Description
A delightful spread made from ripe peaches, honey, and vanilla, perfect for canning and enjoying throughout the year.
Ingredients
Scale
- 9 cups sliced peaches, seeded but not peeled
- 1/4 cup water
- 2–1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup honey
- 2 vanilla beans, seeds scraped out
Instructions
- Cook Peaches Down: Start by simmering the peaches in a pot until they are super tender and smelling sweet. This should take about 30 minutes. Soft peaches blend easily for a smooth butter. Do not rush this step; undercooked fruit can leave you with a chunky texture instead of that dreamy consistency.
- Add Honey & Vanilla: Stir in the honey and scraped vanilla beans, letting the mixture bubble gently. The aromas will fill your kitchen. This infusion of flavor is what elevates your peach butter from basic to beautiful. Just remember to keep an eye on it; too high of heat can scorch those delicate flavors.
- Blend Until Smooth: Remove the pot from heat and carefully transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender right in the pot. Blend until everything is silky and smooth. This might take a minute or two. A common mistake here is under-blending; extra creaminess enhances the spreadability.
- Simmer & Thicken: Return the blended mixture to the pot and simmer it on low until it thickens, maybe around 20-30 minutes. You will want to see it mound slightly when scooped with a spoon. If it looks too runny, do not hesitate to cook it a bit longer; patience pays off for that luscious texture.
- Jar & Seal Butter: Transfer the hot peach butter into clean jars, leaving some headspace at the top. It is crucial for a good seal. As you fill, avoid touching the rims to ensure they stay clean, or you risk having jars that will not seal properly later.
- Process Jars Safely: Finally, process the jars in a water bath for about 10 minutes. This ensures that your peach butter is shelf-stable and safe to enjoy later. Listen for that satisfying pop as they seal. Forgetting this step could lead to spoilage, so do not skip it.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store in a cool dark place for up to a year if canned. Unsealed jars can be refrigerated for up to a month.
- Expert Tips: Make sure your canning equipment is clean and sterilized. Simmer the peaches until they are very tender for a smooth mix. Leave 1/4 inch headspace when filling jars for proper sealing.
- Reheating Instructions: Not applicable as this recipe is for canning.
- Serving Suggestions: Slather on warm biscuits or scones. Top vanilla ice cream or yogurt with peach butter. Use as a spread on sandwiches for added sweetness.
- Recipe Variations: Substitute other summer fruits like apricots or plums. Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. Blend in a splash of bourbon for a spirited twist.
- Ingredient Notes: Look for ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. If using vanilla bean paste as a substitution, use 1 tablespoon for the two vanilla beans. Ensure that the peaches are fresh and avoid any that are overripe or bruised for the best quality.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 pint jar
- Calories: null
- Sugar: null
- Sodium: null
- Fat: null
- Saturated Fat: null
- Unsaturated Fat: null
- Trans Fat: null
- Carbohydrates: null
- Fiber: null
- Protein: null
- Cholesterol: null