Pumpkin Butter Recipe

This is the best pumpkin butter recipe I have found. I usually double the batch, and end up with about 12 jars of pumpkin butter. I also prefer to use fresh, homemade pumpkin puree, but you can use store bought as well. For a look at the whole process, see my photo essay, From Pumpkin to Pumpkin Butter. 

Place 4 cups cooked and mashed pumpkin in a heavy kettle. Stir in one 2 oz package of powdered pectin. Place over high heat (I use medium high), and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

Stir in 4 1/2 cups sugar, 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice and 1/2 teaspoon unsalted butter (I have these pre-measured together in a bowl so they are ready to be dumped in once the pumpkin & pectin come to a boil) Continue stirring until the mixture reaches a full rolling boil. Boil hard 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove the mixture from the heat, and continue to stir for five minutes.

Pour into hot, sterilized jars to 1/4 inch from top. Add lids and adjust to manufacturers recommendatioins. Process 10 minutes in boiling water bath or steam canner.

Remove carefully from canner and set on a thick towel, away from drafts to cool. Check to make certain jars are sealed before storing.

Some pre-preparations and hints to make the process go more smoothly:

Pre-measure sugar, spice & butter and have ready to pour in

Pre-sterilize jars and have them sitting on a thick towel next to the stove (but away from the burner!)

Put the jar lids in a pan and pour boiling water over them so they stay warm while you are cooking the pumpkin butter

Have a clean towel, and a clean wet washcloth in your work space for wiping off jar rims before putting on the lids, and for drying off the jar lids before you put them on the jars.

Ladel the pumpkin butter into a heat-resistant measuring cup with a spout to make it easier to pour into the jars. You will have less spilling on the jar rims if you do this.

Keep pot holders and hand mits close by, as you will need them to move your pan if necessary and to transport hot jars.

Turn on your favorite music, as you will be spending a good amount of time in the kitchen during the process! 

SOME WAYS TO USE PUMPKIN BUTTER:

On toast, bagels and waffles, and pancakes of course

Spread over the top of a plain cheesecake

Spread over the top of softened cream cheese and serve on crackers

As a glaze for meats

Dip pretzel sticks into it for a tasty snack 

Topping for vanilla ice cream 

Top the jar with a pretty piece of fabric, and give it as a gift

ENJOY!