Peach Butter (With Canning Instructions)

This peach butter is a decadent blend of peaches, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger. These ingredients meld together in a slow cooker, creating this delicious spread that's rich with the flavors of fall. It is perfect for canning so that you'll be able to enjoy this yummy goodness all year long!

this recipe!

PA Dutch Country Canning

Summer has always been my favorite season. Growing up in the countryside, I enjoyed swimming in ponds, tending my mom's garden, and catching fireflies at dusk. I always wished summer would last forever.

In the plain community (Amish and Mennonites) summer isn't just all fun and games, though, even for children. It's canning season! Housewives are busy storing away food for their families to enjoy throughout the winter months. Freezers are filled with strawberry jam and sweet corn, while their canning shelves are lined with tomato products, green beans, pickled things, and canned fruits. And children are fully expected to pitch in and help. And, to this day, I'm so grateful my momma took the time to teach me all her homemaking/canning skills.

Peaches - Summer's Sweet Farewell

Peaches, to me, mark the end of summer and the waning of canning season. It signals children going back to school, the last few heat waves, and cooler mornings. They are, in my opinion, the best fruit summer has to offer - a big, final hurrah before summer gives way to fall.

The flavors of this peach butter perfectly capture this transition of seasons. The summery, bright flavor of peaches gives way to the cozy flavor notes of fall. Warm vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger make this peach butter simply delightful!

Peach Butter... for Canning!

What's better yet - by canning this peach butter, it can be enjoyed all winter long! I've included simple instructions for water bath canning.

If you haven't canned before, don't despair! This recipe should be an easy one to start with, as it only fills about 7 of the 8 oz. jars. I'll do my best to explain each step clearly and with photos.

Just a quick side note - While you have fresh peaches on hand, I suggest making this lovely Peach Delight! It's the best fresh peach dessert ever!

Now, let's get right into the Peach Butter recipe!

Ingredients For the Peach Butter

7 c. Peaches, Puréed (Approximately 9-12 peaches, depending on their size)

4 ½ c. Brown Sugar

1 Tbsp. Ground Cinnamon

1 Tbsp. Ground Ginger

1 Tbsp. Vanilla

1 tsp. salt

Directions: Crafting the Peach Butter

To begin, prepare puree the peaches. First, peel the peaches and remove the pits. Cut them into chunks and add them to the blender.

Blend until fairly smooth and measure how many cups of puree you have. Add more peaches, if needed and blend. Then, pour the 7 cups of pureed peaches into a 4-6 quart slow cooker.

Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.

Set slow cooker to low heat for 7- 8 hours (best to do overnight!).

At this point the peach butter will be a nice, deep color but still too runny. Uncover the slow cooker and set the heat to high. This will allow moisture to escape and the butter will thicken up as it finishes cooking. Cook on high for another 3-4 hours, until the sauce has become a nice, rich spread.

Once the sauce reaches a thickness/consistency that you are happy with, turn off the slow cooker. It's time to can some peach butter!

Canning Instructions: How to Can Peach Butter

Assemble Items Needed for Canning

Jars - choose a size:

4 oz jars (holds ½ cup), about 14-15 jars. or

8 oz. jars (holds 1 cup), about 7 or

16 oz. jars (holds 2 cups), about 3-4

I 100% recommend using small jars (the 4 or 8 oz size) for this, unless you have a large family or plan to serve it at large gatherings.

Be sure the jars are free of chips in the rims or cracks of any kind.

Also, I highly recommend using quality jars such as Ball" or "Mason" jars, as they have less issues with proper sealing.

Jar lids and canning rings

Canning funnel (for filling the jars)

A measuring cup or ladle (for filling the jars)

A jar lifter (Absolutely a must have! Remember, you'll be lifting jars out of boiling water! Do it safely and securely.)

Water bath canner

A moist, clean kitchen washcloth (for wiping the jar rims)

Canning the Peach Butter

First of all, make sure your jars and jar lid rings are clean - put them through a cycle in the dishwasher or wash in hot, soapy water, rinse well, and turn them upside down on a kitchen towel to dry.

Next, soak your jar lids in hot water to prepare the rubber seals for canning.

Begin filling jars. Place the canning funnel atop a clean jar and carefully use your measuring cup or ladle to pour the peach butter into the jar. Leave ½ inch of headspace from the peach butter to the top of the jar. Repeat until the peach butter has been used up. You may have a little bit left over. I filled 7 of the 8oz jars and had a few ounces left over - it gave me a chance to taste test it!

When all jars have been filled, use the moist, clean kitchen cloth to wipe the rims of the jars. You want to remove any food particles so that the jar and lids can form a proper seal.

Place lids on top of jars, then screw on rings and tighten slightly with your fingertips.

Next, carefully place the jars into the canner. Fill with water until the jars are covered with about 1 inch of water. Set heat to medium high and cover with a lid. Stay nearby enough to be able to tell when the water begins to boil.

Once the water reaches a full boil, set a timer for 15 minutes.

When the 15 minutes are up, turn off heat and, using the jar lifter, carefully lift jars from the boiling water and gently place them on a clean kitchen towel.

Jar Sealing and Storage

As the jars being to cool, you should begin to hear happy "ping" sounds as your jars begin to seal. That sound is going to bring you such the much-deserved sense of satisfaction at a job well done!

Now, let the sealed jars sit for about 24 hours. Then, carefully remove the canning rings. Label and date the jars, then store them in your pantry or on your canning shelves to enjoy all year long!

Note: Try to consume the canned peach butter within a year to ensure quality.

If you would like further, in-depth information on canning or need to troubleshoot any canning problems, use this really helpful guide from the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Serving Suggestions: Enjoying Your Homemade Peach Butter

Now that you've crafted this delectable Peach Butter, it's time to enjoy it! Here are some serving suggestions to help you make the most of your homemade treat:

Breakfast Bliss:

• Spread your Peach Butter generously on freshly baked croissants, bagels, or toast. It's a delightful alternative to jellies or jams.
• Elevate your pancake or waffle game by drizzling Peach Butter over them. Add a dollop of whipped cream for a touch of creaminess. A lit bit of syrup and… Yum!
• Create a yogurt parfait by layering yogurt with a spoonful of Peach Butter and topping it off with granola or chopped nuts. It's a quick and nutritious breakfast or snack.

Always perfect on homemade bread:

• The most common way to eat peach butter is to spread it on top of freshly made, buttered homemade bread! Need the perfect, easy bread recipe? I highly recommend this Amish White Bread recipe. Serve it with a weeknight dinner, or as an addition to your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter spread! Your guests will absolutely love it!

Peach Butter and Cottage Cheese:

• Next to spreading being spread on homemade bread, this was the second most popular way we ate fruit butters when I was a kid. This may sound like a strange combination, but fruit butters are fantastic over plain cottage cheese. It’s such a quick, easy, protein packed snack!

Gift or Favor:

• Share the joy by gifting small jars of your homemade Peach Butter to friends and family. It makes a thoughtful and delicious present. Give a loaf of freshly made homemade bread for an extra personal touch.

Enjoy your Peach Butter in various ways to relish its homemade goodness throughout the year. Experiment with these serving ideas to find your favorite combinations and share the love of homemade treats with others.

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