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Tomato Butter
Tomato Butter is an old-fashioned fruit-style preserve made by slowly cooking ripe tomatoes with sugar until thick, smooth, and spreadable. Despite its name, it contains no dairy butter, the finished preserve develops a rich, buttery texture through long, gentle cooking. Popular throughout many American farm kitchens during tomato harvest season, it was an excellent way to preserve an abundance of fresh tomatoes. The finished butter is mildly sweet with a subtle tomato flavor that pairs beautifully with biscuits, toast, muffins, or even cheese boards. This simple two-ingredient recipe reflects the practical preservation methods that made seasonal produce last well beyond summer while creating a versatile pantry staple.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Course condiment
Cuisine American
Servings 80
Calories 36 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups tomatoes (strained )
  • 5 cups granulated sugar

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

  • Wash ripe tomatoes thoroughly.
  • Cook until softened.
  • Press through a food mill or sieve to remove skins and seeds.
  • Measure 8 cups of strained tomato pulp.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

  • Place the strained tomatoes into a large heavy-bottomed saucepan.
  • Add the sugar and stir until combined.

Step 3: Cook the Butter

  • Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  • Reduce heat to low.
  • Cook slowly, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes thick, glossy, and spreadable, about 2½–3 hours.

Step 4: Preserve

  • Ladle the hot tomato butter into sterilized jars.
  • Seal according to safe home-canning procedures, or refrigerate for immediate use.

Tips

  • Add 1 tsp cinnamon for a warm spiced version.
  • Stir in ½ tsp ground cloves for deeper flavor.
  • Add lemon juice to brighten the taste.
  • A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness.
  • Cook slowly to avoid scorching.
  • Use very ripe garden tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • Blend the finished butter for an extra-smooth consistency.
  • Spread on biscuits, toast, or English muffins.
  • Pair with cream cheese on crackers.
  • Makes an excellent homemade gift when canned in decorative jars.

Nutrition

Calories: 36kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 0.2gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 45mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 8.6gVitamin A: 170IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.1mg
Keyword American, canning, heirloom recipe, homemade, pantry staple, preserves, summer harvest, tomato butter, vintage recipe