This pear butter recipe is simple to make and packed with rich, spiced pear flavor. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, and it tastes so good!

Last weekend I decided to make pear butter, and it turned out amazing. It was smooth, flavorful, and my family couldn’t get enough of it. My friend, who had never tried homemade pear butter, loved it so much that she asked for the recipe right away. So, I knew I had to share how easy and delicious this recipe is.

I make this pear butter with simple ingredients like ripe pears, sugar, cinnamon, and a little bit of nutmeg. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking, and the warm spices really bring out the flavor of the pears. You don’t need any fancy tools, just a slow cooker or a pot on the stove. You can make it healthier by reducing the sugar or using a natural sweetener like honey.

Serving pear butter is versatile. You can spread it on toast, mix it into yogurt, or use it as a topping for pancakes. Personally, I love it on warm biscuits in the morning. It’s a comforting and delicious way to enjoy pears all year long.

What is Pear Butter?

Pear butter is a smooth, flavorful spread made by cooking down fresh pears with sugar and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It has a thick, buttery consistency, which makes it perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or as a topping for desserts. Unlike jam or jelly, pear butter doesn’t use pectin, and its rich flavor makes it a delicious way to enjoy pears throughout the year.

Pear butter can be a healthy choice depending on how it’s made. Pears are naturally full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, and you can control the amount of added sugar to keep it lighter. By using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, you can make it even healthier.

Ingredients

• 5 pounds of pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup water

How to make Pear Butter

Step 1:

Place chopped pears and water in a large pot over medium heat. Cook until pears are soft, about 20-30 minutes.

Step 2:

Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender to puree until smooth.

Step 3:

Return the pear puree to the pot and stir in the sugars, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and lemon juice.

Step 4:

Simmer the mixture on low heat, stirring occasionally, for 1-2 hours until thickened and reduced.

Step 5:

Once thickened to your liking, remove from heat and let cool. Transfer to jars.

Tips for perfect Pear Butter

• Select ripe, sweet pears like Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc. These varieties have a great flavor and soften well when cooked, resulting in a smooth butter.

• Make sure to peel, core, and chop the pears evenly. Removing the skin and seeds ensures a silky texture and prevents any bitter taste from the cores.

• Fresh spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves enhance the flavor of your pear butter. Avoid using old or stale spices for the best taste.

• Lemon juice not only adds a nice tangy flavor but also helps preserve the color and prevent the pear butter from browning.

• Simmer the pear mixture on low heat for a longer time. This allows the flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken properly without burning.

How to use Pear Butter

For me, I like to use pear butter as a spread on warm toast or fresh biscuits. It’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack, bringing a natural sweetness that makes every bite feel comforting. But pear butter isn’t just for bread—try swirling it into your morning oatmeal or yogurt to add a fruity, rich flavor without needing any extra sugar.

Another great way to use pear butter is in your baking. It’s perfect for adding moisture and a subtle sweetness to muffins, cakes, or even pancakes. If you enjoy savory dishes, you can also try using pear butter as a glaze for roasted meats like pork or chicken. The sweetness of the pear complements the savory flavors beautifully.

Lastly, don’t forget about using it in desserts. Pear butter is an excellent topping for ice cream or mixed into a smoothie. It’s a versatile spread that can add a special touch to both sweet and savory meals, making it a must-have in your kitchen!

How to keep it fresh

To keep pear butter fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 2-3 weeks when properly sealed and kept cool.

For longer storage, you can freeze it in freezer-safe containers or jars, where it will stay fresh for up to 6 months. Just make sure to leave some space in the jar for expansion when freezing.

FAQ

Can I can pear butter?

Yes, pear butter can be preserved through canning to last up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place.

What’s the difference between pear butter and pear jam?

Pear butter is smoother and more concentrated, while pear jam has chunks of fruit and a thicker consistency.

Can I make pear butter without sugar?

you can use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, or even make it unsweetened for a natural flavor.

What spices work well in pear butter?

Common spices include cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger, which add warmth to the flavor.

How do I thicken pear butter?

Cook it slowly over low heat to evaporate the liquid and achieve a thick, spreadable consistency.

Can I mix other fruits with pear butter?

Yes, you can mix apples, peaches, or even berries to create a unique fruit butter blend.

Pear Butter Recipe

Recipe by Food by AyakaCourse: ButterCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

jars (8 oz each)

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

3

hours 

Calories

195

kcal

This pear butter recipe is simple to make and packed with rich, spiced pear flavor. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, and it tastes so good!

Ingredients

• 5 pounds of pears, peeled, cored, and chopped

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/2 cup water

Directions

• Place chopped pears and water in a large pot over medium heat. Cook until pears are soft, about 20-30 minutes.
• Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender to puree until smooth.
• Return the pear puree to the pot and stir in the sugars, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and lemon juice.
• Simmer the mixture on low heat, stirring occasionally, for 1-2 hours until thickened and reduced.
• Once thickened to your liking, remove from heat and let cool. Transfer to jars.

Notes

• Select ripe, sweet pears like Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc. These varieties have a great flavor and soften well when cooked, resulting in a smooth butter.