a bowl of Prune Butter

How to Make Prune Butter + Ways To Use It

For a sweet and nutritious alternative to jam or apple butter, try this easy recipe for prune butter! Then use it on almost everything.

Prune Butter in a bowl with a spoon

What is prune butter?

Prune butter is a sweet spread or filling. We added vanilla, brown sugar and salt to prune purée to make this delightful treat.

How to make prune butter

Prune butter is a quick and easy recipe. Just follow these three simple steps:

  1. Simply simmer the prunes in hot water until they are tender.
  2. Then, add the salt, vanilla and brown sugar.
  3. Blend until smooth.

It’s that easy!

How to use prune butter

This sweet spread can be used in place of traditional fall treats like apple butter or pumpkin butter. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy this recipe:

  • Use it as a filling for cakes and cookies
  • As a filling for Pączki or doughnuts
  • Spread on top of pancakes or toast
  • Use as a dip for fresh fruit
  • Stir into yogurt or oatmeat
Almond Thumbprint Cookies Filled with Prune Butter
a bowl of Prune Butter

Prune Butter

For a sweet and nutritious alternative to jam or apple butter, try this easy recipe for prune butter! Then use it to fill doughnuts, cookies and cakes, or top pancakes, toast or yogurt. It's so delicious!
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine Quick & Easy
Servings 12
Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1/2 lb California Prunes
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/4 tsp coarse kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla paste or extract
  • 1-3 TBSP brown sugar depending on desired sweetness

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the prunes and water. Bring to a simmer then cover and cook until the prunes are meltingly tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Transfer the mixture to a food processor fitted with the “S” blade. Add the kosher salt, vanilla, and one (1) tablespoon sugar. Blend until the mixture is thick and buttery.
  • Taste and add additional sugar, one tablespoon at a time until desired sweetness level is achieved.

Notes

Sub Prune Butter for jelly in your PB&J or enjoy it as the secret ingredient in these almond thumbprint cookies.

Nutrition

Calories: 50kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 0.4gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 50mgPotassium: 140mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 148IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 0.2mg
Keyword prune butter, prune jam
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If you made Prune Butter, you should probably make cookies

Four Almond California Prune Thumbprint Cookies on a blue and white plate

Almond Thumbprint Cookies

These Almond Thumbprint Cookies by Meg of This Mess is Ours are a sweet twist on a classic favorite. Prune Butter is the secret ingredient!

Bonus: this sweet treat is grain + gluten free!

Love this prune butter recipe? Try these jams and spreads!

A fruity graze board with a bowl of Chocolate Spread | Nutella from the Delicious Life

Healthy Chocolate Spread (aka Homemade Nutella)

Our friend Sarah from The Delicious Life created this Homemade Nutella that lower in fat AND refined sugar free. We’re completely smitten.

Prune Syrup with Pink Peppercorns, Black Tea and Armagnac

Prepare to wow your taste buds with our California Prune Syrup. Flavored with Pink Peppercorn, Black Tea and Armagnac, this sophisticated syrup is the ultimate addition to a cheese board. It would be equally delicious drizzled on pancakes, oatmeal or fruit!

a spoon drizzling California Prune Syrup with Pink Peppercorn into a bowl
a graze board with fruits, nuts, cheese and Prune Pinot Jam

Prune Pinot Jam

Our friend Sarah‘s Prune Pinot Jam is a delicious addition to a charcuterie board. It’s also an excellent way to upgrade your toast, porridge or bruschetta!

Spiced Apple Butter

Savor the essence of fall with CA GROWN’s recipe for luscious Apple Butter—a blend of tart Granny Smith apples, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness, with the unique addition of prune puree as a natural sugar substitute.

a slice of toast slathered with ricotta and apple butter

Did you try this recipe? Maybe you’ve got a favorite recipe using California Prunes that you’d like to share with us? Snap a pic and share it on social using #caprunes.

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