Indulge in the flavors of summer all year round with this recipe for Homemade Blueberry Butter made in the slow cooker. This sweet and tangy spread is perfect for slathering on toast, pancakes, or waffles. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort on your part.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Blueberries:
- If you’re using fresh blueberries, rinse them and remove any stems. If you’re using frozen blueberries, there’s no need to thaw them.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
- Place the prepared blueberries in your slow cooker.
- Add the granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to the blueberries.
3. Mix and Set the Slow Cooker:
- Gently stir all the ingredients together in the slow cooker until well combined.
- Set your slow cooker to the low heat setting and cover it with a lid.
4. Cook Slow and Steady:
- Let the blueberry mixture cook in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours. Stir occasionally if possible. The blueberries will break down and the mixture will thicken as it cooks.
5. Blend and Puree:
- Once the blueberries have cooked down and the mixture is thick, you can use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
6. Continue Cooking:
- After blending, return the mixture to the slow cooker and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 hours, or until it reaches your desired thickness. Leave the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape and prevent splattering.
7. Check Consistency:
- To test the consistency, place a spoonful of the blueberry butter on a plate. If it doesn’t release excess liquid around the edges, it’s ready.
8. Cool and Store:
- Turn off the slow cooker and allow the blueberry butter to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer it to clean, sterilized jars or containers with tight-fitting lids.
9. Refrigerate or Can:
- You can store the blueberry butter in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to preserve it for longer, follow proper canning procedures to seal the jars and store them in a cool, dark place.
10. Enjoy:
- Spread your Homemade Blueberry Butter on toast, muffins, pancakes, or waffles, and savor the taste of summer in every bite.
This Homemade Blueberry Butter is a delicious way to preserve the flavor of fresh blueberries and enjoy their sweet, tangy goodness all year. Whether you make a small batch for immediate use or can it for later enjoyment, the vibrant flavor of this spread will brighten your breakfasts and snacks.