Spiced Fruit Butter
A warm, spiced fruit butter blending tender fruit with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, perfect as a spread or topping for breakfast and snacks, suitable for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel, core or pit the fruit, then slice.
- In a Dutch oven, combine the prepared fruit, fruit juice, and spices.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the fruit is very tender.
- Cool slightly.
- Puree the mixture in a blender, food processor, or food mill, in batches if necessary.
- Return the pureed fruit to the Dutch oven.
- Simmer uncovered over low heat, stirring frequently, until the desired consistency is reached (about 10 minutes to 1 1/2 hours).
- Remove from heat and stir in the sweetener (Equal).
- Transfer the fruit butter to freezer containers or jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, use a high-speed blender or food processor. If you're looking to reduce sugar, consider substituting the sweetener with honey or maple syrup, adjusting to taste. Adding a pinch of lemon juice can enhance the flavors. Choose ripe fruits for the best results, and experiment with different spice levels based on your preference for warmth, especially with the cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
This spiced fruit butter is delicious spread on toast, pancakes, or waffles, and it pairs beautifully with the Low Calorie Apple Cider Salad for a refreshing breakfast. Consider serving it alongside cheese for a sweet and savory appetizer or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal. It can also be used in desserts like tarts or as a filling for pastries.
Storage & Reheating
Store the spiced fruit butter in airtight containers or jars, leaving about 1/2-inch of headspace to allow for expansion when freezing. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using, and stir well before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Fruit Butter contains roughly 2583 calories, with 30g protein, 274g carbohydrates, and 173g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (426% of the Daily Value), iron (120% of the Daily Value), and calcium (100% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 119g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fruit for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fruit, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking. This will help maintain the consistency of the fruit butter and prevent it from becoming too watery.
How do I know when the fruit butter is done cooking?
The fruit butter is done when it has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be spreadable but not too runny. Stirring frequently will help you monitor its thickness, and you can test it by placing a small amount on a plate to see how it sets as it cools.
Can I adjust the spices in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add more cinnamon or some ginger. Conversely, if you want a milder flavor, reduce the spices or omit them entirely for a simple fruit butter.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).