3 Ingredient Peach Butter: The Easiest Homemade Spread You’ll Ever Make

If you’re looking for a way to preserve the taste of summer in a jar, 3 ingredient peach butter is the answer. This simple, sweet, and naturally flavorful fruit spread takes only minutes to prepare but delivers rich, peachy goodness that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home canner, this guide will walk you through the process, tips, variations, and delicious ways to use your homemade peach butter.

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity—just three wholesome ingredients, no refined sugar, and no need for pectin or complicated equipment. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to reduce waste by using overripe peaches that might otherwise go uneaten.

For best results, start by learning how to perfectly peel a peach, a crucial step in achieving that smooth, luxurious texture. You’ll also benefit from understanding the nutritional benefits of using raw honey, a natural sweetener that brings more than just flavor to your fruit butter.

Why Make 3 Ingredient Peach Butter?

Peach butter offers several advantages over traditional fruit jams and jellies:

• No refined sugar – Sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup
• Low waste – Perfect for using soft, bruised, or overripe peaches
• No pectin – Uses fruit’s natural pectin to thicken
• Versatile – Use on toast, oats, pancakes, ice cream, or as a baking ingredient
• Freezer-friendly – Stores well for months

What You’ll Need: The 3 Simple Ingredients

🍑 Fresh Peaches

• Use ripe or slightly overripe peaches for best flavor
• Either yellow or white peaches work well
• Slightly bruised or soft peaches are ideal since the fruit will be pureed

🍯 Raw Honey (or Maple Syrup)

• Acts as a natural sweetener and helps preserve the fruit
• Raw honey adds mild floral notes and is nutrient-rich
• For a vegan version, use pure maple syrup

🍋 Fresh Lemon Juice

• Adds a zesty balance to the sweetness of the peaches and honey
• Helps preserve color and enhances shelf life
• Optional: add a splash of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth

How to Peel Peaches Easily

Peeling peaches is easier than you think. The blanch-and-shock method is the most effective:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Score a small “X” at the bottom of each peach.
3. Drop peaches into the boiling water for 30–45 seconds.
4. Transfer immediately to a bowl of ice water.
5. Gently peel off skins—they should slip right off.

This method makes it quick to process large batches of peaches for preserving.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Peach Butter

Stove Top Method

1. Prepare the fruit: After peeling, remove pits and roughly chop the peaches.
2. Combine ingredients: Place chopped peaches in a large saucepan with honey and lemon juice.
3. Simmer gently: Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce to low and let cook uncovered for about 60–70 minutes.
4. Blend or mash:
   • For chunky peach butter, mash with a fork or potato masher.
   • For smooth peach butter, use an immersion blender or transfer to a food processor.

Slow Cooker Method

If you prefer hands-off cooking:

• Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally.
• Remove lid during the last hour to help thicken if needed.

Storage and Shelf Life

Peach butter stores beautifully and is ideal for batch prep:

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight glass jars for up to 3 weeks.
• Freezer: Pour into freezer-safe jars, leaving 1 inch of headspace. Keeps up to 6 months.
• Pro tip: Freeze in small containers so you can thaw only what you need.

For freezing best practices, visit the National Center for Home Food Preservation’s guide.

Delicious Ways to Use Peach Butter

Wondering how to enjoy your homemade peach butter? Here are some ideas:

• Spread on toast, biscuits, or croissants
• Swirl into oatmeal or Greek yogurt
• Use as a topping on pancakes or waffles
• Serve with vanilla ice cream or cottage cheese
• Layer into banana bread, muffins, or other baked goods
• Add to cheese boards or charcuterie platters

Recipe Summary

Ingredients:

• 6 ripe peaches, peeled and chopped
• 3 tablespoons raw honey (or maple syrup)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients in a large saucepan.
2. Simmer over low heat for about 60–70 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Blend or mash to your desired consistency.
4. Let cool, transfer to jars, and refrigerate or freeze.

Fun Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic version, experiment with some delicious twists:

• Vanilla Peach Butter: Add 1 tsp vanilla extract or ½ a vanilla bean
• Cinnamon-Spiced: Stir in ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• Ginger-Peach: Add ¼ tsp ground ginger for a zingy twist
• Apple-Peach Combo: Mix half apples, half peaches for a fall-inspired flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze peach butter?
Yes! Just make sure to use airtight, freezer-safe containers and leave space for expansion.

Can I make peach butter in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Remove the lid near the end to help thicken.

What’s the difference between peach jam and peach butter?
Peach butter is smoother, has less sugar, and is cooked longer to concentrate the flavor. Jam usually includes added pectin and sugar.

Can I make this without honey?
Yes. Substitute with maple syrup or agave syrup for a vegan version.

How long does peach butter last in the fridge?
Typically, it stays fresh for 2–3 weeks in an airtight jar.

Can I can this peach butter?
This specific recipe is not tested for canning. If canning, use a recipe designed for water-bath canning with proper acidity levels.

Final Thoughts

3 ingredient peach butter is the perfect introduction to homemade preserves. It’s fast, fuss-free, and full of natural goodness. With just a few simple ingredients and a little simmering time, you’ll be rewarded with jars of silky, sunshine-sweet peach butter to enjoy long after summer fades.

Whether you spoon it over pancakes or stir it into oatmeal, you’ll appreciate the rich, concentrated flavor of this easy recipe. And the best part? You made it all from scratch—with just three ingredients.