Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter Recipe

If fall had a flavor, it would taste like Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter: velvety pumpkin purée simmered with real maple syrup, cozy spices, and a bright pop of lemon. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a luscious, spoonable spread that brings autumn to any breakfast, snack, or dessert. Trust me—this is the pumpkin treat you’ll want to make again and again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing tricky here—just a few superstar ingredients that blend together for pure pumpkin magic. Each one has its own role, creating a balance of earthy, sweet, tangy, and spicy that makes this Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter so irresistible.

• Pumpkin Puree (4 cups): Go with canned for convenience, or use freshly roasted pumpkin for even more flavor and a slightly chunkier texture.
• Maple Syrup (1/2 cup): Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup—the real deal brings a unique warmth and deep sweetness to every spoonful.
• Fresh Lemon Juice (3 teaspoons): Just enough acidity to brighten the butter and balance out the rich, earthy pumpkin.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice (1 tablespoon): This spice blend brings classic cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and clove notes—make your own for extra fragrance!
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and adds a lovely aromatic depth.
• Sea Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A little salt lifts and sharpens all those sweet and spicy flavors.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter? There are plenty of ways to experiment—whether you’re working with what’s on hand, tweaking for dietary restrictions, or craving a unique twist that matches your mood or the season.

• Apple Cider Pumpkin Butter: Substitute a splash of apple cider for some of the lemon juice for an even fruitier, fall-inspired profile.
• Coconut Pumpkin Butter: Stir in a tablespoon of coconut cream for a subtle, tropical creaminess that complements the spices beautifully.
• Spicy Pumpkin Butter: Add a pinch of cayenne or extra ginger if you want some warmth and a little kick in each bite.
• Sugar-Free Version: Swap the maple syrup for your favorite liquid sugar substitute (like a maple-flavored monk fruit blend) for a lower-carb treat.

How to Make Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter

Step 1: Combine All Ingredients

Start by adding your pumpkin puree, real maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and sea salt to a medium saucepan. Give everything a thorough stir to blend—and already, your kitchen will start to smell like fall in a pot!

Step 2: Bring to a Gentle Bubble

Turn your stove to medium-high and keep the lid off for now. Watch for the mixture to begin bubbling—little holes will form, giving off sweet, steamy aromas. Those bubbling pockets mean it’s time to partially cover your pot and move on to the next step.

Step 3: Simmer and Reduce

Lower the heat to medium-low. Set the lid at an angle or just a bit askew—the goal is to let some steam out so your Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter can thicken, not get watery. You want gentle bubbles (think a soft burble!), not a rapid boil. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a consistent simmer.

Step 4: Thicken to Perfection

Stir the butter occasionally and let it cook for 20–25 minutes. The longer you let it simmer, the richer, thicker, and more intensely flavored it becomes. If you’re using homemade pumpkin puree (which may be more watery), a few extra minutes will help everything reach that perfectly spreadable consistency.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Once thickened to your liking, remove the pot from heat and let the pumpkin butter cool completely. Spoon into a clean, airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll thicken even more as it chills—and tastes absolutely dreamy by the next day!

How to Serve Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, top your Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter with a sprinkling of toasted pecans, a dusting of cinnamon, or a ribbon of maple syrup. A tiny dollop of whipped cream or vanilla Greek yogurt gives it true dessert vibes!

Side Dishes

Serve this pumpkin butter alongside warm, crusty bread, delicate scones, pancakes, or fluffy waffles for the ultimate fall brunch spread. It’s wonderful stirred into oatmeal, swirled on muffins, or even as a creamy dip with crisp apple slices.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter into small mason jars and tie with rustic twine for an adorable homemade gift. For festive occasions, fill a vintage bowl and let guests dollop it on whatever they like, or create mini pumpkin butter parfaits layered with granola and cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for at least a week—and usually a bit longer—so you’ll have a ready-to-go treat for days.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this pumpkin butter! Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when fall cravings strike.

Reheating

To gently reheat, just scoop what you need into a microwave-safe dish and warm in short bursts, stirring every 10–15 seconds. Alternatively, place it in a small saucepan over very low heat, stirring often, just until spreadable again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about stirring up a batch of Easy Maple Pumpkin Butter—especially when it fills your kitchen with the cozy scents of fall. It’s homemade comfort in a jar, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it every autumn (and probably the rest of the year too). Give it a go, share some with loved ones, and savor every sweet, spiced spoonful!

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