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If you have a pile of extra blueberries waiting for purpose, this slow cooker blueberry butter is the ultimate answer. It creates an unbelievably luscious spread with almost no active effort. I keep a jar in my fridge at all times for toast, oatmeal, pancakes or eating off the spoon.
The first time I made this I was stunned at how much the flavors deepened overnight. Now I love bringing a small jar to brunch at a friend's house and watching it disappear.
Ingredients
- Fresh blueberries: For rich fruity flavor and high pectin content seek out plump deep blue berries without shriveled skins
- Light brown sugar: Balances tartness with gentle caramel notes choose soft moist sugar without hard clumps
- Honey: Adds natural floral sweetness use raw honey for brighter complexity
- Lemon zest and juice: Provide acidity keeping the spread from becoming too sweet and sharpening the berry flavor opt for unwaxed organic lemons for safe zesting
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and coziness make sure your cinnamon is fresh and fragrant when you open the jar
- Nutmeg: Gives aromatic depth grate whole nutmeg for best taste or use ground in a pinch
Instructions
- Prep the Blueberries:
- Rinse your blueberries under cool running water and pick out any stems or shriveled berries. The cleaner and fresher your fruit the better the final taste.
- Mix the Base:
- Add blueberries light brown sugar honey lemon zest and juice cinnamon and nutmeg to your slow cooker. Give everything a thorough stir until the blueberries are nicely coated and the sugar looks moistened.
- First Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for one hour. This wakes up the flavors and helps the berries start to break down.
- Blend Smooth:
- Scoop the hot mixture into a blender. Blend until completely smooth and velvety. Be cautious of steam buildup by venting the lid and holding a towel over the top carefully.
- Evaporate and Thicken:
- Pour the blended mixture back into the slow cooker. Prop the lid open with a wooden spoon handle so extra liquid can escape. Set to low and cook for four to five more hours. The longer you go the richer and thicker the butter will become. Stir every hour or so and check for your desired thickness.
- Jar and Store:
- When the blueberry butter has reduced to a spreadable texture ladle it into clean mason jars. Allow to cool before sealing. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy for up to two months.
Blueberries are my absolute favorite berry for how easily they transform into jammy goodness. I will always remember making this batch during blueberry picking season every July when the kids and I spent the afternoon turning our haul into jars we gifted at Christmas.
Storage Tips
Let the finished blueberry butter cool completely before sealing the jars and refrigerating. It keeps up to two months in the fridge or can be frozen for a few months in tightly sealed containers. If freezing leave a little headspace in each jar or container to allow for expansion.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are short on honey agave syrup or maple syrup both work for a similar sweetness and mouthfeel. Frozen blueberries work beautifully just defrost and drain any excess water before adding to the crockpot. Try orange zest instead of lemon for a milder citrus finish.
Serving Suggestions
Spread thickly on toast waffles or scones for breakfast. Swirl into plain yogurt oatmeal or overnight oats for a hit of fruity flavor. Serve with cheese boards or spoon onto pancakes especially with ricotta or mascarpone.
You will be amazed how versatile this blueberry butter is—from breakfast to gifts to delicious snacks. Enjoy making this easy treat and sharing it with those you love.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well. Thaw and drain excess liquid before starting for best consistency.
- → How long does blueberry butter last?
Stored in sealed jars in the refrigerator, it keeps fresh for up to two months.
- → Do I need to sterilize the jars?
It's best to use clean, sterilized jars to ensure freshness and prevent contamination.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness?
Absolutely! Taste after blending and add more sugar or honey to achieve your preferred sweetness.
- → What are some serving suggestions?
Enjoy it on toast, pancakes, waffles, or as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or desserts.