If you’re searching for the coziest, most flavorful fall spread, look no further than this Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter Recipe. With its silky smooth texture, vibrant autumn colors, and the warm aroma of pumpkin, maple, and spices, this easy creation will instantly brighten mornings or add a festive touch to any treat. Whether slathered on thick toast, spooned into oatmeal, or swirled through yogurt, you’ll fall in love with its irresistible, homemade charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about the Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter Recipe is how it turns simple, pantry-friendly ingredients into a magical, spreadable delight. Each ingredient has a special job – from adding natural sweetness and rich spice, to boosting that signature orange glow and buttery smoothness.
- Pumpkin Purée: The star of our recipe – opt for pure pumpkin, not pie filling, for a fresh and authentic taste.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Provides rich, caramel-like sweetness and depth that makes every spoonful taste indulgent.
- Apple Cider or Apple Juice: Adds a gentle fruity note and a touch of zing, helping to balance and brighten the spread.
- Brown Sugar: Contributes a hint of molasses flavor and deepens the pumpkin butter’s color.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and is absolutely essential for capturing classic fall spice.
- Ground Ginger: Brings a light, spicy zing to balance out the sweetness.
- Ground Nutmeg: Gives an aromatic, sweetly spiced note that is unmistakably autumnal.
- Ground Cloves: A little goes a long way to add that traditional, robust spice undertone.
- Pinch of Salt: Enhances every other flavor, making the entire recipe more vivid and balanced.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds fragrant, mellow sweetness for a truly irresistible finish.
How to Make Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients – this is a recipe that comes together quickly, so having everything on hand makes it a breeze. In a medium saucepan, add the pumpkin purée, pure maple syrup, apple cider or juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Give everything a solid stir to combine; you’ll see the mixture already taking on that beautiful color and fragrance.
Step 2: Simmer on the Stovetop
Place the saucepan over medium heat, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep the heat moderate, and stir frequently – this stops the pumpkin from sticking and lets the spices blend evenly. You’ll notice the aroma filling your kitchen almost immediately! Keep stirring as needed, scraping down the sides to make sure nothing burns.
Step 3: Cook Until Thickened
Once bubbling gently, reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture cook for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring every few minutes. You’re looking for it to become thicker, darker, and glossy; this is when the flavors intensify and meld together, creating that unmistakable Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter Recipe magic. Be patient – the transformation is worth it.
Step 4: Finish with Vanilla
Take the pan off the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla will bloom in the residual heat, enhancing all those beautiful fall flavors. Let your pumpkin butter cool to room temperature in the pan for best texture (and to avoid burning your tongue if you sneak a taste!).
Step 5: Store and Enjoy
Once completely cool, transfer your pumpkin butter to a clean jar or airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, although you’ll likely find it disappears much faster. Now, you’re ready to enjoy your Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter Recipe on anything and everything!
How to Serve Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up each dollop with a sprinkle of cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, or even a few toasted pecans. For a swanky brunch spread, top your pumpkin butter with a swirl of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar, making it look (and taste) bakery-ready.
Side Dishes
This Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter Recipe is amazing on warm toast, English muffins, pancakes, or waffles. Try it spooned over a bowl of creamy oatmeal, dolloped on plain yogurt, or as a finishing touch to roasted sweet potatoes. It’s also a sweet companion to savory cheese plates and artisan bread.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your pumpkin butter in small mason jars tied with festive ribbon for a thoughtful edible gift. You can also layer it in parfaits, use it as a swirl in cheesecake or brownies, or fold it into muffin or quick bread batters for incredible fall bakes. Let your creativity guide you; this recipe shines in both traditional and surprising ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Thanks to its concentrated flavor and thick texture, this pumpkin butter holds up beautifully in the fridge. Store it in a clean, airtight container or glass jar, and it will stay fresh for up to two weeks – just enough time to savor on all your favorite treats.
Freezing
If you’ve made a double batch or want to enjoy the Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter Recipe throughout the entire season, freezing is a fantastic option. Portion the completely cooled butter into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and stash it away for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
Reheating
Pumpkin butter is delicious cold, but if you want it warm and spreadable (especially for waffles or pancakes), gently heat in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Just be sure not to boil it, as that may change the texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin purée instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin purée works perfectly in this Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter Recipe. Just make sure it’s well blended and not too watery, as extra moisture could affect the texture.
Is this recipe suitable for canning and long-term storage?
No, it isn’t recommended for traditional water-bath canning due to the low acidity. For safety, store your pumpkin butter in the refrigerator or freezer, as mentioned above.
Can I make this recipe sugar-free or reduce the sugar further?
You can reduce the brown sugar or swap it with your favorite unrefined sweetener, though the texture and flavor may slightly change. Maple syrup provides most of the sweetness and signature flavor in this Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter Recipe, so don’t skip it!
What’s the best way to use pumpkin butter besides spreading it on toast?
This versatile spread shines in so many uses! Try it as a filling for thumbprint cookies, a filling for cinnamon rolls, a muffin swirl, or even stirred into lattes and smoothies for a pumpkin spice boost.
Is the Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter Recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free when made with pure ingredients. Always double check packaged items like your pumpkin purée and maple syrup to be sure they don’t contain added gluten or animal products.
Final Thoughts
If you love cozy, homemade spreads that capture the true essence of fall, you will adore this Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter Recipe. It’s incredibly simple, joyfully seasonal, and wonderfully versatile – just the kind of treat you’ll find yourself making (and gifting) again and again. Give it a try and watch it disappear from your table in no time!
Print
Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with this easy-to-make Maple Pumpkin Butter. This smooth and velvety spread is perfect for breakfast or as a tasty gift during the autumn season.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Butter:
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup apple cider or apple juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the pumpkin purée, maple syrup, apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring often, until thickened and glossy.
- Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool completely, then transfer to a clean jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Use pure pumpkin purée and real maple syrup for the best flavor.
- This pumpkin butter pairs perfectly with toast, yogurt, oatmeal, or baked goods.
- It also makes a great seasonal gift!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
