Here is how to make delicious pear butter that is perfect for serving with toast, pancakes, or warm biscuits.

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Looking for recipes that use fresh pears? This post is all about how to make pear butter.

As summer draws to a close, you may be looking for what to do with lots of pears. If you’re wondering what to make with pears off a tree or pears from the farmer’s market, then here is an idea: why not make the best old fashioned pear butter that tastes delicious on bread and warm biscuits.

There’s nothing quite like capturing the essence of the fall season in your kitchen, and making a pear butter recipe using fresh pears is one way to do it.

If you love cooking with seasonal ingredients, then making old fashioned pear butter is a must try fall recipe. Just imagine the sweet aroma of ripe pears blending with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg—it’s like having a bit of autumn in a jar!

In this post, we’ll walk through the process of making the best pear butter, from selecting the perfect pears to adding those cozy, seasonal spices that give pear butter its unique taste.

Soon enough you’ll have homemade pear butter that tastes great with toast, pancakes or waffles, warm homemade biscuits and other fall foods. It’s also great to share with family and friends, or to use as a sweet jam for a charcuterie board.

So if you’re wondering what to do with lots of pears, keep reading to learn more about making delicious pear butter using fresh pears.

What is Pear Butter?

Pear butter is a delicious, spreadable preserve that is made from slow cooked pears that have been pureed and spiced. Think of it as a fall season cousin to apple butter, but with the sweet, mellow flavor of pears.

Pear butter is smooth, rich, and packed with cozy spices like ground cinnamon and nutmeg, making it perfect for those crisp fall days.

Fall is the ideal season for making pear butter because it’s when pears are at their peak, bursting with flavor and sweetness. The cooler weather also means you can enjoy the warm, comforting aroma of pear butter cooking away in your kitchen, which just adds to the cozy fall vibe.

Old Fashioned Pear Butter Ingredients

Here is a list of ingredients that is needed to make pear butter. With these ingredients, you’ll create a delicious, homemade pear butter that’s perfect for spreading on toast, adding to baked goods or smoothies, or just enjoying with a spoon.

• Pears (6 cups, peeled, cored, and chopped). Look for ripe, juicy pears like Bartlett or Bosc pears. Their natural sweetness and rich flavor are what make the pear butter taste so deliciously like fall.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup). Granulated sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tangy flavor of the pears. Adjust the amount of sugar based on how sweet your pears are.
• Light Brown Sugar (½ cup). Light brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor and extra depth to the pear butter. It also adds a cozy, rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with fall spices.
• Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon). Ground cinnamon is the quintessential fall spice. It infuses your pear butter with that warm, comforting aroma that is perfect for the cooler months.
• Ground Cloves (¼ teaspoon). Use a pinch of ground cloves to add subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the cinnamon and gives your pear butter a bit of complexity.
• Ground Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon). Ground nutmeg adds a hint of nutty warmth to pear butter, rounding out the flavor profile with a classic fall touch.
• Ground Ginger (¼ teaspoon). Fresh and zesty, ground ginger gives pear butter a little extra kick and it brightens up the overall flavor.
• Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons). Fresh lemon juice not only adds a bit of tartness, it also helps to balance out the sweetness of the pear butter.
• Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon). Vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet richness that makes pear butter taste even more comforting and flavorful.
• Water or Apple Juice (½ cup, optional). Depending on how thick the pear puree is, you might need to add a little bit of liquid to help cook down the mixture to the right consistency.

How to Make Pear Butter

Pear butter is easy to make—the trick is to start with the best fresh pears and to cook the pear butter low and slow.

Start by preparing the pears. Peel, core, and chop the pears into small pieces, and then place them into a large pot. Add a small amount of apple juice or water to the pot to help keep the pears from sticking.

Cook the pears over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the pears turn soft and mushy—this process should take about 20 to 30 minutes.

Once the pears are cooked down, carefully blend them until smooth using a potato masher or immersion blender. Or let the pears cool for a bit before adding them to a blender to blend until smooth. Use caution when handling the pears, as they will be hot.

Next, return the puréed pears to the pot and stir in some granulated sugar, brown sugar, and spices—cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for a bit of zing, and then cook the pear mixture over low heat.

Stir frequently and let the pear butter simmer until it thickens to your liking, which usually takes about 1 hour, but it can take more or less time depending on the consistency at which you like your pears to be.

For an extra hint of flavor and warmth, mix in a touch of vanilla extract towards the end of the cooking process.

To check and see if the pear butter is ready, place a spoonful on a plate and let it cool. Run your finger through it; if it stays in place and doesn’t run, then it’s good to go.

Let the pear butter cool to room temperature, and then transfer it to airtight food storage containers. Store in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze the pear butter for longer storage.

The recipe should make about 4 cups of pear butter, or about 4 half pint jars worth of pear butter.

Pear butter is the perfect fall treat, adding a touch of seasonal sweetness to almost any meal.

Tips for Making the Best Pear Butter

Here are some tips for making the best homemade pear butter.

• Choose the right pears. Look for ripe, juicy pears with a good balance of sweetness and tartness to use for making pear butter. Varieties like Bartlett or Bosc pears work well. Avoid overripe pears as they can become too mushy.
• Adjust the sweetness. Pears vary in sweetness, so you might need to tweak the amount of sugar based on your preference.
• Add flavor with spices. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices. Besides cinnamon and nutmeg, you can try adding a small amount of ground cardamom or allspice for a unique flavor twist.
• Use fresh lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice brightens up the pear, and it helps balance out the sweetness. Lemon juice may also act as a natural preservative.
• Cook low and slow. Patience is key! Cook the pear butter over low heat to develop rich flavors and help avoid burning it. Stir frequently to keep the pear butter from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Check for consistency. Pear butter thickens as it cools, so let it cool slightly before checking to see if it’s done. If the pear butter is too thick, you can always thin it out by adding a small amount of water or apple juice.
• Blend well. For a perfectly smooth texture, ensure the pear puree is blended well. This avoids any chunky bits and gives your pear butter a silky consistency.
• Store it. Store the pear butter in airtight containers. If freezing the pear butter, use freezer safe jars or containers, and remember to leave some space (about ½ inch at the top) for the pear butter to expand as it freezes.

How to Store Pear Butter

Once your pear butter is all cooked up and ready, it’s time to think about storage. If you’ve just made a batch to enjoy over the next week, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers.

A few glass jars or reusable plastic containers should do the trick. Store the pear butter in the refrigerator where it should keep fresh for about a week.

If you’re in for the long haul and want to enjoy that fall flavor all year round, consider freezing the pear butter. For this, use freezer safe jars or containers.

Just make sure to leave some space at the top of the jars (about ½ inch from the top of the pear butter to the rim of the freezer container or jar) since the pear butter will expand as it freezes.

Label and date your containers so you know exactly what you’re pulling out in the middle of summer. Thaw the pear butter in the refrigerator overnight before using it.

Note: This pear butter recipe is not intended to make shelf stable pear butter. Always store the pear butter in the refrigerator or in the freezer.

What Can I Do with Pear Butter?

When it comes to using pear butter, the possibilities are endless. Spread pear butter on warm toast or scones for a quick breakfast that feels like a cozy hug in a bite.

Pear butter is also amazing when it’s swirled into oatmeal or yogurt for a touch of fall sweetness. For a fun twist, use pear butter in baked goods like muffins, cakes, or even as a filling for pastries. It also adds a touch of sweetness when drizzled over pancakes or waffles.

For savory dishes, pair spiced pear butter with cheese or use it as a glaze for meats. It also makes a great preserve for adding to a charcuterie board to balance out the savory flavors of cheese and meat.

Recipe: Old Fashioned Pear Butter

Making old fashioned pear butter is a great way to use fresh pears, especially when they are in season. Use pear butter as a topping for breakfast foods, as a pastry filling, or as a fruit preserve to serve with savory foods like cheese and charcuterie.

Looking for more of the best fruit preserves and fruit recipes?

• How to Make the Best Homemade Applesauce
• Refrigerator Apricot Jam | Easy 3 Ingredient Quick Jam
• How to Make Cherry Refrigerator Jam | Easy Homemade Cherry Jam

This post was all about how to make the best pear butter.

Credits

• Featured photos by pixelshot via Canva.com
• Photos and images are for illustration purposes only.

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