pear butter recipe
The Best pear butter recipe
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or even a light dessert. Plus, it’s a great way to use up ripe pears before they go bad. My youngest always asks for seconds, and my husband sneaks spoonfuls straight from the jar—it’s that good. If you’re looking for a no-fuss recipe that’s both delicious and nutritious, this pear butter is a winner.
Spiced Pear Butter
A rich and velvety pear butter infused with warm spices, perfect for spreading on toast or pairing with cheese. This easy recipe captures the essence of fall in every spoonful.
🥘Ingredients
- 4 lbs ripe pears (about 8-10 medium pears), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Prepare the pears by peeling, coring, and chopping them into small chunks. Place them in a large pot or Dutch oven. -
2
Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, lemon juice, and salt to the pot. Stir well to combine. -
3
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pears soften and release their juices, about 15-20 minutes. -
4
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The pears should break down completely. -
5
Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a blender in batches and blend until smooth. -
6
Return the pureed mixture to the pot and cook over low heat for another 5-10 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a spreadable consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract. -
7
Taste and adjust sweetness or spices if needed. For a smoother texture, press the pear butter through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any remaining fibers. -
8
Let the pear butter cool completely before transferring it to clean, airtight jars or containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
🔧Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Immersion blender or regular blender
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Peeler and knife
- Fine-mesh strainer (optional)
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Spiced Pear Butter Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spiced Pear Butter
1. What is pear butter, and how is it different from pear jam or applesauce?
Pear butter is a smooth, spreadable fruit preserve made by slow-cooking pears with spices (like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla) until they break down into a thick, velvety texture. Unlike pear jam, which contains added sugar and often has a chunkier consistency, pear butter is naturally sweetened (or lightly sweetened) and has a smoother, more concentrated flavor. It’s also less sweet than applesauce and has a deeper, caramelized taste due to the longer cooking time.
2. Can I make pear butter without added sugar?
Yes! Pears are naturally sweet, especially when fully ripe, so you can make pear butter without added sugar. For extra sweetness, use very ripe pears (like Bartlett or Anjou) or a touch of honey, maple syrup, or apple juice concentrate. Keep in mind that omitting sugar may result in a slightly tarter flavor and a shorter shelf life (about 1–2 weeks in the fridge). For longer storage, consider freezing or canning with a tested recipe.
3. How long does homemade pear butter last, and how should I store it?
Homemade pear butter lasts:
– Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
– Freezer: Up to 6 months in freezer-safe jars or bags (leave ½-inch headspace for expansion).
– Canned (processed in a water bath): Up to 1 year if sealed properly and stored in a cool, dark place.
Always use clean utensils to scoop out pear butter to prevent mold. If you notice any off smells, discoloration, or mold, discard it immediately.
4. Can I use a slow cooker or Instant Pot to make pear butter?
Absolutely! Both methods work well:
– Slow cooker: Peel, core, and chop pears, then cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours with spices. Stir occasionally and blend until smooth. Leave the lid slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape during the last hour for a thicker texture.
– Instant Pot: Use the Sauté function to soften pears with spices, then pressure cook on High for 10–15 minutes. Release pressure, blend, and use the Sauté function again to thicken (about 20–30 minutes).
5. What are the best pears to use for pear butter, and can I mix varieties?
The best pears for pear butter are soft, sweet, and aromatic varieties like:
– Bartlett (classic choice—sweet and breaks down easily)
– Anjou (mildly sweet, holds shape slightly longer)
– Bosc (firmer but adds depth; best mixed with softer pears)
– Comice (buttery texture, great for a rich flavor)
Mixing varieties can create a more complex flavor! For example, combine Bartlett (sweet) with Bosc (spicier) for balance. Avoid overly firm pears like Asian pears—they don’t soften as well. Always use ripe (but not mushy) pears for the best results.