Description
Pear butter is a wonderfully rich and aromatic fruit spread made by slow-cooking pears until smooth and thickened to a buttery consistency. With hints of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, this homemade pear butter is perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheeses, or adding as a secret ingredient in baked goods. Whether you’re new to canning or an experienced home cook, this easy recipe will guide you through creating a pear butter that’s versatile and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pounds of ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou work best)
- 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar (adjust based on preference)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Juice of one lemon (to help preserve color and enhance flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for added depth of flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pears:
- Wash, peel, and core the pears. Cut them into small chunks and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Cook the Pears:
- In a large saucepan, combine the pear chunks with just enough water to cover the bottom (about ¼ cup). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, cover, and cook until the pears are very soft (about 20-30 minutes).
- Puree the Pears:
- Once softened, use an immersion blender to puree the pears until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer them to a blender or food processor, but be careful as the mixture will be hot.
- Add Spices and Cook:
- Return the pear puree to the saucepan. Add sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Cook over low heat, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and reaches a spreadable consistency (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Add Vanilla (Optional):
- In the last few minutes of cooking, add vanilla extract if desired. This will add a lovely aromatic quality to the pear butter.
- Can the Pear Butter (Optional):
- To store long-term, pour the hot pear butter into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Let the jars cool before storing in a cool, dark place.
Notes
- Sugar Adjustment: Depending on how sweet your pears are, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar. Taste as you cook, and adjust accordingly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Spreads, Preserves
- Cuisine: American, Seasonal
Nutrition
- Calories: 40 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g