Ingredients

Peach butter is made using a few simple ingredients that highlight the natural flavors of fresh peaches.

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.
3. Immediately transfer the blanched peaches to a bowl of cold water.
4. After 1 or 2 minutes of cooling, place the peaches on a towel or drainer to drain.
5. Repeat this process until all the peaches have been blanched.

Step 2: Remove Skin and Pits

1. Cut the peaches in half lengthwise and twist to separate.
2. Remove and discard the pit along with any stringy flesh.
3. Using your hands or a paring knife, remove the outer skin from each peach.

Step 3: Cook Down the Peaches

1. Cut the peeled peaches into quarters or smaller pieces and place them in a large saucepan.
2. Add ½ cup of water over medium heat.
3. Simmer until soft and mushy, stirring often.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

1. Process the peach mixture using a food processor, food mill, or immersion blender until smooth.

Step 5: Combine with Sugar

1. Place 2 quarts of peach pulp into a large saucepan.
2. Add 4 cups of sugar and stir until dissolved.

Step 6: Cook Until Thickened

1. Bring to a soft boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium; cook at low boil while stirring often until thickened enough to mound on a spoon.

Step 7: Jar Your Peach Butter

1. Ladle or pour into prepared jars or containers maintaining ¼” headspace if canning.
2. For canning, process jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes (or 15 minutes above 6,000 feet).

Step 8: Store Your Creation

1. If not canning, store cooled peach butter in refrigerator or freezer.
2. Consume within three weeks if refrigerated or six months if frozen using freezer-safe jars.

Enjoy creating this luscious peach butter that captures the essence of summer!

How to Serve Peach Butter

Peach butter is a versatile spread that can elevate many dishes. Its sweet, fruity flavor complements both sweet and savory options, making it an excellent addition to your dining experience.

On Toast

• Use on freshly toasted bread for a delightful breakfast or snack.
• Pair with cream cheese for a creamy contrast to the sweetness.

With Cheese

• Serve alongside soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese for a sophisticated cheese platter.
• Use as a dip for hard cheeses, enhancing their flavor profile.

In Desserts

• Swirl into yogurt or cottage cheese for a quick dessert treat.
• Spread on pancakes or waffles as a syrup alternative.

As a Marinade

• Use peach butter as a marinade for chicken or turkey, adding sweetness and moisture.
• Mix with mustard for a flavorful glaze before grilling.

With Oatmeal

• Stir into hot oatmeal for added sweetness and fruitiness.
• Top with nuts or seeds for extra texture and nutrition.

In Smoothies

• Blend into smoothies for natural sweetness and flavor.
• Combine with spinach or kale for a nutrient-packed drink.

How to Perfect Peach Butter

Creating the perfect peach butter requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your results:

• Choose ripe peaches: Select peaches that are slightly soft to the touch; they will yield more juice and flavor.
• Blanch thoroughly: Properly blanching helps remove the skins easily, ensuring a smooth texture in the final product.
• Monitor cooking time: Keep an eye on the cooking process; overcooking can lead to caramelization instead of preserving the fresh peach flavor.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the sugar amount based on your taste preference or the natural sweetness of the peaches you use.
• Test consistency: Use a spoon to check if the peach butter is thick enough before removing it from heat; it should mound nicely.
• Store properly: Ensure jars are sealed tightly if canning, and label them with dates for easy tracking of freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Peach Butter

Peach butter pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here’s a list of suggestions that complement its sweet flavor:

1. Grilled Chicken
   Marinate chicken breasts in peach butter before grilling for an unexpected twist.

2. Savory Biscuits
   Serve warm biscuits alongside peach butter as a delightful breakfast option.

3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   Toss sweet potato wedges in olive oil and roast until tender, then drizzle with peach butter before serving.

4. Creamy Polenta
   Stir in a spoonful of peach butter into creamy polenta for added flavor and richness.

5. Vegetable Stir-Fry
   A touch of peach butter can add sweetness to stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas.

6. Spinach Salad
   Dress fresh spinach with olive oil, vinegar, and peach butter for a refreshing salad.

7. Quinoa Pilaf
   Mix cooked quinoa with herbs and a hint of peach butter for an elevated side dish.

8. Baked Brie
   Top baked Brie cheese with warm peach butter before serving with crackers or bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making peach butter can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some to watch out for:

• Not using ripe peaches: Ensure your peaches are ripe for the best flavor. Unripe peaches will result in a less sweet and flavorful peach butter.
• Skipping the blanching step: Blanching helps remove skins easily and enhances texture. Don’t skip this step if you want a smooth spread.
• Overcooking or undercooking: The cooking time is crucial for achieving the right consistency. Keep an eye on your mixture to avoid burning or having it too runny.
• Using metal containers for storage: Acidic fruit preserves can react with metal containers. Always use glass or plastic jars for storage.
• Ignoring headspace when canning: Proper headspace allows for expansion during processing. Not leaving enough space may cause jars to break or seal improperly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store peach butter in airtight glass jars.
• Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.

Freezing Peach Butter

• Use freezer-safe containers or jars with enough headspace to allow for expansion.
• Peach butter can be frozen for up to 6 months.

Reheating Peach Butter

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making peach butter:

What is Peach Butter?

Peach butter is a smooth spread made from slow-cooked peaches combined with sugar, resulting in a rich and sweet treat perfect for toast or pastries.

Can I use frozen peaches to make Peach Butter?

Yes! Frozen peaches work well for making peach butter. Just thaw and drain excess water before cooking.

How do I know when my Peach Butter is done cooking?

Cook until the mixture thickens enough to form a mound on a spoon. This ensures the right consistency for spreading.

How do I customize my Peach Butter recipe?

Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or blend in other fruits like apples or pears for unique flavors.

Can I use less sugar in my Peach Butter?

You can adjust the sugar according to your taste preference, but keep in mind that sugar also acts as a preservative.

Final Thoughts

Peach butter is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Spread it on toast, use it as a topping for desserts, or incorporate it into various recipes. Experiment with different spices and fruits to create your unique twist on this classic preserve!

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: Olivia
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: About 24 servings (approximately one jar) 1x

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Description

Peach butter is a luscious homemade spread that captures the essence of summer in every bite. With its sweet and rich flavor profile, this delightful treat is perfect for breakfast on toast, as a topping for desserts, or even as a thoughtful gift for friends and family. The slow cooking process enhances the natural sweetness and aroma of fresh peaches, making it an irresistible addition to your pantry. This easy recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort while allowing you to savor the taste of ripe peaches all year round.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Rinse peaches under cool water, then blanch in boiling water for 30-60 seconds. Transfer to cold water and cool for 1-2 minutes before draining.
2. Remove skins and pits by cutting peaches in half and twisting apart, discarding pits.
3. Cut peeled peaches into smaller pieces, place them in a large saucepan with ½ cup water, and simmer over medium heat until soft.
4. Blend the peach mixture until smooth using a food processor or immersion blender.
5. Combine the peach pulp with sugar in a saucepan, stirring until dissolved.
6. Cook over medium-high heat until thickened enough to mound on a spoon.
7. Jar the peach butter with appropriate headspace if canning.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Spread
• Method: Canning
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
• Calories: 56
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg