The Easiest 4-Ingredient Peach Butter: Your Refined Sugar-Free Summer Staple

Discover how to make the best summer spread with just four simple ingredients: fresh peaches, bright lemon, warm cinnamon, and a touch of unrefined coconut sugar. This homemade peach butter is incredibly easy and truly the perfect way to capture the essence of peak season peaches!

There’s something truly magical about summer, isn’t there? Long, sun-drenched days, impromptu gatherings, and most importantly, an abundance of fresh, seasonal produce. One of my favorite rituals during this vibrant time of year is a visit to the local farmer’s market. It’s a sensory feast – the vibrant colors of fresh vegetables, the sweet aroma of ripe berries, and the lively buzz of conversations.

On a recent market trip, I was on a mission to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift for an upcoming brunch. As I meandered from tent to tent, admiring the artisanal crafts and fragrant flowers, my attention was unexpectedly captured by a display of beautifully jarred peach butter. It wasn’t just any peach butter; the label proudly declared “simple, clean ingredients.” My eyes lit up – this was exactly the kind of wholesome, natural product I love!

Imagining this delightful spread gracing our brunch table, I eagerly approached the farmer to purchase a few jars. Then came the familiar, heart-sinking moment: “Cash only.” A wave of disappointment washed over me. I reluctantly handed back the precious jars, feeling utterly crestfallen. But as I walked away, a new determination sparked within me: I would make my own. And not just any peach butter, but one so good, so easy, and with such pure ingredients, that everyone could enjoy it without needing a single coin.

And that’s precisely what I’m sharing with you today! This incredible 4-Ingredient Peach Butter is my answer to that farmer’s market conundrum. It’s the ultimate solution for utilizing those glorious summer peaches, transforming them into a naturally sweet, refined sugar-free spread that tastes like pure sunshine. Forget complicated recipes or obscure ingredients; this one is all about simplicity and maximizing flavor.

Making the Most of Summer’s Bounty: Why Peach Butter?

Does this scenario sound familiar? You head to the supermarket or farmer’s market with the best intentions, your eyes bigger than your shopping cart when it comes to summer fruit. “I’ll totally eat all of this,” you tell yourself, loading up on every juicy peach, ripe berry, and fragrant melon you can find. Yet, by the end of the week, you find yourself with a beautiful, but slightly overwhelming, pile of perfectly ripe peaches on your kitchen counter, begging to be used before they go bad.

If you’re nodding along, you are absolutely not alone! It’s a sweet problem to have, but a problem nonetheless. That’s where this fantastic peach butter recipe swoops in to save the day (and your peaches!). Instead of letting those succulent stone fruits go to waste, we’re going to transform them into a luscious, flavorful spread that can be enjoyed for weeks, or even months, to come. And the best part? We’ll achieve this culinary magic in just about 30 minutes of active cooking time!

The Power of Simplicity: Just 4 Key Ingredients

The beauty of this homemade peach butter lies in its minimalist approach. You don’t need a pantry full of specialty items; just four high-quality ingredients are all it takes to create a spread bursting with natural flavor. Let’s break down what makes each component so essential to this delicious recipe.

1. Peaches: The Star of the Show

The foundation of our peach butter is, naturally, peaches! I highly recommend using fresh, ripe peaches for the most vibrant flavor. Look for peaches that give slightly when gently squeezed and have a sweet, fragrant aroma. For this recipe, I used approximately six medium to large peaches to yield about 6 cups of prepared fruit after pitting and peeling. If you find your fresh peaches a little firm, simply let them ripen on the counter for a day or two.

Don’t have fresh peaches on hand, or is it not peach season? No problem! Frozen peaches are an excellent alternative and can actually make the preparation even easier since they’re often already skinned and sliced. If opting for frozen, be sure to thaw them completely before beginning the recipe. This ensures that the moisture content is balanced, allowing the peach butter to thicken properly on the stovetop within the recommended time. Simply place them in a bowl in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for a few hours. Drain any excess liquid before blending.

2. Lemon: A Zesty Brightener

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice might seem like a small addition, but it plays a crucial role. Lemon adds a lovely acidic brightness that cuts through the sweetness of the peaches, elevating their natural flavor and preventing the butter from tasting too cloyingly sweet. It also helps to preserve the vibrant color of the peaches and acts as a natural pectin, aiding in the thickening process. Don’t skip this ingredient!

3. Cinnamon: The Warm Spice Complement

Cinnamon is the perfect warm spice to complement the sweet, floral notes of peaches. It adds a subtle depth and a comforting aroma that truly enhances the overall flavor profile of the peach butter. While cinnamon is my go-to, you could also experiment with other warm spices like a tiny pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger if you’re feeling adventurous. However, for a classic and universally loved peach butter, cinnamon is key.

4. Coconut Sugar: Unrefined Sweetness, Tailored to Taste

To sweeten our peach butter, we use unrefined coconut sugar. This natural sweetener offers a slightly caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with peaches, providing a richer sweetness compared to white sugar. One of the best aspects of this recipe is that you can truly sweeten your peach butter to taste. I recommend starting with the specified amount and then, once the butter has finished simmering, giving it a taste test. If you prefer it sweeter, simply add more coconut sugar in small increments (1/2 tablespoon at a time), stirring until dissolved and tasting again. I personally enjoy my peach butter on the less sweet side, allowing the natural, juicy essence of the stone fruit to truly shine through!

The Easy-Peasy Process: From Fruit to Spread in Minutes

Making this peach butter is surprisingly straightforward, involving just two main steps: blending and simmering. Here’s a detailed look at how to achieve that perfect, silky smooth consistency.

1. Blend It Smooth: Start by combining your prepared peaches (fresh or thawed frozen), lemon juice, coconut sugar, and cinnamon in a high-speed blender. Process until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no visible chunks of peach. This initial blending step is crucial for achieving that characteristic velvety texture of peach butter.
2. Simmer to Perfection: Once blended, pour the peach mixture into a large, heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven. Place it over medium heat and bring the contents to a gentle simmer. As soon as it starts bubbling, reduce the heat slightly to medium-low. The goal is to maintain a steady, gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to prevent burning and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
3. Stir and Thicken: Let the peach mixture simmer for approximately 30 minutes, remembering to stir it every 5 minutes or so. This regular stirring is vital to prevent the bottom from scorching and ensures even cooking. The peach butter is ready when it has significantly thickened and coats the back of a spoon when stirred. It should have a rich, glossy appearance.
4. Taste and Adjust: Once cooked, give your peach butter a taste. This is your chance to adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer it sweeter, stir in additional coconut sugar, half a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired flavor profile.
5. Cool and Store: Allow the peach butter to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to clean glass jars. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep beautifully for up to two weeks. For longer storage, see our canning tips below!

Perfect Pairings: How to Enjoy Your Homemade Peach Butter

Once your luscious peach butter is ready, the possibilities for enjoying it are endless! This versatile spread is not only delicious on its own but also complements a wide variety of foods. I recently served mine with Bare Snacks’ new Apple Strawberry Fruit Medley, and it was an absolute match made in heaven. As if their product line couldn’t get any cooler, Bare Snacks is now launching a new line of fruit medleys with fun fruity pairings!

Just like the integrity of this peach butter, their new Apple Strawberry Fruit Medley features just two simple ingredients – apples and strawberries – baked until delightfully crispy. Dipping these crunchy fruit chips into the smooth, sweet peach butter creates an explosion of fruit-on-fruit flavor that is simply irresistible.

This 4-Ingredient Peach Butter is truly the tastiest and most rewarding way to utilize all those gorgeous leftover peaches during the summer season. But don’t limit yourself! Here are even more delightful ideas for serving your homemade peach butter:

• Spread on toast: A classic for a reason! Slather it generously on warm, crusty bread, bagels, or English muffins for a simple, satisfying breakfast.
• Swirled in oatmeal: Stir a spoonful into your morning oatmeal or cream of wheat for a burst of peachy sweetness and flavor.
• Mixed into yogurt: Elevate plain Greek yogurt by swirling in some peach butter. Add granola for an extra crunch.
• On crackers or rice cakes: A quick and easy snack, especially when paired with a little cream cheese or nut butter.
• In a peanut butter sandwich: Move over, jelly! Peach butter makes an incredible PB&P (Peanut Butter & Peach) sandwich.
• Drizzled over ice cream: Warm it slightly and spoon it over vanilla ice cream for an effortless, gourmet dessert.
• As a glaze for poultry: For a savory twist, try using it as a glaze for roasted chicken or pork.
• In baked goods: Incorporate it into muffins, tarts, or even as a filling for hand pies.
• With cheese and charcuterie: A sophisticated addition to a cheese board, especially with soft, creamy cheeses.

However you choose to enjoy it, this peach butter is sure to become a cherished summer staple. Cheers to delicious, wholesome spreads!

Canning Your Peach Butter for Year-Round Enjoyment

One of the most exciting aspects of making your own peach butter is the option for longer preservation, allowing you to savor the taste of summer peaches long after the season has passed. This recipe is perfectly suitable for canning, which means you can enjoy fresh-ttasting peach butter throughout the fall, winter, and spring!

To can your peach butter, you’ll need to follow standard water bath canning procedures for high-acid foods (which fruit spreads are, especially with the added lemon juice). Ensure your jars and lids are sterilized. Once the peach butter is cooked and still hot, ladle it into hot, sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe the rims clean, place the lids, and screw on the bands finger-tight. Process the jars in a boiling water bath canner for the recommended time (typically 10-15 minutes, adjusted for altitude). Always refer to reliable canning guides (like those from the USDA or university extension services) for precise instructions and safety guidelines, as proper canning techniques are crucial for food safety.

Share Your Creations!

If you try this 4-Ingredient Peach Butter, I would absolutely love to hear from you! Your feedback helps me create more delicious, healthy, and easy recipes. Please take a moment to leave a comment, a star rating, and a review below to share your experience.

Also, don’t forget to give me a shout on Instagram! Tag me @flora_and_vino and use the hashtag #floraandvino to show off your beautiful peach butter creations. I can’t wait to see what you spread it on!

For more recipe inspiration, be sure to check out my Pinterest page, where you can pin this recipe and many others to make later. If you’re a fan of stovetop fruit butters, you’ll also love my Blueberry Butter (No Sugar-Added) and Low Sugar Pumpkin Apple Butter. They’re equally simple and equally delicious!

Love this post and want to stay updated on all my latest recipes and healthy living tips? Head over to my homepage and subscribe to get updates delivered right to your inbox!

XO Lauren

Print

This post is brought to you by Bare Snacks, but all words and eats are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that keep me hungry!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission if you use these links. I only recommend brands I love, trust, and can’t keep quiet about!