The Best Peach Butter Recipe (Slow Cooker Method)
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If you’ve never made peach butter before, get ready to fall in love. This peach butter recipe (slow cooker style!) is the easiest, most hands-off way to turn juicy summer peaches into a sweet, velvety spread you’ll want to slather on everything.
No canning, no standing over a hot stove, and no fancy ingredients. Just ripe peaches, a slow cooker, and a house that smells like a Southern bakery by the end of the day.
Whether you’ve got a tree full of fruit, a farmer’s market haul, or a few bruised peaches begging to be used, this recipe is your new go-to. It’s the perfect balance of natural peach sweetness with just a hint of spice—and it’s freezer-friendly, too!
Let’s dive into the easiest slow cooker peach butter recipe you’ll ever try.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Peach Butter Recipe (Slow Cooker)
Making peach butter in the slow cooker couldn’t be easier! You only need a few simple ingredients to create this sweet, spreadable goodness:
- Fresh Peaches – About 4 pounds (10–12 medium peaches). Ripe peaches work best for maximum flavor. You can peel them or leave the skins on for extra color and nutrients.
- Sugar – 1 to 2 cups, depending on how sweet your peaches are. You can also use brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
- Lemon Juice – About 2 tablespoons. This brightens the flavor and helps preserve the butter.
- Ground Cinnamon (optional) – Adds warmth and a cozy flavor. You can also try nutmeg or cloves for a spiced twist.
- Vanilla Extract (optional) – For an extra layer of sweetness.
Equipment:
- Slow cooker
- Immersion blender (or a regular blender)
- Airtight jars or freezer containers
How to Make Peach Butter in the Slow Cooker – Step-by-Step Instructions
Making peach butter in a slow cooker is pure kitchen magic. The process is simple, but the flavor is deep, concentrated, and totally addictive. Here’s how to make it from start to finish:
Step 1: Prep the Peaches
Start with about 4 pounds of ripe peaches—that’s usually around 10–12 medium peaches. Rinse them well under cool water to remove any dirt or fuzz.
You have two options here:
- Peel them: This gives you an ultra-smooth peach butter with a silky texture.
- Leave the skins on: The skins break down during the long cook time and add a beautiful deep color and extra nutrients. (Plus, it’s less work!)
Pro Tip: To easily peel peaches, score an “X” on the bottom, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. The skins will slip right off.
Cut the peaches in half, remove the pits, and slice them into quarters or chunks. No need to be precise—they’ll soften and blend later.
Step 2: Load Up the Slow Cooker
Place all your peach chunks into your slow cooker (at least 6-quart size).
Then add:
- 1 to 2 cups of sugar, depending on how sweet your peaches are and how sweet you want your peach butter. Start with less—you can always add more later.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice to enhance flavor and preserve color.
- Optional flavorings:
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (or more if you love spice)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for warmth and sweetness)
- A pinch of nutmeg or cloves if you want that fall flavor vibe
Stir everything gently to combine.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to LOW heat and let the magic begin.
- Cook for 8 to 10 hours, uncovered or with the lid propped slightly open using a wooden spoon or chopstick. This allows steam to escape and the peach mixture to slowly reduce and thicken.
- Stir occasionally—every 2–3 hours is plenty, especially if you’re nearby. Your kitchen will smell like sweet summer bliss!
By the end of the cook time, the peaches should be very soft, slightly caramelized, and swimming in their own thick, flavorful syrup.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
Now it’s time to turn those soft peaches into smooth peach butter.
- Use an immersion blender right in the slow cooker to blend the mixture until it’s smooth and glossy.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the hot mixture (in batches) to a regular blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Be careful—hot fruit can splatter! Work in small batches and vent the lid slightly.
Step 5: Reduce Further (Optional but Recommended)
After blending, check the consistency. If it’s not as thick as you’d like, you can cook it down more:
- Return the lid to the propped-open position or remove it completely.
- Continue cooking on LOW for 1 to 2 more hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
You’ll know it’s ready when it has the texture of thick applesauce or smooth jam—it should mound slightly on a spoon without running off
Step 6: Cool, Store & Enjoy!
Once it’s thickened to your liking, turn off the slow cooker and let the peach butter cool slightly.
Then ladle it into clean glass jars or containers:
- Refrigerator: Store for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Let cool completely, then freeze for up to 6 months. Use freezer-safe containers and leave some headspace at the top for expansion.
Optional: You can water bath can it for shelf-stable storage—just make sure to follow proper safe canning procedures from a trusted source.
Tips & Variations for the Best Peach Butter (Slow Cooker)
Making peach butter is simple, but these little tips can take it from good to amazing:
Taste Before You Add More Sugar
Peaches vary in sweetness. Start with the minimum sugar (about 1 cup) and taste near the end of cooking. If it needs more sweetness, you can stir in extra sugar while it’s still hot.
Add Warm Spices for Cozy Flavor
Cinnamon is classic, but you can also try:
- A pinch of nutmeg for warmth
- Cloves for a deeper spice note
- Ginger for a little zing
You can even add pumpkin pie spice for a fall twist!
Boozy Upgrade
Stir in a splash of bourbon, whiskey, or brandy after blending for an adult-friendly spread. It pairs beautifully with peaches.
Make It Sugar-Free
Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener, stevia, or erythritol if you’re avoiding sugar. Just note that the texture and shelf life might be slightly different.
Vanilla Dream
Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract at the end of cooking for an extra layer of flavor. Pure vanilla gives the best results.
Frozen Peaches Work Too
No fresh peaches? No problem. Use frozen sliced peaches—just thaw and drain them first.
How to Serve Peach Butter – Sweet, Simple, and So Versatile
Now that you’ve made the best peach butter in the slow cooker, it’s time to enjoy it! This fruity spread is wildly versatile—here are some of the most delicious ways to use it:
Spread It on Everything
- Toast, English muffins, bagels, sourdough—you name it!
- Slather it on warm buttermilk biscuits or croissants for an elevated breakfast.
- Use it in place of jam for PB&J sandwiches with a peachy twist.
Swirl Into Breakfast Favorites
- Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or French toast instead of syrup.
- Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal for a naturally sweet flavor boost.
Dessert Topping Delight
- Warm it slightly and spoon over vanilla ice cream or cheesecake.
- Layer it into parfaits or trifles with whipped cream and cake.
Savory Combos That Work
- Use as a glaze for grilled chicken or pork chops—just brush on during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Mix into BBQ sauce for a peachy, smoky twist.
Gift It!
- Spoon into small jars, add a cute label, and give as homemade gifts for holidays, teachers, or housewarming baskets.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Peach Butter
Do I need to peel the peaches for peach butter?
No, peeling is optional. If you want a super smooth peach butter, you can peel the peaches first. But if you’re blending the mixture well, the skins break down during slow cooking and add flavor, color, and nutrients.
Can I use frozen peaches for this peach butter recipe (slow cooker)?
Yes! Frozen peaches work great—just thaw and drain them before adding to the slow cooker. It’s a great option when fresh peaches aren’t in season.
How long does peach butter last in the fridge?
Homemade peach butter lasts up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator when stored in a clean, airtight jar. Always use a clean spoon to scoop it out to prevent contamination.
Can I freeze slow cooker peach butter?
Absolutely. Let the peach butter cool completely, then spoon it into freezer-safe containers or jars, leaving a little space at the top. It will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Can I can this peach butter for long-term storage?
Yes, you can water bath can this recipe if you follow safe canning practices. Make sure the acidity is correct (from the lemon juice) and follow tested canning guidelines. Always refer to USDA or Ball® canning resources for safety.
Is this slow cooker peach butter recipe sugar-free?
The base recipe includes sugar, but you can make it refined sugar-free by using honey, maple syrup, or sugar alternatives like stevia or monk fruit. Just note that sweetness levels and thickness may vary.
What’s the difference between peach butter and peach jam?
Peach butter is smoother, more concentrated, and made by slow-cooking the fruit down without pectin. Peach jam usually has chunks and uses added pectin to gel. Peach butter spreads like a dream and has a deep, rich flavor from the long cook time.
