There’s something magical about the aroma of pear butter bubbling away on the stove. Imagine a warm, luscious blend of sweet and spiced pears, coaxed into a smooth, spreadable delight that dances on your toast. It’s like autumn in a jar, ready to envelop your senses with its cozy embrace.

I remember the first time I made pear butter; it was a crisp October afternoon. My kitchen transformed into a fragrant haven, filled with laughter as my kids eagerly awaited their spreadable treasure. Little did they know that this would become our family’s go-to treat for chilly mornings and cozy gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Pear butter is incredibly easy to whip up, requiring minimal ingredients and effort
- The rich flavors meld beautifully, making each bite an experience
- Its golden hue is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds
- Perfect on toast or pancakes but versatile enough for baking in desserts or topping yogurt
I still chuckle when I think of how my youngest tried to sneak spoonfuls straight from the pot, declaring it “the best thing ever.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ripe Pears: Choose firm yet ripe pears for sweetness; Bartlett or Anjou varieties work wonders.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar helps enhance the natural sweetness of pears; adjust based on your preference.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and helps preserve color; don’t skip it!
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Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg create warmth; feel free to add ginger or cloves for extra kick.
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Water: Just enough to keep things moving while cooking without burning; adjust as necessary.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Pears: Start by peeling and coring your pears before chopping them into small chunks. This ensures even cooking and blending later on.
Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine chopped pears, sugar, lemon juice, spices, and water. Stir everything well to evenly distribute those happy flavors.
Cook Low and Slow: Bring your mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 30-40 minutes until pears soften completely.
Blend Until Smooth: Once cooked down and fragrant, use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer in batches) to puree the mixture until you reach silky smoothness.
Simmer Again for Thickness: Return the blended pear butter to low heat. Allow it to simmer uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until it thickens up nicely.
Store in Jars: Transfer your luscious pear butter into sterilized jars while still hot. Seal tightly and allow them to cool at room temperature before refrigerating.
Now you have a delightful batch of homemade pear butter! Spread it generously on toast or use it as a filling for pastries—the options are endless. Enjoy every spoonful knowing you’ve created something truly special!
You Must Know
- This delightful pear butter recipe captures the essence of fall with its warm spices and sweet aroma
- Perfect for spreading on toast, it can also elevate a cheese board or serve as a unique gift
- The smooth texture and rich flavor make it irresistible
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by peeling and coring the pears, then cook them gently with sugar and spices to enhance their natural sweetness. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Personalize the pear butter to suit your taste buds!
Storing & Reheating
Store the pear butter in sterilized jars in the fridge for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply warm it on low in a saucepan before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly smooth pear butter, blend until silky after cooking
- Avoid overcooking to prevent caramelization, which can alter flavor
- Use ripe pears for optimal sweetness and texture; they yield a richer taste
It was Thanksgiving morning when I first made this pear butter, filling my home with an intoxicating aroma that had everyone floating into the kitchen like moths to a flame.
FAQ
Can I use other fruits for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can try apples or peaches for a delicious twist on fruit butter.
How long does homemade pear butter last?
When refrigerated properly, it lasts about two weeks in sealed jars.
What can I use pear butter on?
Spread it on toast, pancakes, or even swirl it into yogurt for an added treat!
Homemade Pear Butter
Pear butter is a delightful fall treat that captures the essence of autumn with its sweet and spiced pear flavor. This smooth, spreadable goodness is perfect for breakfast on toast, pancakes, or as a unique dessert topping. With minimal ingredients and an uncomplicated cooking process, making homemade pear butter is a breeze. Gather your family in the kitchen and enjoy the warm aroma while creating lasting memories together.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
- Category: Spread
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the pears by peeling, coring, and chopping them into small chunks.
- In a large pot, combine chopped pears, sugar, lemon juice, spices, and water; stir well.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat; then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until pears are soft.
- Blend the mixture using an immersion blender until smooth.
- Simmer uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken.
- Transfer hot pear butter into sterilized jars, seal tightly, and cool before refrigerating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30g)
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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