Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter Recipe

This smooth, caramelized Trader Joes Pumpkin Butter Recipe is made with pure pumpkin puree and warm spices and ready in 30 minutes. The rich spread bubbles gently on the stove until it darkens into a glossy, thick paste. I love making a big batch to keep my fridge stocked all season.

Why This Classic Works

I used to wait all year for the grocery store to stock this seasonal favorite. Making it from scratch means I control the sweetness and can enjoy it whenever the craving hits.

The real trick I learned is adding a touch of lemon juice at the end. It cuts through the heavy squash flavor and balances the intense brown sugar perfectly.

Trader Joes Pumpkin Butter Recipe Ingredients

• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup apple juice
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

How To Make Trader Joes Pumpkin Butter Recipe

1. Mix the base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the pumpkin puree, apple juice, brown sugar, honey, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth.
2. Bring to a simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and wait for the mixture to begin bubbling.
3. Cook and reduce: Turn the heat down to low, cover partially with a lid, and let it simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the finishing touches: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract until glossy.
5. Cool completely: Transfer the butter to a glass jar and let it reach room temperature before storing.

Recipe Tips

• Use a splatter screen: The pumpkin mixture tends to pop and spit as it reduces on the stove.
• Test the thickness: Spoon a small amount onto a chilled plate to see if it holds its shape.
• Do not boil: Keeping the heat on low prevents the sugars from burning to the bottom of the pan.
• Adjust the spices: Taste the mixture halfway through cooking and add more cinnamon if needed.

What To Serve With Pumpkin Butter

Spread this generously over toasted sourdough or warm English muffins. It also works beautifully swirled into morning oatmeal or mixed into plain yogurt.

How To Store

Keep the pumpkin butter in an airtight glass jar or container in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. You can also freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, but you must roast and puree a sugar pumpkin until completely smooth before using.

Why is my pumpkin butter runny?

You likely need to cook it a bit longer to evaporate more moisture from the puree and juice.

Can I can this recipe for long-term storage?

Pumpkin butter is too low in acid to safely can in a water bath at home.

Is pumpkin butter dairy-free?

Yes, despite the name, there is no actual dairy butter in this spread.

Nutrition

• Calories: 45 kcal
• Total Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 15 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 11 g
• Protein: 0 g

Try More Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pancake Mix Muffins Recipe
• Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pasta Recipe
• Trader Joes Pumpkin Butter Uses Recipe

Trader Joes Pumpkin Butter Recipe

Recipe by Nate Collins

Servings

16

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Total time

30

minutes

Trader Joes Pumpkin Butter Recipe creates a smooth, spiced spread using pure pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and warm cinnamon in just 30 minutes. Make this cozy autumn staple easily at home to keep your morning toast completely stocked all season long.

Ingredients

• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

• 1/2 cup apple juice

• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions

• 1. Mix the base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the pumpkin puree, apple juice, brown sugar, honey, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth.
• 2. Bring to a simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and wait for the mixture to begin bubbling.
• 3. Cook and reduce: Turn the heat down to low, cover partially with a lid, and let it simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• 4. Add the finishing touches: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract until glossy.
• 5. Cool completely: Transfer the butter to a glass jar and let it reach room temperature before storing.