Hey friend!
If you’ve never made fruit butter before, this slow cooker plum butter is the perfect place to start.
It’s cozy, sweet, a little tangy, and spreads like a dream.
The slow cooker does all the work, and your kitchen will smell amazing all day long.
I love making a big batch in late summer or early fall when plums are everywhere, then popping it into jars to enjoy all year.
🥄 Why I Love This Recipe
This plum butter brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen, where she used to cook down fruit all afternoon while we played outside. It’s one of those recipes that makes your whole house feel warm and cozy.
- No peeling! Just pit and chop the plums.
- Kid-friendly, and perfect on toast, pancakes, or stirred into oatmeal.
- Freezes well, so you can enjoy it all year.
- Easy to make and perfect for gifting!
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 3 lbs ripe plums (washed, pitted, and chopped)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (added at the end)
👩🍳 Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Immersion blender or regular blender (for smooth texture)
- Jars or containers for storage
🧠 Pro Tips
- No need to peel your plums—once blended, the skins disappear and give great color!
- Start with ripe, juicy plums for best flavor.
- Stir every couple of hours to prevent sticking.
- Blend it smooth at the end for that dreamy texture.
- Let it cool before putting it into jars to avoid steam buildup.
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.
- Try a pinch of cloves or nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Don’t like ginger? Just leave it out.
- Want it chunky? Skip the blender and mash lightly instead.
🕒 Make Ahead Tips
- Chop and pit your plums the day before and store them in the fridge.
- You can also make this a day in advance and refrigerate or freeze it for later!
👩🍳 How to Make Slow Cooker Plum Butter
Step 1: Prep the Plums
Wash, pit, and roughly chop 3 lbs of ripe plums.
Step 2: Add to Slow Cooker
Add the chopped plums, 1 ½ cups sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ginger, and 1 tbsp lemon juice to the slow cooker. Stir to mix.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Set the slow cooker to low. Cook for 8–10 hours with the lid slightly ajar to let moisture escape. Stir every 2–3 hours.
Step 4: Blend It Smooth
Use an immersion blender right in the slow cooker (or transfer to a blender) to puree the plum butter until smooth.
Step 5: Stir in Vanilla
Once smooth, stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and cook uncovered for another 30–60 minutes if it still needs thickening.
Step 6: Cool & Store
Let the plum butter cool, then spoon into clean jars. Store in the fridge or freeze for later.
🥞 What to Serve With
- Toast, muffins, or biscuits
- Swirled into yogurt or oatmeal
- Over pancakes or waffles
- As a glaze for pork or chicken
- On a cheese board (yes, really!)
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen plums?
A: Yes! Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.
Q: How long does plum butter last?
A: About 2–3 weeks in the fridge, or up to 6 months in the freezer.
Q: Do I have to use a blender?
A: Not at all! If you like it chunky, mash it with a potato masher instead.
Q: Can I can it for shelf storage?
A: Yep—if you’re comfortable with water bath canning, this butter cans beautifully.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in jars or airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or silicone trays for up to 6 months.
- Label your jars with the date so you don’t forget!
❤️ Wrap-Up
This slow cooker plum butter is one of those “set it and forget it” recipes that makes your house smell amazing and gives you something homemade and delicious at the end. It’s perfect for breakfast, gifts, or just because.
Give it a try and let me know how it turned out for you! Got questions? Leave a comment—I love chatting with you in the kitchen! 🍇💜
