Crockpot Peach Butter Recipe: A Deliciously Easy Homemade Treat
There’s nothing quite like the sweet, rich flavor of homemade Crockpot Peach Butter Recipe—a velvety, spiced spread that captures the essence of summer peaches in every spoonful. Unlike traditional jam, peach butter is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the natural sugars to caramelize and the flavors to deepen into a luxurious, spreadable delight.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the best Crockpot Peach Butter Recipe, from selecting the ripest peaches to expert storage tips. Plus, we’ll answer all your burning questions so you can enjoy this delectable treat all year long!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Peach Butter Recipe
✅ Simple & Hands-Off – Let your slow cooker do the work! No constant stirring needed.
✅ Naturally Sweetened – Uses the peaches’ natural sugars with just a touch of honey or sugar.
✅ Versatile Uses – Perfect on toast, biscuits, yogurt, or even as a glaze for meats.
✅ Preserves Summer Peaches – A great way to enjoy peach flavor long after the season ends.
Ingredients for the Best Crockpot Peach Butter
To make this easy Crockpot Peach Butter Recipe, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
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8 cups fresh peaches (peeled, pitted, and chopped) – about 4-5 lbs.
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½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
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¼ cup honey or maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp nutmeg
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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1 tbsp lemon juice (to balance sweetness and preserve color)
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Pinch of salt (enhances flavors)
Optional Add-Ins:
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½ tsp ginger (for warmth)
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1 star anise (for a subtle licorice note)
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1 tsp bourbon or vanilla bean paste (for depth)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Peach Butter
1. Prep the Peaches
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Wash, peel, and pit the peaches. (Tip: Blanch peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water—the skins will slide right off!)
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Chop peaches into small chunks.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
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Add peaches, sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt to the Crockpot.
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Stir well to coat the peaches evenly.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection
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Cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours (or LOW for 8-10 hours), stirring occasionally.
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Once the peaches break down into a thick, jam-like consistency, use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. (Alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches.)
4. Thicken the Peach Butter
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Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 1-2 hours to thicken. The butter should coat the back of a spoon without dripping.
5. Jar and Store
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For canning: Ladle hot peach butter into sterilized jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace, and process in a water bath for 10 minutes.
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For refrigeration: Let cool, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 weeks.
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For freezing: Portion into freezer-safe jars or bags and freeze for up to 6 months.
The Best Peaches for Crockpot Peach Butter
When making the perfect Crockpot Peach Butter Recipe, selecting the right peaches is crucial. The sweetness, texture, and flavor of your final product depend heavily on the quality of the fruit you use. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the best peaches for peach butter.
Types of Peaches for Peach Butter
Not all peaches are created equal. For the best results, opt for freestone peaches, which separate easily from the pit, making them easier to prep. Some of the best varieties include:
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Yellow Peaches – These are the most common and have a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
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White Peaches – Sweeter and less acidic, they create a milder, more delicate peach butter.
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Donut Peaches – These flat, disc-shaped peaches are extra juicy and sweet.
Avoid clingstone peaches unless you’re willing to put in extra effort removing the pits.
How to Pick Ripe Peaches
For the best Crockpot Peach Butter Recipe, you want peaches that are ripe but not mushy. Here’s how to choose them:
✅ Smell – Ripe peaches have a strong, sweet fragrance near the stem.
✅ Color – Look for vibrant yellow or cream hues with no green tinge.
✅ Texture – They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel overly soft.
Can You Use Frozen or Canned Peaches?
Yes! If fresh peaches aren’t in season, you can still make peach butter:
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Frozen Peaches – Thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
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Canned Peaches – Opt for peaches in juice (not syrup) and rinse before cooking.
However, fresh peaches will always give the best flavor and texture.
Prepping Peaches for Peach Butter
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Wash & Blanch – Boil peaches for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water to easily peel.
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Pit & Chop – Remove pits and cut into small chunks for even cooking.
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Measure – Use about 8 cups of chopped peaches for a standard batch.
By starting with the best peaches, your Crockpot Peach Butter Recipe will have a rich, natural sweetness that store-bought versions can’t match!
Slow Cooker vs. Stovetop Peach Butter – Which is Better?
When making Crockpot Peach Butter Recipe, one common question is whether a slow cooker is truly better than the stovetop method. Let’s compare the two techniques so you can decide which works best for you.
Why Use a Crockpot for Peach Butter?
✅ Hands-Off Cooking – No need to stir constantly; just set it and forget it.
✅ Even, Low Heat – Prevents burning and allows flavors to deepen slowly.
✅ Energy Efficient – Uses less power than keeping a stove on for hours.
Stovetop Peach Butter: Pros & Cons
✔ Faster – Cooks in about 1-2 hours vs. 4+ in a slow cooker.
✔ More Control – Easier to adjust heat and stir frequently.
❌ Requires Attention – Must stir often to prevent sticking or burning.
Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Method
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Combine all ingredients in the Crockpot.
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Cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours (or LOW for 8-10 hours).
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Blend until smooth, then cook uncovered to thicken.
Stovetop Method
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Simmer peaches, sugar, and spices in a heavy-bottomed pot.
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Stir frequently over medium-low heat for 1-2 hours.
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Puree and cook until thickened.
Which Method Wins?
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Best for Busy Cooks → Crockpot (set it and forget it).
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Best for Quick Results → Stovetop (faster but needs babysitting).
For most home cooks, the Crockpot Peach Butter Recipe is the easiest, most foolproof way to make silky-smooth peach butter without the hassle!
Creative Ways to Use Peach Butter
Once you’ve mastered the Crockpot Peach Butter Recipe, the next question is: What can I do with it? This versatile spread goes far beyond toast—here are 10+ delicious ways to enjoy it!
1. Breakfast & Brunch Ideas
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On Biscuits or Toast – A Southern classic!
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Swirled into Oatmeal or Yogurt – Adds natural sweetness.
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Pancake/Waffle Topping – Better than syrup!
2. Cheese Pairings
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With Brie or Goat Cheese – Spread on crackers for an easy appetizer.
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On a Charcuterie Board – Balances salty meats like prosciutto.
3. Savory Dishes
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Glaze for Meats – Brush on grilled chicken, pork, or salmon.
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BBQ Sauce Mix-In – Adds fruity sweetness to homemade sauce.
4. Desserts
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Cheesecake Topping – A fresh alternative to strawberry sauce.
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Ice Cream Sundaes – Warm slightly and drizzle over vanilla ice cream.
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Thumbprint Cookies – Use as a filling for buttery shortbread.
5. Drinks & Smoothies
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Stirred into Iced Tea or Lemonade – For a peachy twist.
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Blended into Smoothies – Adds natural sweetness without refined sugar.
6. Gift Ideas
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Jarred Homemade Gifts – Decorate with ribbon and a recipe card.
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Baked Goods Add-In – Use in muffins, cakes, or thumbprint cookies.
Ways to Enjoy Your Homemade Peach Butter
This Crockpot Peach Butter Recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious ways to use it:
🍑 Breakfast: Spread on toast, pancakes, waffles, or swirl into oatmeal.
🧀 Charcuterie Boards: Pair with brie, goat cheese, or crackers.
🍖 Savory Glaze: Brush on grilled chicken, pork chops, or roasted veggies.
🍦 Desserts: Top ice cream, cheesecake, or use as a cake filling.
🥛 Yogurt & Smoothies: Stir into yogurt or blend into smoothies.
FAQs About Crockpot Peach Butter
1. Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes! Thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
2. How do I know when it’s done?
The butter should be thick enough that a spoon dragged through leaves a clear path.
3. Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely! Adjust to taste, but keep in mind sugar helps with preservation.
4. Why is my peach butter too runny?
Cook longer with the lid off, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) to thicken.
5. How long does it last?
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Fridge: 3 weeks
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Freezer: 6 months
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Canned: 1 year (if properly sealed)
Crockpot Peach Butter Recipe: A Deliciously Easy Homemade Treat
My grandmother used to simmer peach butter on the stove all day, filling the house with the scent of warm fruit and spices. This slow cooker version captures the same rich flavor without the fuss. It’s thick, naturally sweet, and perfect on toast, biscuits, or even spooned over vanilla ice cream. Make a batch and enjoy a jar of sunshine all year long.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9–12 hours
- Total Time: Up to 12 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
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5 lbs fresh peaches (about 10–12 medium), peeled, pitted, and chopped
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1/2 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
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1/4 tsp salt
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
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Place chopped peaches in your crockpot. Add sugars, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours, stirring occasionally, until thick and dark in color.
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Remove lid and blend with an immersion blender until smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender).
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Stir in vanilla. Continue to cook uncovered for 1–2 more hours to thicken, if needed.
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Let cool, then spoon into jars. Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or freeze for longer.
Notes
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Use very ripe peaches for best flavor and natural sweetness.
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For spiced peach butter, add a pinch of cloves or ginger.
Nutrition
- Calories: 20 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
Final Thoughts: The Best Crockpot Peach Butter Recipe
Making peach butter in a Crockpot is one of the easiest, most rewarding ways to preserve summer’s bounty. With minimal effort, you’ll have a rich, spiced spread that’s perfect for gifting or enjoying all year.
So grab those ripe peaches, fire up your slow cooker, and let this Crockpot Peach Butter Recipe fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of sweet, caramelized peaches!