Easy Peach Butter Recipe

This easy Peach Butter recipe turns ripe, juicy peaches into a thick, silky fruit spread that's perfect for late summer and early fall.

Unlike regular peach jam, peach butter is slowly cooked until the fruit becomes smooth, concentrated, and naturally spreadable. A little cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering the fresh peach flavor.

Spread it over warm biscuits, toast, pancakes, waffles, or even swirl it into oatmeal and yogurt.

Peach Butter vs. Peach Jam

The biggest difference is texture and preparation.

Peach jam typically contains more sugar and is cooked until it reaches a jam-like consistency, often with added pectin.

Peach butter is pureed and cooked slowly so moisture evaporates naturally. The result is smooth, thick, and spreadable.

Why You'll Love This Peach Butter

This is a great recipe when you have extra ripe peaches and want something other than peach cobbler or pie. It's easy to make on the stovetop, requires only a handful of ingredients, and makes your kitchen smell incredible while it cooks.

It's also:

Made with fresh peaches

Easy to customize

Naturally dairy-free

Less sugary than many traditional jams

Perfect for breakfast and desserts

Freezer-friendly

Ingredients

4 pounds ripe peaches

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional

Pinch of salt

How to Make Peach Butter

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Carefully lower the peaches into the boiling water for about 30–60 seconds, then transfer them immediately to a bowl of ice water.

The skins should now peel away easily.

Remove the skins and pits, then roughly chop the peaches.

Step 2: Cook the Peaches

Add the chopped peaches to a large saucepan or Dutch oven.

Cook over medium heat for approximately 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches become very soft and release their juices.

Step 3: Puree Until Smooth

Carefully puree the softened peaches using an immersion blender.

You can also transfer the peaches to a regular blender in batches. Be careful when blending hot liquids.

Blend until completely smooth.

Step 4: Add the Sugar and Spices

Stir in the sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla, optional nutmeg, and salt.

Reduce the heat to low.

Step 5: Cook Until Thick

Simmer the peach mixture uncovered for approximately 45–75 minutes, stirring frequently.

As the peach butter cooks, the excess water will evaporate and the peach flavor will become more concentrated.

Be especially careful to stir toward the end of cooking because thick fruit butter can scorch easily.

Step 6: Check the Consistency

The peach butter is ready when it is noticeably darker, thick, and spreadable.

Drag a spoon across the bottom of the pot. The peach butter should briefly hold the trail before slowly flowing back together.

Remember that it will continue to thicken as it cools.

Step 7: Cool and Store

Remove the peach butter from the heat and allow it to cool.

Transfer to clean airtight jars and refrigerate.

Slow Cooker Peach Butter

Peach butter is also easy to make in a Crock Pot.

Prepare and puree the peaches, then add them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients.

Cook on LOW for approximately 6–8 hours, stirring occasionally.

Leave the lid slightly ajar during the final portion of cooking so steam can escape and the peach butter can thicken.

Cooking times will vary depending on your slow cooker and the water content of your peaches.

Ways to Use Peach Butter

Try it on:

Biscuits

Toast

English muffins

Pancakes

Waffles

French toast

Oatmeal

Yogurt

Ice cream

Cheesecake

Grilled cheese

Charcuterie boards

You can also swirl peach butter into cake batter, cheesecake filling, or homemade cinnamon rolls.

Do You Have to Peel Peaches for Peach Butter?

Not necessarily.

For an especially smooth peach butter, peeling the peaches first gives you the most consistent texture.

However, peach skins are edible. If you're using a powerful blender and don't mind a slightly different texture, you can leave the skins on.

How to Make Peach Butter Without Added Sugar

Very ripe peaches are naturally sweet, so you can reduce or omit the added sugar.

Cook the peach puree slowly until it becomes concentrated, then taste it near the end of cooking.

If needed, add a small amount of maple syrup, honey, or your preferred sweetener.

Keep in mind that changing the amount or type of sugar can affect preservation, so a reduced-sugar version should be treated as a refrigerator/freezer recipe unless you're following a tested canning recipe.

What Does Peach Butter Taste Like?

Despite the name, there's no dairy butter required.

The word "butter" refers to its smooth, spreadable consistency.

Peach butter tastes like concentrated peaches with a lightly caramelized sweetness and subtle warm spice. It's smoother and generally less gel-like than peach jam or preserves.

How Long Does Homemade Peach Butter Last?

Stored in a clean airtight container, homemade peach butter should generally be refrigerated and used within about 1–2 weeks.

For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion.

Can You Can Peach Butter?

Fruit-butter canning requires the correct acidity, processing method, jar size, and tested ingredient proportions.

If you want to make shelf-stable peach butter, use a tested peach butter canning recipe from a reliable canning authority rather than adapting this refrigerator recipe for water-bath canning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen peaches?

Yes. Thaw frozen peaches and drain off excessive liquid before cooking. You may need to cook the peach butter slightly longer.

Why isn't my peach butter thickening?

It probably needs more cooking time. Peaches contain a lot of water, and peach butter thickens as that moisture evaporates.

Does peach butter contain butter?

No. Traditional fruit butter doesn't require dairy butter. The name describes the smooth, buttery consistency.

Can I use brown sugar?

Yes. Replacing some of the granulated sugar with light brown sugar will give the peach butter a deeper, slightly caramelized flavor.

Can I make peach butter with canned peaches?

Fresh or frozen peaches provide the best flavor, but drained canned peaches can work. Reduce the added sugar if the peaches were packed in syrup.

Nutrition

Approximate per 2-tablespoon serving:

Calories: 55
Carbohydrates: 14g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 0.5g
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 1g

Nutrition will vary based on the sweetness of the peaches and amount of sugar used.