Pumpkin Butter Recipe

By
Morgan Baker
Morgan Walker
Morgan Baker
Morgan is a recipe developer and photographer. She is also a gardener and exceptional hugger.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 01/29/23
Tested by
Tracy Wilk
Photo of Tracy Wilk
Tested by Tracy Wilk
Tracy Wilk is a professional pastry chef, recipe developer and chef instructor, and, most importantly, a firm believer in sprinkles.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Pumpkin Butter in a bowl and on slices of bread on a plate

The Spruce Eats / Bahareh Niati

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 35 mins
Servings: 16 servings
Yield: 2 cups

Like all fruit butters—apple butter, stone fruit butter, and pumpkin butter—this recipe is low in sugar and thick, perfect for topping biscuits or using as the filling between cake layers. While fruit butter tends to fall into the same category as jellies and jams and can be used in the same application, fruit butter has a more concentrated flavor and far less sugar than its jam counterpart.

There is no dairy in this "butter," but the consistency is creamy and the texture is thick like butter, thus the name. This recipe uses pumpkin purée instead of pumpkin pie filling to control the amount of sugar, spices and other ingredients. Be sure to read the label carefully to be certain you are purchasing pumpkin purée and not pumpkin pie filling since this mistake could lead to overly sweet pumpkin butter.

Make this pumpkin butter in large batches then add to pretty jars to give out as a festive autumn gift to friends, family members, teachers, or neighbors. A cute gift idea would be to pair a jar of this pumpkin butter with a loaf of delicious sourdough bread.

"This recipe is a true fall (and winter) delight. I loved the addition of maple syrup as the sweetener, to really highlight and lean into the cinnamon, pumpkin pie vibes. This pumpkin butter would be perfect in the morning with a freshly toasted English muffin." - Tracy Wilk

pumpkin butter/tester image
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans pumpkin purée

  • 1/2 cup apple cider

  • 1/2 cup maple syrup

  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Pumpkin Butter ingredients in bowls

    The Spruce Eats / Bahareh Niati

  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the pumpkin, apple cider, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and cinnamon stick. Raise the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.

    Pumpkin, apple cider, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and cinnamon stick in a pan on a burner

    The Spruce Eats / Bahareh Niati

  3. Lower the heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until the mixture thickens, 20 to 25 minutes.

    Pumpkin Butter in a pan on a burner, with a metal spoon

    The Spruce Eats / Bahareh Niati

  4. Remove from the heat. Discard the cinnamon stick, add the vanilla and stir. Let cool for about an hour before using.

    Pumpkin Butter in a pan with vanilla, and a cinnamon stick on a plate

    The Spruce Eats / Bahareh Niati

  5. Transfer to an airtight container to store.

    Pumpkin Butter in a glass jar

    The Spruce Eats / Bahareh Niati

Tips

  • If you're keen to make your own pumpkin pie spice you'll need ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. How you balance the spices is up to you. If you like a spicier pumpkin pie spice, consider adding more ginger. If you prefer a more warm pumpkin pie spice, up the cinnamon and ground cloves. You can even add a touch of ground cardamom or star anise.
  • Additionally, if you'd rather make your own pumpkin purée, try this recipe. Make this in large batches for all your fall baking and add it to yogurt, oatmeal, or spread on toast.

How to Store

Pumpkin butter is perishable so it needs to be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be used for up to 1 month if sealed properly.

What Is Pumpkin Butter Made Of?

Pumpkin butter is made of pumpkin puree, sugar, and spices. In this recipe, apple cider is used as a festive additional flavor and maple is used to replace the traditional granulated sugar.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
51 Calories
0g Fat
12g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 16
Amount per serving
Calories 51
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 137mg 6%
Total Carbohydrate 12g 4%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 5mg 26%
Calcium 28mg 2%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 142mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)