Peach Butter

Peach butter is a delightful homemade spread that transforms fresh peaches into a rich, sweet preserve. This creamy, fruity concoction is perfect for slathering on toast, pancakes, or even as a filling in pastries. Its versatility makes it ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet addition to cheese boards. With its vibrant color and intense flavor, peach butter stands out in any meal or occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – The process of making peach butter requires minimal cooking skills and just a few simple steps.
• Incredible Flavor – Slow cooking peaches enhances their natural sweetness and creates a deliciously rich flavor.
• Versatile Usage – Enjoy it on toast, add it to desserts, or use it as a filling for pastries—peach butter fits any dish!
• Long Shelf Life – When canned properly, homemade peach butter can last for up to 18 months, allowing you to enjoy summer flavors year-round.
• Perfect Gift – Jars of peach butter make thoughtful gifts for friends and family during holidays or special occasions.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Food processor or immersion blender
• Canning jars (if preserving)
• Water bath canner (if canning)
• Towel or drainer

Importance of Each Tool

• Large saucepan: Essential for cooking the peaches evenly and allowing enough space for the mixture to simmer.
• Food processor or immersion blender: Helps achieve a smooth consistency in your peach pulp without lumps.
• Canning jars: Perfect for preserving your peach butter so you can enjoy it long after it’s made.
• Water bath canner: Ensures safe preservation by creating a vacuum seal on your jars during the canning process.

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Ingredients

To create your delicious peach butter, gather the following ingredients:

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

Step 2: Peel and Cut Peaches

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

Step 3: Cook Peaches

1. Cut the peeled peaches into quarters or smaller pieces and place them in a large saucepan.
2. Add ½ cup of water to the saucepan.
3. Over medium heat, simmer the peaches until they are soft and mushy—stirring often.

Step 4: Blend Peach Mixture

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

Step 5: Sweeten Your Peach Butter

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

Step 6: Cook Until Thickened

1. Bring your peach butter mixture to a soft boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium and maintain a low boil while stirring often; watch carefully for scorching.
3. Cook until thick enough that it forms a mound on a spoon.

Step 7: Jar Your Peach Butter

1. Ladle or pour the hot peach butter into prepared jars or containers, maintaining ¼” headspace if canning.
2. If canning, process jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes, adjusting time if above 6,000 feet elevation.

Step 8: Store Your Peach Butter

1. If not canning, store cooled peach butter in the refrigerator or freezer—consume within three weeks if refrigerated or six months if frozen using freezer-safe jars.

How to Serve Peach Butter

Peach butter is a versatile spread that can enhance many dishes. Whether you’re enjoying breakfast or looking for a unique addition to your dessert table, peach butter can elevate your meal.

On Toast

• Spread peach butter on warm, toasted bread for a sweet and fruity breakfast treat.

With Cheese

• Pair peach butter with creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an elegant appetizer that balances sweetness and creaminess.

In Yogurt

• Stir peach butter into yogurt for a delightful twist on your morning routine or as a healthy snack.

On Pancakes or Waffles

• Drizzle peach butter over pancakes or waffles in place of syrup for a fruity spin on this classic breakfast.

As a Glaze

• Use peach butter as a glaze on grilled chicken or turkey to add a sweet and tangy flavor profile to your main course.

In Desserts

• Incorporate peach butter into desserts like cakes or pastries as a filling, adding moisture and flavor.

How to Perfect Peach Butter

Making the perfect peach butter requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your spread turns out delicious every time.

• Choose ripe peaches: Select peaches that are slightly soft to the touch. Ripe peaches will yield more juice and flavor.

• Blanch properly: Ensure you blanch the peaches long enough to loosen their skins but not so long that they lose their texture.

• Simmer gently: Cook the peaches over medium heat to avoid burning and develop a rich, concentrated flavor without scorching.

• Stir frequently: Regular stirring prevents sticking and burning, ensuring an even consistency in your peach butter.

• Adjust sweetness: Taste the mixture before canning; feel free to adjust sugar levels based on your preference or the natural sweetness of the peaches used.

Best Side Dishes for Peach Butter

Peach butter pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing flavors and creating delightful combinations. Here are some great options to serve alongside it:

1. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and blue cheese will complement peach butter perfectly. Add crackers for crunch.

2. Savory Biscuits
   Fluffy buttermilk biscuits provide a savory base that pairs beautifully with sweet peach butter.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted veggies drizzled with olive oil offer earthy flavors that balance the sweetness of peach butter.

4. Grilled Chicken Salad
   A light salad featuring grilled chicken, mixed greens, and fruit pairs nicely when topped with a dollop of peach butter as dressing.

5. Pork Tenderloin
   Grilled pork tenderloin served with peach butter creates an exciting contrast between sweet and savory flavors.

6. Cornbread Muffins
   Moist cornbread muffins make an excellent side that complements the fruity notes of peach butter, especially at barbecues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making peach butter, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the blanching step – Failing to blanch peaches can make peeling difficult. Always blanch for 30-60 seconds to easily remove the skin.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Incorrect measurements can alter the final texture and taste. Use precise measurements for both peaches and sugar.
• Cooking at too high a temperature – High heat can scorch the mixture and affect flavor. Maintain medium heat for even cooking.
• Neglecting to stir frequently – Stirring prevents sticking and burning. Stir often as the peach butter simmers.
• Improperly storing peach butter – Not using appropriate containers can lead to spoilage. Use sterilized jars for canning or freezer-safe containers for freezing.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Peach Butter

• Use freezer-safe containers or jars with sufficient headspace.
• Peach butter can be frozen for up to 6 months.

Reheating Peach Butter

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm in an oven-safe dish until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat in short increments (15-30 seconds), stirring between each until warm.
• Stovetop – Warm gently over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and storing peach butter.

How do I know when my Peach Butter is ready?

The peach butter is ready when it thickens enough to mound on a spoon.

Can I use frozen peaches for Peach Butter?

Yes, frozen peaches work well; just ensure they are thawed and drained before use.

What are some ways to customize my Peach Butter?

You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or mix in other fruits like apricots or strawberries for a twist.

Is Peach Butter safe for canning?

Yes, when processed correctly in a water bath canner, peach butter is safe for long-term storage.

How do I use Peach Butter?

Peach butter is great on toast, pancakes, or as a filling for pastries. It also pairs well with yogurt!

Final Thoughts

This peach butter recipe makes a delightful spread that captures the essence of summer in every jar. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it on various foods or even gift it to friends. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or fruits!