Pear Butter Recipe
Pear Butter Recipe
Table of Contents
Pear Butter Recipe
This easy and delicious pear butter recipe is perfect for spreading on toast, drizzling over pancakes, or adding to baked goods. With the natural sweetness of ripe pears combined with warm spices, this homemade pear butter is a must try for any fruit preserve lover. Simple to make, it requires just a few ingredients, and the result is a velvety, flavorful spread that’s perfect for fall and beyond.
Description
If you’re a fan of fruit preserves, this pear butter recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. Pear Butter Recipe is a smooth, sweet, and slightly spiced fruit spread that’s made by slowly cooking down pears, sugar, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. It’s a wonderful alternative to apple butter and has a mild, aromatic sweetness that’s perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or even drizzling over oatmeal and pancakes.
Unlike pear jam or pear jelly, Pear Butter Recipe is cooked for a longer time to allow the natural sugars in the pears to caramelize, giving it a deep, rich flavor and a smooth texture that’s ideal for spreading. This recipe uses simple ingredients, and the process involves minimal hands on time, making it accessible for home cooks at all levels.
The key to making a perfect pear butter lies in using ripe, juicy pears. The pears need to be peeled, cored, and chopped before being simmered down with sugar and spices. As the pear mixture cooks, the fruit breaks down into a thick, spreadable consistency. This slow cooking method allows the spices to infuse the pear butter, creating a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and warming, making it a perfect treat for colder months.
What’s great about pear butter is its versatility. While it’s traditionally used as a spread, it can also be used in baking, added to smoothies for a natural sweetener, or even used as a glaze for roasted meats like pork or chicken. Additionally, Pear Butter Recipe can be made in advance and stored in jars for several weeks, making it a great gift idea or a pantry staple.
Key Benefits:
- Simple ingredients, easy to make
- Versatile: perfect for spreading, glazing, or baking
- Great for using up ripe pears
- Can be made ahead and stored for long term use
- Naturally sweetened with minimal added sugar
Ingredients
- 8 ripe pears (Bartlett or Bosc work best)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for extra depth)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water (or pear juice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pears: Peel, core, and chop the pears into small chunks. Discard the seeds and cores.
- Cook the Pears: In a large saucepan, combine the chopped pears, water, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the pears don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer the Pears: Once the pears begin to soften (about 20-30 minutes), mash them with a potato masher or use an immersion blender for a smoother texture. Continue to simmer the mixture until the pears break down and become soft and mushy.
- Add the Sweeteners and Spices: Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Continue cooking over low heat, stirring often, until the pear butter thickens to a spreadable consistency. This could take about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Blend for Smoothness: Once the mixture has thickened, blend it again with an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender to ensure it’s smooth and velvety. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Test the Consistency: To check if the pear butter is done, spoon a small amount onto a cold plate. Let it cool for a few minutes, then run your finger through it. If the trail remains and the butter holds its shape, it’s ready.
- Jar the Pear Butter: Once your pear butter has reached the desired thickness, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract (if using). Spoon the pear butter into sterilized jars, leaving a little space at the top. Seal the jars tightly.
- Cool and Store: Let the jars cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place. The pear butter will keep for up to 2-3 weeks in the fridge, or you can process it in a water bath for longer shelf life.
you may like : Cinnamon Butter Recipe
Pear Butter Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ripe pears Bartlett or Bosc work best
- 1 cup granulated sugar or adjust to taste
- 1/2 cup brown sugar for extra depth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water or pear juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional, for added flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Pears: Peel, core, and chop the pears into small chunks. Discard the seeds and cores.
- Cook the Pears: In a large saucepan, combine the chopped pears, water, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the pears don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer the Pears: Once the pears begin to soften (about 20-30 minutes), mash them with a potato masher or use an immersion blender for a smoother texture. Continue to simmer the mixture until the pears break down and become soft and mushy.
- Add the Sweeteners and Spices: Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Continue cooking over low heat, stirring often, until the pear butter thickens to a spreadable consistency. This could take about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Blend for Smoothness: Once the mixture has thickened, blend it again with an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender to ensure it’s smooth and velvety. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Test the Consistency: To check if the pear butter is done, spoon a small amount onto a cold plate. Let it cool for a few minutes, then run your finger through it. If the trail remains and the butter holds its shape, it’s ready.
- Jar the Pear Butter: Once your pear butter has reached the desired thickness, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract (if using). Spoon the pear butter into sterilized jars, leaving a little space at the top. Seal the jars tightly.
- Cool and Store: Let the jars cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place. The pear butter will keep for up to 2-3 weeks in the fridge, or you can process it in a water bath for longer shelf life.
Notes
- Storage: To extend the shelf life, pear butter can be canned using a water bath method. Ensure jars are properly sealed for long term storage.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or allspice, to customize the flavor profile. For a more citrusy kick, add a little zest from an orange or lemon.
- Sweeteners: Adjust the sugar levels depending on the sweetness of your pears and your personal preference. You can also use honey or maple syrup for a different twist on sweetness.
- Texture: If you prefer a chunkier texture, reduce the blending time or skip it entirely for a more rustic version.
