Slow cooker pumpkin butter is an easy and delicious taste of fall anytime of the year. Made with fresh or canned pumpkin puree and delicious, seasonal spices

Pumpkin butter in a gray handmade bowl with a butter knife laying across it

I hate waste! I am that person who will reuse a deli container until it is falling apart at the seams. This recipe came from my inability to just throw anything away without seeing if I could somehow repurpose it.

Every year I buy pumpkins to decorate my front porch for Halloween. I try to keep them as little Halloween-specific as possible so that I can reuse them as Thanksgiving decor.

What is an habitual recycler like myself supposed to do with a perfectly good pumpkin when the holidays are over? Well, pumpkin soup is one option. But, this recipe is even more fun!

How to Make Pumpkin Butter

Pumpkin butter ingredients in slow cooker before mixing with labels

This recipe starts with pumpkin puree. An ingredient that is easy to find in a can. But, if you are like me and don't want to waste a pumpkin, you can make your own pumpkin puree using your slow cooker. In addition to puree, you will need:

brown sugar (or sugar substitute)
vanilla extract
nutmeg (ground)
ginger (dried, ground)
cloves (ground)
cinnamon sticks

Add puree, sweetener of choice, vanilla, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon sticks to your slow cooker. Stir, cover, and allow to cook on low for 6-8 hours.

After cooking, allow the mixture to cool. If you plan to serve it right away, remove cinnamon sticks.

However, if you are not in a rush, allow the mixture to sit with the cinnamon sticks in it overnight in the refrigerator. This will really allow the cinnamon flavor to reach its peak. Always be sure to remove cinnamon sticks prior to serving.

Close up of finished spread in slow cooker

Serving Suggestions

There are so many delicious ways to serve this pumpkin spread! It is of course great on all kinds of crackers. ANd - It is ahhh-mazing on a sandwich with peanut butter. (PB & PB!)

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It makes a wonderful accompaniment for all kinds of cheeses such as sharp cheddar or blue cheese. It is even amazing mixed in with some homemade plain yogurt or oatmeal.

Want even more options? Check out this article which shares 8 amazing suggestions of delicious uses for pumpkin butter!

A bowl of pumpkin butter a knife and cracker in background

How To Store

Pumpkin butter can be stored in either the refrigerator or the freezer. It is best kept in airtight containers or zipper-top bags.

In the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for about 2 weeks, and in the freezer you can expect to be able to use it for several months. It will retain peak flavor for about 3 months.

If you love this recipe, please let me know in the comment section below!

A side view of a grey bowl of spread with cinnamon sticks and crackers in background

Hints & Hacks

I recommend using a slow cooker liner for easier clean-up.
This recipe calls for a fair amount of brown sugar. If you are looking to make this recipe sugar-free, I am a huge fan of Swerve Brown Sugar Replacement which is a 1:1 substitute for brown sugar.
In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine!
Looking to give someone a homemade gift? Pumpkin butter is a great (inexpensive but super thoughtful) treat to bring to a friend. It looks perfect in small jam jars tied up with a bow!