Easy Homemade Pumpkin Butter from the Smoker
It is the time of the year when we enjoy all things pumpkin. This Homemade Pumpkin Butter is a fall staple in my kitchen, a perfect spread to start the holiday season.
With its thick, velvety texture, layers of warm spices, and sweetness from honey and molasses, this Pumpkin Butter delivers the flavors of Fall you have been craving.
This Smoked Pumpkin Butter combines cozy, warm flavors of pumpkin spices with a hint of smokiness and a touch of citrus brightness. This pumpkin spread tastes great on French toast or mixed into banana bread.
Pumpkin lovers, gather in and let’s make this Homemade Pumpkin Butter Recipe.
Why you will love this Pumpkin Butter
Smoky flavor – the hint of smokiness adds depth to the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
Versatile – it is super flexible! Spread it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or use it as pierogi filling.
Seasonal treat – Fall is all about warm, comforting flavors. This sweet spread has that in every spoonful. It’s the way to celebrate pumpkin season.
Ingredients, Variations and Substitutions
Pumpkin puree – homemade pumpkin puree is the best; it’s well worth the effort, but the canned version will work just fine. If you make your own puree, use sugar pie pumpkins for the best results.
Honey – adds a natural sweetness with light floral notes. If you’d like a slightly different flavor, maple syrup or agave syrup can be swapped at a 1:1 ratio.
Molasses – brings a rich, caramelized layer of flavor.
Turbinado sugar – is a great choice if you want to add a touch of mild caramel flavor. It has a more complex profile than white sugar and a lighter texture than brown sugar. If turbinado isn’t on hand, you can use dark brown sugar for added moisture or white sugar for a cleaner sweetness. Coconut sugar is also a great alternative.
Warming Fall spices – ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and allspice. Together, they give the pumpkin butter a cozy, spiced flavor. Feel free to adjust based on your preferences or what you have on hand – ginger or cardamom would also be lovely additions.
Salt – elevates all the flavors, making the sweetness pop.
Vanilla extract – adds a subtle layer of warmth and rounds everything out; it’s worth using pure vanilla here if possible, though vanilla bean paste or even vanilla powder could work in a pinch.
Orange juice – adds a subtle tang, balancing the richness of the honey and molasses. If you prefer a milder citrus note. Lemon juice, though it’s a bit sharper would also work. You can also use apple juice or apple cider.
Orange zest – brings a fragrant citrus aroma.
Equipment you will need
- Medium to large saucepan or slow cooker
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microplane or zester
- Citrus juicer
- Glass jar or airtight container
- Immersion blender or food processor
Top Tips
Quality pumpkin puree – if possible, use fresh pumpkin puree. Canned puree works too, but opt for pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) to control the sweetness and spices.
Adjust sweetness gradually – honey and molasses can vary in sweetness, so start with the recipe amounts and taste as it cooks. You can always add a touch more honey or turbinado sugar if you want a sweeter butter.
Low and slow– let the mixture simmer on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to deepen and prevents any burning. Cooking for 30-40 minutes should yield a thick, luscious texture.
Enhance the smokiness – if you smoked the pumpkin yourself, you’re set! But if not, a drop or two of liquid smoke can add a hint of that outdoor, smoky flavor—just use sparingly.
Let it cool before storing – allow the pumpkin butter to cool to room temperature before transferring it to jars. This helps maintain its thick texture and prevents excess moisture buildup in the container.
Step-by-step instructions
- If you’re starting with a fresh pumpkin, cut it in half and smoke it on a grill or smoker for about 30-40 minutes at 225°F (you can also bake in the oven). Once it’s tender, scoop out the pumpkin flesh and blend until smooth. For the full recipe, follow this link Homemade Pumpkin Puree.
- In a medium saucepan, add the fresh pumpkin puree, honey, turbinado sugar, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice), a pinch of salt, and orange juice.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat (stove top), then reduce to low and cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. You’ll want it to thicken and the flavors to deepen. If you are cooking on your smoker, set it to 225F.
- Once thickened to your liking, optionally blend and add in the vanilla extract and orange zest (if using). Give it a good stir and cook for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Let the pumpkin butter cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight jar. It should keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or you can freeze it for longer storage.
What are the best ways to enjoy Pumpkin Butter
- Spread on toast or biscuits
- Swirl into oatmeal or plain yogurt
- Add to pancake or waffle batter
- Serve with a cheese board for an autumn twist
- Add to baked goods
- Use as a filling for pierogies or pastries
- Mix into cream cheese
- Use as a glaze for pork or chicken
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Storage instructions, reheating
Refrigerator: Once cooled, transfer the pumpkin butter to an airtight container or jar. It will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: For longer storage, place the pumpkin butter in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room at the top to allow for expansion. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Instructions
Microwave: For a quick warm-up, microwave a portion in a microwave-safe dish on low heat, in 10-15 second intervals until warm. Stir after each interval to avoid hot spots.
Stovetop: Place the pumpkin butter in a small saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method keeps it smooth and evenly warmed without scorching.
Easy homemade Pumpkin Butter
Equipment
- medium to large saucepan
- wooden spoon or silicon spatula
- measuring cups nad spoons
- zester and citrus juicer
- smoker or stove
Ingredients
- 4 cups pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 1/2 cup turbinado sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- If you’re starting with a fresh pumpkin, cut it in half and smoke it on a grill or smoker for about 30-40 minutes at 225°F (you can also bake in the oven). Once it’s tender, scoop out the pumpkin flesh and blend until smooth. For the full recipe, follow this link Homemade Pumpkin Puree.
- Add your fresh pumpkin puree, honey, turbinado sugar, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice), pinch of salt and orange juice into a medium saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. You'll want it to thicken and the flavors to deepen. If you are cooking on your smoker set it to 225F.
- Let the pumpkin butter cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight jar. It should keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or you can freeze it for longer storage.
- Once thickened to your liking, optionally blend and then stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest (if using). Cook for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Notes
Nutrition
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Conclusion
And there you have it an easy recipe for spiced homemade Pumpkin Butter that brings out the best of fall. Whether spreading it on toast, filling pierogi, or using it as a versatile autumn ingredient, this sweet treat will become a seasonal favorite.
With its balance of earthy, sweet, and citrusy notes, it’s the perfect way to celebrate pumpkin season in a unique way. Make a batch, share it with friends, or keep it all to yourself (we won’t judge!). However you enjoy it, this delicious spread is fall in a jar—enjoy every last spoonful!
FAQ
Can I make this recipe without smoking the pumpkin?
Absolutely! If you don’t have smoked pumpkin, you can use regular pumpkin puree. For a hint of smokiness, add a few drops of liquid smoke. It’s totally optional.
Is it possible to use this pumpkin butter as a filling in baked goods?
Yes! This pumpkin butter makes a fantastic filling for pierogi, turnovers, pastries, or even as a layer in cakes and muffins. Its thick, spreadable texture holds up well during baking.
Can I make this recipe with fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just roast or smoke the pumpkin first, then puree it until smooth before following the rest of the recipe.
How long does homemade pumpkin butter last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, it will last up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Is there a way to make this pumpkin butter less sweet?
Sure! Simply reduce the honey or turbinado sugar by 1-2 tablespoons, depending on your taste. If you prefer a more tart flavor, you can also add a bit more orange juice or zest for extra freshness.
