Easy Pear Butter Recipe with spices

This homemade pear butter recipe, made with fresh pears and spices, is easy to make and great on toast, whether cooked on the stove or in a slow cooker.

This year is all about pears! It began by buying different kinds of pears from the store and trying them out. I cooked, grilled, used them in cakes, and even turned them into excellent wine. 

And since my love for pears continues, I’ve decided to simmer them in butter. Making spiced pear butter is an absolute joy, as the entire kitchen fills with the delightful scent of Christmas when I add those festive spices. 

This easy pear butter recipe is the perfect way to preserve those fall pears.

What is pear butter?

Pear butter is actually a smooth fruit spread made from slowly cooked and pureed pears and spices. Like apple butter, pear butter has a smooth texture and sweet taste. Whether spread on toast or filled in pastries, pear butter is a great way to enjoy pear. 

Ingredients to make Easy Homemade pear butter

Pears

When making pear butter, look for ripe but not overly soft pears. Ripe pears are naturally sweet and flavorful, reducing the need for additional sugar in the recipe. Additionally, their soft texture makes them easier to puree into a smooth consistency.

On the other hand, if you have pears you don’t like, transforming them into pear butter can enhance their taste. You can add various spices to infuse flavors and make them more palatable. With a longer cooking time, these pears will become soft and tender and make a delicious pear mixture.

Ripe Bartlett Pears are a good choice because they are sweet and juicy and have a smooth texture. Bosc Pears or Anjou pears may also be a good choice.

The only type of pear I would suggest avoiding is the Asian pear, as its low acidity makes it unsuitable for canning.

Lemon juice

Fresh lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the pears. You can also use fresh orange juice or orange zest.

Brown sugar or honey (optional)

The amount of sugar differs, and no sweetener is needed if you have sweet and ripe pears. 

Warm Spices

I incorporated whole pieces of spices in the recipe, but you can also use ground spices. Whole pieces of spices release their flavors slowly, resulting in a more subtle taste, while ground spices provide a more intense flavor. 

If you choose to use whole spices, it is important to remove them before pureeing the pear butter for a smooth texture.

Cinnamon sticks add a warm and aromatic flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the pears.

Nutmeg adds a subtle hint of earthy warmth and depth to pear butter.

Fresh ginger adds a delightful zing and a touch of spiciness.

Cloves contribute a rich and aromatic flavor.

With its unique fragrance, cardamom brings a floral and slightly citrusy flavor.

Adding a vanilla bean to the pear butter recipe infuses the spread with a comforting aroma.

The distinct licorice-like flavor of star anise complements the sweetness of pears in pear butter.

Some people also like to use Pumpkin Spice Mix.

Homemade pear butter Recipe

You can always make this delicious pear butter recipe using an instant pot, slow cooker, saucepan, or Dutch oven.

First step – Prepare the pears

Core and peel the pears. I kept the skin on a side and added them to a cooking mixture for additional flavor. You better remove it before pureeing to get a smooth texture.

Second step – combine pears with spices.

Combine the chopped pears with warming spices like cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, fresh ginger, cloves, cardamom, vanilla bean, and star anise. Mix it well.

Third step – Cook the mixture.

Boil over medium-high heat until the pears soften.

In Instant pot

Check if the lid of the pressure cooker is closed tightly and set the vent to the sealed position. Choose a cook time of 20 minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking time has elapsed, carefully perform a quick pressure release to release the steam.

crock pot or slow cooker pear butter

To make the butter in the slow cooker, cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours or until the pears are soft and easily mashed with a fork.

Saucepan

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the pears simmer for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. The pears will soften and break down, creating a thick and smooth pear sauce.

Fourth step – Balance the flavors and texture

Remove all the spices and pear skin from the mixture. Add a bit of lemon juice and taste it. At this stage, you can sweeten it with brown sugar or honey; I didn’t use any. Also, check the consistency. If it appears too thin or runny, simmer the mixture without the lid until it reaches your desired thickness. Keep in mind that the mixture will thicken further once it cools down. Remove from heat once the pear butter has thickened, and let it cool.

Fifth step – Blend it

Use an immersion blender or transfer to a food processor to puree the mixture till smooth. Ladle the pear butter to clean, sterilized jars. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or process the glass jars in a water bath canner for longer shelf life.

Canning pear butter

A Water bath can this pear butter is an effective way to preserve it so you can enjoy it for a year.

After preparing the pear butter, transfer it into sterilized canning jars, ensuring to leave about ¼ inch of headspace at the top of each jar. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the rims of the jars, removing any residue or debris. Place the lids on the jars, tightening them until they are just finger-tight.

Next, set up a water bath canner or a large pot of boiling water with a canning rack or folded towel at the bottom. Carefully place the filled jars into the canner with enough hot water to cover the jars by 1 inch. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, start a timer to process for 10 minutes. 

After 5 minutes, turn off the heat and cautiously remove the jars from the water using canning tongs. Place them on a countertop lined with a towel and allow them to cool completely. As you set jars to cool, you can check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. The jar is properly sealed if the lid is firm and doesn’t move. However, if it pops back up, the jar is not sealed and should be refrigerated and used within a few days.

How should I serve this pear butter?

It is perfect for spreading on toast or bread.

Use delicious pear butter as a topping for these gluten free crepes, waffles, or French toast.

Mix it into yogurt or oatmeal for added sweetness and flavor.

Pair it with cheese and crackers for a delightful appetizer or snack.

Incorporate it into baked goods such as muffins, scones, or cakes for a fruity twist.

Enjoy it as a filling for pastries, tarts, or turnovers.

Use it as a glaze for roasted meats, particularly pork or poultry.

I love to add a dollop to my favorite matcha ice cream or frozen yogurt for a tasty dessert.

Blend it into smoothies or milkshakes to enhance the flavor.

Get creative and use it as a condiment in savory dishes like sandwiches, wraps, or charcuterie boards.

How to make pear butter thicker in consistency?

Continue simmering the butter without a lid over low heat to allow more moisture to evaporate, resulting in a thicker consistency. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. 

Remember that fruit butter will naturally thicken further as it cools.

Pear Butter variations

Mix equal parts of pears and apples to make apple pear butter

Add fresh or dried cranberries during cooking. They give a vibrant color and are great for holiday spreads or with roasted meats.

Add dried culinary lavender for pairing with scones or adding a gourmet touch to baked goods

Add a splash of bourbon towards the end of cooking. It brings a rich, smoky depth and is wonderful for pairing with cheeses or as a glaze for meats.

How long does this easy pear butter last?

When stored in an airtight container or jar, pear butter can last for 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.

If you follow proper canning directions, such as using sterilized jars and achieving a good seal, pear butter can last for up to a year or even longer when stored in a cool, dark place such as a pantry. 

Can you freeze pear butter?

Freezing is a great option if you have made a large batch or want to preserve it for an extended period. Allow the pear butter to cool completely before freezing. Spoon the pear butter into the airtight containers, leaving a bit of headspace at the top to allow for expansion. Seal the containers tightly, label and place them in the freezer. You can store it in the freezer for 6 to 12 months or even longer.

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
20 minutes

Additional Time
10 minutes

Total Time
40 minutes

Ingredients

5 large pears

1 cup lemon juice

1 Cinnamon stick or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

1 inch Fresh ginger or 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

5 Cloves or pinch of ground cloves

3 Cardamom seeds or 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom

1 Vanilla bean

1 Star anise

2 tablespoons brown sugar (optiional)

Instructions
Core and peel the pears. I kept the skin on a side and added them to a cooking mixture for additional flavor. You better remove it before pureeing to get a smooth texture.Whether you use an instant pot, slow cooker, or a medium saucepan on the stove, combine the chopped pears with cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, fresh ginger, cloves, cardamom, vanilla bean, and star anise. Mix it well.Cook the mixture until the pears soften. Check below the instruction for instant pot, slow cooker and stove topTake out all the spices and pear skin from the mixture. Add the lemon juice and taste it. You can sweeten it with brown sugar or honey at this stage; I didn’t use any. Also, check the consistency. If it appears too thin or runny, simmer the mixture without the lid until it reaches your desired thickness. Keep in mind that the mixture will thicken further once it cools down. Remove from heat once the pear butter has thickened, and let it cool.Use an immersion blender or transfer to a food processor to puree the mixture till smooth. Ladle the pear butter to clean, sterilized jars. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or process the jars in a water bath canner for longer shelf life.In Instant potCheck if the lid is closed tightly and set the vent to the sealed position. Choose a cook time of 20 minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking time has elapsed, carefully perform a quick pressure release to release the steam.slow cooker pear butterCover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours or until the pears are soft and easily mashed with a fork.on stove topPlace the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the pears simmer for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. The pears will soften and break down, creating a thick and smooth consistency.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 10

Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:

Calories: 158Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 89mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 3gSugar: 12gProtein: 2g

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