6 Ingredient Spiced Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Introduction
This spiced pumpkin butter is a rich and flavorful spread made from just six simple ingredients. Perfect for autumn mornings, it adds warm, cozy notes to toast, pancakes, or even yogurt. You can make it on the stove or in a slow cooker with ease.

Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 ounce) pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup real maple syrup, plus more if needed to sweeten
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, apple cider, maple syrup, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and kosher salt.
- Step 2: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until the pumpkin thickens and becomes spreadable, about 20 to 30 minutes. Taste and add more maple syrup if needed to reach your desired sweetness.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and let the pumpkin butter cool; it will thicken further as it cools.
- Step 4: Transfer the pumpkin butter to glass jars and store in the refrigerator for up to one month or freeze in airtight containers for up to three months.
Tips & Variations
- Use canned pumpkin puree labeled 100% pumpkin for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more maple syrup gradually after cooking, tasting as you go.
- For an even deeper flavor, try adding a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg along with the pumpkin pie spice.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the finished pumpkin butter briefly in a food processor before storing.
Storage
Store the pumpkin butter in airtight glass jars in the refrigerator for up to one month. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before serving. Reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave is optional but can help restore a spreadable consistency.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, but fresh pumpkin needs to be cooked, pureed, and strained before using. Canned pumpkin puree offers consistent texture and flavor, making it convenient for this recipe.
Is pumpkin butter the same as pumpkin pie filling?
No, pumpkin butter is thicker and less sweet than pumpkin pie filling. It is cooked longer to concentrate the flavors and achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency without added eggs or dairy.
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6 Ingredient Spiced Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 25-35 minutes (stovetop) or 3-4 hours (slow cooker)
- Yield: About 3 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This 6 Ingredient Spiced Pumpkin Butter is a rich, flavorful spread perfect for fall. Made from pumpkin puree, apple cider, real maple syrup, and warm spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, this pumpkin butter is cooked either on the stovetop or in a slow cooker until thick and spreadable. It’s an easy, comforting recipe to enhance toast, yogurt, oatmeal, or desserts with a cozy autumnal flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 ounce each) pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup real maple syrup, plus more if needed to sweeten
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan (for stovetop method) or in the bowl of your slow cooker, add pumpkin puree, apple cider, maple syrup, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Cook the Pumpkin Butter: Stovetop: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes spreadable, about 20 to 30 minutes. Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. In the last 45 minutes, remove the lid to allow moisture to evaporate and the pumpkin butter to thicken.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the pumpkin butter and add more maple syrup if you prefer it sweeter. Stir well to incorporate.
- Cool and Store: Remove from heat and allow the pumpkin butter to cool. It will thicken further as it cools. Transfer the pumpkin butter into glass jars or freezer-safe containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and consistency.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more maple syrup to suit your taste.
- Storing in sterilized glass jars helps to maintain freshness.
- This pumpkin butter is delicious as a spread, topping for desserts, or stirred into oatmeal or yogurt.
- Be sure to stir frequently when cooking on the stovetop to prevent burning.
- If cooking in a slow cooker, removing the lid towards the end helps thicken the butter by evaporating excess liquid.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes (stovetop) or 3-4 hours (slow cooker)
- Category: Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pumpkin butter, pumpkin spread, autumn recipe, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin spice, fall recipe, homemade pumpkin butter

