Sure, you can purchase pumpkin butter, but this smoked pumpkin butter is a budget-friendly alternative and so worth the effort! Our easy smoked pumpkin recipe will get you started, and the best part is that you’ll have enough pumpkin puree to make soup or pumpkin pie!
What is pumpkin butter, and how do I use it?
Pumpkin butter contains pumpkin puree simmered with sweeteners and spices, yielding a rich, smooth, buttery flavor. Most fruit butters do not contain dairy, but that is up to the chef’s discretion. Pumpkin butter is used as a topping or spread for pancakes, waffles, and ice cream or as a filling in various baked goods.
Our recipe calls for smoked pumpkin puree, which adds a lovely depth of flavor to the smoked pumpkin butter. However, you can skip this step and use canned pumpkin puree. Please be aware that fresh pumpkin puree contains more liquid than canned. You may need to adjust the amount of apple cider for this recipe based on the puree used.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups smoked pumpkin puree
- Brown sugar
- Real maple syrup (avoid pancake syrup or imitation maple syrup)
- Apple cider (substitute with apple juice)
- Unsalted butter (substitute with vegetable oil or vegan butter)
- Bourbon (substitute with another type of whiskey, dark rum, or omit entirely)
- Ground cinnamon (adjust to your liking)
- Powdered ginger
- Ground cloves
- Ground nutmeg
- Salt
How to Make Smoked Pumpkin Butter
- Melt butter in a medium-sized pot over medium heat for 30-45 seconds.
- Add smoked pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider, bourbon, spices, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch for signs of scorching and reduce heat as needed.
- If the mixture becomes too thick, add a few more tablespoons of cider, apple juice, or water to thin it out.
- *Please note that fresh pumpkin puree might contain more liquid and might not need additional apple cider.
- The smoked pumpkin butter is done once it is caramelized with a smooth, shiny appearance.
- Remove the pot from the heat, and let the smoked pumpkin butter cool completely. Use right away, or transfer to an airtight container and store in your refrigerator for 7-9 days.
Smoked Pumpkin Butter
Ingredients
- 2 cups smoked pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup real maple syrup
- 2-4 tablespoons apple cider start with two and add more if needed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter substitute with vegetable oil or vegan butter
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon adjust to your liking
- 1/8 tsp ground ginger
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium-sized pot over medium heat for 30-45 seconds.
- Add smoked pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider, bourbon, spices, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch for signs of scorching and reduce heat as needed.
- If the mixture becomes too thick, add a few more tablespoons of cider or water to thin it out. Please note that fresh pumpkin puree will contain more liquid and might not need additional apple cider.
- Once the mixture has caramelized and takes on a darker, shiny appearance, it is done.
- Remove the pot from the heat, and let the smoked pumpkin butter cool completely. Use right away, or transfer to an airtight container and store in your refrigerator for 7-9 days.
Nutrition
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