Peach Butter

Peach butter is a delightful homemade spread that transforms fresh peaches into a sweet and velvety treat. Perfect for slathering on toast, dolloping on pancakes, or using as a filling for pastries, this peach butter recipe captures the vibrant essence of summer. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy brunch or looking to preserve the flavor of ripe peaches, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and rich taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious spread that’s sure to impress.
• Flavorful: Slow cooking enhances the natural sweetness of peaches, resulting in a rich and concentrated flavor.
• Versatile Use: Perfect as a topping for breakfast items, dessert fillings, or even as a gift in attractive jars.
• Long Shelf Life: Canning your peach butter allows it to last up to 18 months, making it a great way to enjoy summer flavors year-round.
• Natural Ingredients: Made with fresh peaches and no preservatives, this peach butter is wholesome and tasty.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the preparation of your peach butter, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Food processor or immersion blender
• Ladle
• Canning jars or freezer-safe containers

Importance of Each Tool

• Large saucepan: Essential for simmering the peaches and cooking down the mixture to achieve that perfect buttery consistency.
• Food processor or immersion blender: These tools help create a smooth peach pulp efficiently, ensuring an even texture in your final product.
• Ladle: A handy tool for transferring your finished peach butter into jars without spills or mess.

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Ingredients

To create your own luscious peach butter, gather the following ingredients:

For 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.
3. After 1 or 2 minutes of cooling, place the peaches on a towel or drainer to drain. Repeat until all peaches are blanched.

Step 2: Peel and Cut Peaches

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

Step 3: Cook Peaches Down

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

Step 4: Puree Peach Mixture

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

Step 5: Sweeten Your Peach Butter

1. Place 2 quarts of peach pulp back into the large saucepan.
2. Add 4 cups of sugar, stirring until fully dissolved.

Step 6: Cook Down Further

1. Bring the mixture to a soft boil over medium-high heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and cook at a low boil while stirring frequently until thickened enough to form mounds on spoons.

Step 7: Jar Your Peach Butter

1. Ladle or pour your hot peach butter into prepared jars or containers while maintaining ¼” headspace.
2. If canning, process jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes (or 15 minutes if you’re above 6,000 feet elevation).

Step 8: Storage Instructions

1. Canned peach butter can be stored in a cool place for up to 18 months if seals remain intact.
2. If not canning, store cooled peach butter in the refrigerator (eat within 3 weeks) or freeze (for up to 6 months) using freezer-safe jars.

Enjoy your homemade peach butter spread!

How to Serve Peach Butter

Peach butter is a versatile and delicious spread that can elevate many dishes. It pairs well with various foods, making it an excellent addition to your kitchen staples. Here are some delightful ways to serve peach butter.

On Toast

• Use as a spread on warm, toasted bread or bagels for a sweet breakfast treat.

With Cheese

• Serve peach butter alongside a cheese platter for a lovely contrast between savory and sweet flavors.

In Yogurt

• Swirl into yogurt or cottage cheese for an easy, flavorful snack or breakfast option.

On Pancakes or Waffles

• Drizzle over pancakes or waffles instead of syrup for a fruity twist.

With Grilled Meats

• Use as a glaze for grilled chicken or turkey for added flavor and moisture.

In Baking

• Incorporate into muffins or quick breads for added sweetness and moisture.

How to Perfect Peach Butter

Creating the perfect peach butter requires attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips for a successful batch every time.

• Select ripe peaches: Choose peaches that are fragrant and slightly soft to ensure maximum sweetness and flavor.
• Blanch properly: Blanching improves the texture by removing the skin easily and enhances the final product’s smoothness.
• Use the right equipment: A food processor or immersion blender will help achieve the desired smooth consistency of your peach pulp.
• Monitor cooking time: Keep an eye on the cooking process; overcooking can lead to caramelization, altering the taste of your peach butter.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the sugar content to suit your taste preferences; you can reduce it if you prefer less sweetness.
• Test thickness: To check if your peach butter is ready, spoon some mixture onto a plate; it should mound without running off quickly.

Best Side Dishes for Peach Butter

Peach butter complements several dishes beautifully. Here are some side dish ideas that pair perfectly with this delightful spread.

1. Cream Cheese Spread: A rich cream cheese spread on crackers or toast provides a creamy contrast to sweet peach butter.
2. Savory Biscuits: Flaky biscuits offer a buttery base that works well with the sweet notes of peach butter.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Sweet potatoes or carrots roasted with herbs make for a savory side that balances out peach butter’s sweetness.
4. Cheese Quesadillas: The melty cheese in quesadillas pairs wonderfully when served with peach butter on the side for dipping.
5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements peach butter nicely when drizzled over the top.
6. Spiced Nuts: Savory spiced nuts provide crunch and texture that contrast beautifully with the smoothness of peach butter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making peach butter can be a delightful experience, but it’s important to avoid common pitfalls.

• Skipping the blanching process – Failing to blanch peaches can make peeling difficult. Always blanch for 30-60 seconds and cool them immediately in cold water for easy peeling.
• Not using ripe peaches – Using under-ripe peaches can result in a bland flavor. Ensure your peaches are fully ripe for the best tasting peach butter.
• Overcooking or undercooking – Cooking the mixture too long can lead to a burnt taste, while undercooking results in a runny texture. Monitor closely for the right consistency.
• Ignoring headspace when canning – Not leaving enough headspace can cause jars to seal improperly. Always maintain at least ¼” headspace for safe canning.
• Using inadequate storage containers – Non-freezer-safe jars can crack when frozen. Use appropriate containers to store your peach butter effectively.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store peach butter in airtight containers.
• It will last up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing Peach Butter

• Use freezer-safe jars or containers to prevent cracking.
• Frozen peach butter can last up to 6 months.

Reheating Peach Butter

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the jar (lid off) in the oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Transfer peach butter into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals of 15-20 seconds, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop – Place the desired amount in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that often arise about making and using peach butter.

What is Peach Butter?

Peach butter is a sweet spread made from cooked peaches that are pureed and combined with sugar. It creates a rich, flavorful preserve that’s perfect on toast or desserts.

How do I know when my Peach Butter is done?

The peach butter is done when it thickens enough to mound on a spoon. This typically occurs after simmering until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I use other fruits for fruit butter?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like apples, pears, or berries following similar methods for delightful variations.

How should I customize my Peach Butter?

You can add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, or even mix in citrus juices for an extra zing. The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts

Peach butter is not only delicious but also versatile, making it an excellent addition to your pantry. Whether spread on toast, used in baking, or paired with cheese, this homemade preserve shines in various applications. Customize your batch with spices or other fruits to make it uniquely yours!