This grape butter recipe is a rich, smooth fruit spread made by slowly cooking grapes until thick and flavorful. Unlike grape jam or jelly, grape butter has a silky texture and deep, concentrated taste because the fruit is pureed and cooked down until naturally thick.
Perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or even pairing with cheese boards, homemade grape butter is simple to make and requires just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
Before you begin, gather these fresh and simple ingredients.
- 4 cups grapes (red, purple, or Concord grapes)
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
How to Make Grape Butter
Follow these easy steps to create smooth and flavorful grape butter at home.
1. Prepare the Grapes
Wash the grapes thoroughly and remove stems. If using seeded grapes, you can strain seeds later.
2. Cook the Grapes
Place grapes in a saucepan Place grapes in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grapes soften and release their juices.
3. Blend Until Smooth
Use an immersion blender (or transfer carefully to a blender) and puree the cooked grapes until smooth.
4. Strain (Optional)
For extra-smooth grape butter, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove skins and seeds.
5. Add Sugar & Simmer
Return the puree to the saucepan. Add sugar, lemon juice, salt, and cinnamon if using. Simmer on low heat for 25–40 minutes, stirring frequently, until thick and spreadable.
6. Cool & Store
Let the grape butter cool completely. It will thicken further as it cools. Store in sterilized jars in the refrigerator.
Tips for the Best Grape Butter
These helpful tips ensure rich flavor and perfect texture.
- Use sweet, ripe grapes for deeper flavor
- Stir often to prevent sticking
- Cook slowly on low heat for better thickness
- Adjust sugar depending on grape sweetness
- It thickens more as it cools
Ways to Use Grape Butter
This homemade grape butter spread is versatile and delicious.
- Spread on toast or English muffins
- Serve with pancakes or waffles
- Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal
- Pair with cheese boards
- Use as cake or pastry filling
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is grape butter?
Grape butter is a smooth fruit spread made by cooking and pureeing grapes until thick and concentrated.
Is grape butter the same as grape jam?
No. Jam contains chunks of fruit, while grape butter is fully pureed and smoother.
How long does grape butter last?
It lasts up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight jar.
Can I freeze grape butter?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Do I need pectin for grape butter?
No, grape butter thickens naturally as it cooks down.