Irresistible Spiced Pumpkin Butter (Slow Cooker Recipe)

Fall is the season of cozy sweaters, crunchy leaves, and pumpkin everything—and spiced pumpkin butter is one of the most flavorful ways to savor the season. Rich, creamy, and warmly spiced, this easy slow cooker recipe fills your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves while turning simple pumpkin purée into a luxurious spread.

If you love fall flavors and want a healthier alternative to processed pumpkin treats, this homemade pumpkin butter is for you. It’s incredibly easy to make with minimal effort and is naturally sweetened, making it a favorite for both kids and adults. Whether you spread it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or give it as a holiday gift, this recipe will become your new seasonal staple.

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What Is Spiced Pumpkin Butter?

Pumpkin butter is a sweet, thick fruit spread made from pumpkin purée, sugar, and warming spices. It’s cooked down to a velvety consistency that’s somewhere between jam and curd. Unlike pumpkin pie filling, it’s more concentrated in flavor and less custardy in texture.

Though called “butter,” this spread is dairy-free. The name refers to its creamy consistency rather than any actual fat content. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, pancakes, muffins, or incorporating into desserts like these Pumpkin Scones.

You can make it on the stovetop, but the slow cooker method is hands-down the easiest and most flavorful way. It’s hands-off, cooks slowly for deep caramelized flavor, and makes your house smell like a dream.

Ingredients Needed for Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this fall favorite. These measurements create about 3–4 small jars of spiced pumpkin butter.

For the Pumpkin Butter

• 1 (29-ounce) can of pumpkin purée (or 3½ cups homemade)
• ¾ cup apple juice or apple cider
• ½ cup maple syrup (or honey for a slightly different depth)
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

💡 Tip: You can substitute apple juice with pear juice or orange juice for a unique twist.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make this recipe smooth and stress-free, here’s what you’ll need:

• 4- to 6-quart slow cooker
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender or immersion blender (optional for silky texture)
• Glass jars or containers for storage

Looking for more slow cooker recipes? You’ll love this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew and Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce.

How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Butter in the Crock Pot

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients:
   In your slow cooker, stir together the pumpkin purée, apple juice, maple syrup, brown sugar, and all the spices. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
2. Cook Low and Slow:
   Set your slow cooker to low and let the mixture cook uncovered for 5–6 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Add Vanilla & Blend (Optional):
   After cooking, stir in the vanilla extract. For a super-smooth consistency, use an immersion blender right in the pot or transfer to a regular blender in batches.
4. Cool and Store:
   Let the pumpkin butter cool completely before spooning it into clean jars or containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Butter

• Don’t skip stirring: Stirring every hour helps prevent burning or uneven cooking.
• Use canned or homemade purée: Either works well—just ensure it’s 100% pumpkin with no added spices or sugar.
• Control sweetness: Adjust sweeteners to taste. If you like a tangier butter, use less sugar or swap brown sugar with coconut sugar.
• Want thicker butter? Remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to help it reduce.

Creative Ways to Use Spiced Pumpkin Butter

• Spread on toast, pancakes, or waffles
• Stir into oatmeal for a cozy fall breakfast
• Layer into yogurt parfaits
• Serve with baked brie or cream cheese as a holiday appetizer
• Drizzle over ice cream or Pumpkin Bread
• Bake into muffins or cookies
• Add to smoothies for fall-inspired flavor

You can also swirl it into Coconut Cream Pie Overnight Oats or serve alongside Cheddar Bay Biscuits.

Pumpkin Butter Recipe Variations

• Vanilla Chai Pumpkin Butter: Add chai spice or steep a chai tea bag in the apple juice.
• Pumpkin Apple Butter: Replace half the pumpkin with unsweetened applesauce.
• Spicy Pumpkin Butter: Add a pinch of cayenne or extra ginger for a kick.
• Refined Sugar-Free: Use only maple syrup or dates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using pumpkin pie filling: It contains added sugar and spices—only use pure pumpkin purée.
• Overcooking: It can thicken too much and become pasty if left too long without stirring.
• Skipping the cool-down: Hot pumpkin butter thickens more as it cools. Don’t judge texture too early.
• Improper storage: This isn’t shelf-stable unless canned professionally. Always refrigerate or freeze.

How to Store Pumpkin Butter and Shelf Life Info

• In the fridge: Store in airtight jars for up to 3 weeks.
• In the freezer: Freeze in silicone ice cube trays or small containers for up to 6 months.
• Not recommended for canning: Due to low acidity, pumpkin butter is not safe for home water-bath canning.

For more freezable fall recipes, try Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cake or Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Garnish jars with twine and tags for holiday gifts
• Serve in a mini bowl with a cheese board
• Use as a dip for graham crackers or apple slices
• Add a dollop to Pumpkin Pancakes with whipped cream

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FAQs: Spiced Pumpkin Butter

Can I use fresh pumpkin purée?
Yes! Roast and blend your own pumpkin for an even richer flavor.

Is this the same as pumpkin jam?
Not quite. Pumpkin butter is thicker, smoother, and more spiced than traditional jam.

Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes—just simmer all ingredients in a pot over low heat for 30–45 minutes, stirring often.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely. Taste as you go and adjust to your preference.

Is pumpkin butter vegan?
Yes, this version is naturally vegan if you use maple syrup instead of honey.

More Cozy Fall Recipes You’ll Love

• Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup
• Pumpkin Fluff Dip
• Pumpkin French Toast Roll Ups
• Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread
• Pumpkin Magic Custard Cake

Final Thoughts on This Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter

If you’re craving a fall treat that’s healthy, cozy, and perfect for gifting, this spiced pumpkin butter hits all the right notes. It’s fragrant, flavorful, and far better than store-bought options. Plus, it’s a breeze to make in your slow cooker.

Give it a try and let us know how you use your pumpkin butter! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your fellow fall lovers and subscribe to our blog for more seasonal favorites.

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