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Pear Butter recipe


  • Author: ARLINDA
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: About 4 cups (or 4 half-pint jars) 1x

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