Easy Pear Butter

Why you'll love this easy pear butter recipe

Making pear butter is like bottling up the flavors and aromas of fall and keeping it on hand all winter long. It's one of those recipes that looks impressive but is actually super simple.

Easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a little stove time, you'll have a batch of delicious pear butter without any fancy techniques.

Amazing fall flavor. The combination of pears, spices, brown sugar, and vanilla is pure autumn bliss.

It's versatile. Spread it, stir it into oatmeal, drizzle it on ice cream-you name it.

Your kitchen (and home) will smell amazing. Seriously, this recipe doubles as the best natural air freshener.

Ingredients and what they bring to the butter

Every ingredient in this old-fashioned pear butter recipe creates its silky texture and rich flavor.

• Pears - The main ingredient, providing natural sweetness and a soft, spreadable base.
• Brown sugar - Adds a hint of caramel-like richness.
• Lemon juice - Brightens the flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
• Cinnamon - Brings warm, comforting spice.
• Ground ginger - Adds a gentle zing and depth.
• Nutmeg - A subtle, earthy spice note.
• Cloves - Just enough to give it a cozy, spiced aroma.
• Vanilla paste - Infuses the butter with a smooth, fragrant sweetness.

Best pears for pear butter

Choosing the right pear variety makes a difference in both flavor and texture. You can mix and match or stick with one type. Either way, you're in for a treat.

• Bartlett - Juicy, sweet, and soft when ripe, they cook down beautifully for a smooth butter.
• Bosc - Firmer texture with a honey-like sweetness, great for a thicker, richer butter.
• Anjou - Mild and slightly floral, giving a delicate flavor to your pear butter.
• Comice - Very sweet and juicy, ideal if you want a sweeter butter without adding more sugar.
• Asian Pear - Crisp and lightly sweet, adding a fresh, bright note to the mix.

How to make pear butter

Making pear butter is an easy, relaxing kitchen project that fills your home with the best smell imaginable. Here's what to do:

1. Place cut-up pears, with skin on for more flavor, in large saucepan with sugar, lemon juice, vanilla paste, and spices. Note: You can substitute a vanilla bean for the vanilla paste. Just scrape out the sides and add the pod.
2. Stir well.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat then reduce heat and simmer, with the cover slightly ajar, for about 1 ½ - 2 hours or until thickened. See below for info on how to tell if your pear butter is ready to jar.
4. Add to a food processor and pulse to a somewhat smooth finish or an immersion blender. I like to leave bits of pear in it for a heartier, more flavorful fruit butter. If you want a very smooth pear butter, set food processor to high until your mixture is smooth.

Let your pear butter cool then pour into jars. Place in the refrigerator and use within 3 weeks. If you are going to freeze some of it, leave about ¼" at the top of the jar for expansion, label the jar, and freeze for up to 6 months.

Alternate cooking methods

If you don't want to hover over the stove, you can make pear butter in a slow cooker or pressure cooker with equally tasty results.

Crockpot - Place all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally. Blend if desired.

Instant Pot - Combine ingredients in the pot, seal, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Quick release, then use the sauté setting to simmer until thickened.

How to tell when your pear butter is done

Saucer Test: Place a small saucer in the freezer when you start making your pear butter. When it appears to be done, place a small dollop on the sauce and place in back int he freezer for 1-2 minutes. Remove the saucer and tilt it slightly over the sink. If the pear button runs slowly it is done. If not, put it back on to cook a little more.

Spoon Test: Scoop a small bit of pear butter on a spoon and let it cool slightly. If it holds its mounded shape, it's done.

Candy Thermometer: This test works best on large batches. The temperature should be 220°F when it reaches the correct stage.

Recipe tips for success

The beauty of pear butter is just how simple it is, but a few tips can make it even better.

• Leave the peel on for more flavor and a richer color.
• This recipe starts with minimal liquid, so it should be thick when done. But if you want it thicker, cook uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes.
• Stir often toward the end of cooking to prevent sticking.
• Use fully ripe pears for the best flavor.

Recipe variations to make it your own

Pear butter is already amazing, but these twists can make it truly unique.

• Apple pear butter - Swap out half the pears for apples for a balanced fruit flavor.
• Cranberry pear butter - Add 12 ounces of fresh or frozen cranberries for a tart, vibrant kick.
• Honey pear butter - Use honey instead of brown sugar for a floral sweetness.
• Maple pear butter - Replace the brown sugar with maple syrup for a deep, earthy sweetness.
• Vanilla chai pear butter - Add a pinch of cardamom and allspice for a spiced tea vibe.

Uses for pear butter

Wondering what to do with pear butter? You might be surprised at how many ways you can enjoy it.

• Spread on toast, biscuits, or scones
• Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal
• Spoon over pancakes, waffles, or French toast
• Add to cheese boards as a sweet pairing
• Use as a filling for cakes or pastries
• Drizzle over ice cream or pound cake

How to store and freeze

Store pear butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

To freeze, place in freezer-safe jars or containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion, and store for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Cozy fall treats you'll love

• Apple Butter Cake
• Caramel Apple Crisp Bars
• Pear Almond Cake
• Pear Crumble
• Pumpkin Butter

Find lots of easy recipes for fall right here on 2CM!