Description
This Easy Honey Vanilla Peach Butter recipe is a delightful way to preserve the fresh flavors of peaches in a small batch. It combines ripe peaches with natural honey, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon to create a smooth or chunky spread perfect for breakfast toast, desserts, or as a flavorful addition to your meals. Made on the stovetop with simple ingredients, this recipe yields a naturally sweet and aromatic peach butter free from additives.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Base
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and chopped (about 600g)
Sweetener & Flavorings
- 1/4 cup honey (85g)
- 1 pure vanilla bean, split and scraped or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (30ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Peaches: Blanch the peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately plunge them into ice water to loosen the skins. Peel the peaches and chop them into small chunks for easier cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix together the chopped peaches, honey, the scraped vanilla bean seeds or vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, optional cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low to simmer uncovered.
- Simmer to Thicken: Let the peach mixture simmer for 40-50 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. This slow simmer will cause the peaches to break down and the mixture to thicken to a spreadable consistency.
- Adjust Texture: For a chunky peach butter, mash the mixture with a potato masher or wooden spoon. If you prefer a smooth texture, blend using an immersion blender or process through a food mill.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the peach butter and add more honey if you want it sweeter, or additional lemon juice if you desire more acidity. Stir well to incorporate.
- Cool and Store: Allow the peach butter to cool to room temperature. Transfer it into clean mason jars or airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer preservation.
Notes
- Blanching peaches helps to easily remove their skins without losing much flavor.
- Adjust sweetness according to the ripeness of your peaches and personal preference.
- The vanilla bean adds a richer flavor compared to vanilla extract, but either works well.
- Optional cinnamon adds a warm spice note; omit if desired.
- Peach butter can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for up to three months.
- Use clean, sterilized jars to ensure longer freshness and safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peach butter, honey peach spread, vanilla peach butter, homemade fruit butter, small batch peach butter, fresh peach recipe
