Ingredients

Scale

Here’s a breakdown of what goes into this rich, silky peach butter and why each ingredient matters.

For the Peach Butter

6 cups ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced — The star of the recipe, providing natural sweetness and that signature warm, fruity flavor.
¾ cup granulated sugar — Sweetens the spread while helping it thicken and develop the right texture as it cooks down.
½ cup light brown sugar — Adds a deeper, slightly caramelized sweetness alongside the granulated sugar.
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice — Adds brightness and balances the natural sweetness of the peaches.
1 tsp lemon zest — Contributes fresh, aromatic citrus flavor throughout the spread.
1 tsp vanilla extract — Rounds out the flavor with warm, aromatic sweetness.
1 tsp ground cinnamon — Adds warm, cozy spice that complements the sweetness of the peaches.
¼ tsp ground nutmeg — Adds a subtle, warm depth typical of classic fruit butter flavor.
¼ tsp kosher salt — Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.

Optional Add-Ins

This recipe is easy to customize with additional warm spices or flavor twists. Consider adding:

¼ tsp ground ginger (for a warm, spicy kick)
¼ tsp ground cardamom (for an aromatic, slightly floral note)
1 tbsp honey (for a deeper, more complex sweetness)
1 tbsp maple syrup (for a rich, earthy sweetness)
1 tsp orange zest (for added citrus brightness alongside the lemon)
½ tsp almond extract (for a warm, nutty aromatic quality)
1 cinnamon stick (for a more subtle, infused cinnamon flavor)

Instructions

This recipe involves a long, slow cook followed by blending and a final reduction. Here’s exactly how to make it.

Step 1: Prep the Peaches

Wash, peel, and pit the peaches, then cut them into slices or chunks.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Add the peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.

Step 3: Stir to Combine

Stir until the peaches are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are extremely soft and juicy.

Step 5: Blend Until Smooth

Carefully blend the mixture with an immersion blender until completely smooth. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a blender in batches, blend until silky, and return it to the slow cooker.

Step 6: Add the Vanilla

Stir in the vanilla extract, allowing it to infuse into the mixture without cooking off its flavor.

Step 7: Reduce Uncovered

Leave the slow cooker uncovered and continue cooking on HIGH for 1–2 hours, stirring every 20–30 minutes, until the peach mixture reduces into a thick, glossy, spreadable fruit butter.

Step 8: Test for Doneness

To test the consistency, spoon a small amount onto a chilled plate. The peach butter should hold its shape without quickly releasing a watery ring around it.

Step 9: Cool Slightly

Turn off the slow cooker and allow the peach butter to cool slightly before transferring.

Step 10: Jar the Peach Butter

Transfer the peach butter to clean glass jars or airtight containers.

Step 11: Chill Completely

Refrigerate until completely chilled. The peach butter will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems slightly loose while still warm.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours

Nutrition

Serving Size: 32 (about 1 tablespoon each)
Calories: 50 per serving