This delightful, warmly spiced, low-sugar peach butter is the perfect way to use up summer peaches. It can be spread onto toast, stirred into yogurt, or spread on pancakes. Freezer friendly, and no special canning equipment necessary!
Peaches are a highly under-rated fruit, in my opinion. Over the years, I have grown to love the sweet, slightly tangy flavor and smooth texture of the fruit. Ripe peaches are one of my favorite summer snacks.
Last weekend, I bought a BUNCH of peaches with the intent of making a pie. My plans fell through, and I was left with a bushel of peaches. I knew I couldn’t eat that many peaches before they spoiled, and so I decided to turn them into a peach butter.
The end result was a delectable, sweet and ever-so-slightly sour, gently spiced peach spread. This low-sugar spiced peach butter is the perfect way to use up those ripe peaches.
What is Peach Butter?
Unlike traditional jam, a fruit butter is essentially reduced fruit puree. By cooking down the peaches, you end up with a silky smooth spread that can be used like jam, but doesn’t have the same gel like texture.
In this case, we’re obviously talking about a peach butter, but you may be more familiar with apple or pear butter. I’ve even seen pumpkin butter! (future recipe, perhaps??).
Why You’ll Love Low-Sugar Spiced Peach Butter
- It’s incredibly versatile – Serve on top of ice cream, spread on toast, used in a PB & J, on top of yogurt, or dolloped on a bowl of oatmeal.
- It uses simple, easy-to-find, pantry ingredients. No pectin or gelatin here.
- It’s super easy to make. No complicated canning equipment necessary! You don’t even need to peel the peaches.
- It’s Paleo friendly and has NO refined sugar! So many recipes call for heaps of white sugar. Not necessary when you can rely on fruit’s natural sweetness.
- You can freeze it! Portion it out and freeze for later.
What’s in Low-Sugar Spiced Peach Butter:
- Ripe Peaches. You’ll need about 8 to 10 fresh, RIPE, peaches. I haven’t used frozen. If they are not ripe, you may want to wait a day or two until making this recipe.
- Lemon. Used for fresh lemon zest. If you like a little extra zest, you can squeeze a bit of the fresh lemon juice into the mixture.
- Honey. This helps to balance the tartness from the peaches. You don’t need much! This recipe only calls for a few tablespoons, but you can add a touch more depending on your taste.
- A Blend of Warm Spices. I used cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom. Use what you prefer – however, I recommend at minimum adding the cinnamon.
How to Make Low-Sugar Spiced Peach Butter:
- Cook the peaches, honey and spices over medium-high heat until it comes to a simmer with bubbles around the edges.
- Turn to a low simmer and cook on low for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until the mixture thickens. Note: The spread will thicken as it cools, and also with the addition of the gelatin.
- Allow the mixture to cool before transferring to an airtight container or jar.
How to Store Peach Butter:
- This peach butter should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The peach butter will last approximately one week.
- Freezing: To freeze the peach butter, move it to an airtight container with approximately 1/2 inch of space at the top. When you’re ready to use it, allow it to defrost in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. The peach butter will last in the freezer for up to three months.
Substitutions and Modifications:
- If you don’t have honey on hand, you can swap it out for maple syrup.
- If you like it sweeter, feel free to add more honey or a few tablespoons of brown sugar.
- You can swap lime for lemon, but keep in mind the flavor will be a bit different.
- You can use a combination of peaches and nectarines. The flavor profile will be altered slightly, but it will still be delightful!
Serving Suggestions for Low-Sugar Spiced Peach Butter:
- Whole wheat toast, topped with ricotta and peach butter.
- Serve on a charcuterie board alongside sliced meats and cheeses.
- Mix into yogurt or cottage cheese.
- Use as an ice cream topping.
- Stir into oatmeal.
If you Enjoyed this Recipe, You Should Try:
Low-Sugar Spiced Peach Butter {No Pectin, No Refined Sugar-Free}
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Blending tool (immersion blender, regular blender, or food processor)
- Jars for storing
Ingredients
- 4 cups (8-10 medium) peaches, cored and cut into bite size pieces (ok to leave skin on)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients, besides the lemon zest, in a large saucepan.
- Allow the mixture to come to a simmer (it begins to release bubbles around the edges), and then reduce the heat slightly to a low simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon or spatula. If you notice the mixture sticking to the bottom of the pan, reduce the heat further.
- During the last few minutes of the process, add the lemon zest and stir thoroughly. Remove from the heat.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, and then using an immersion blender blend the mixture until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, wait until the mixture is cool and then transfer to a traditional blender or food processor to blend.
- When the peach butter is cool, transfer to storage jars or airtight containers. The peach butter will last in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. You can freeze the peach butter for up to three months in an airtight container or in a glass jar (be careful to leave a bit of extra room when freezing it to allow for expansion). To use, remove from the freezer and allow to defrost in the refrigerator overnight.
1 comment
This was SO DELICIOUS. Would try again with nectarines or a combination of the two.