Imagine waking up to a kitchen filled with the sweet, warm aroma of pear butter simmering away on the stove. The rich golden hue dances in the sunlight, and you can almost taste the deliciousness before it even touches your toast. Pear butter is not just a spread; it’s an experience that wraps you in nostalgia and comfort. It’s like a cozy hug for your morning bagel or a delightful surprise in your afternoon yogurt.

Growing up, my grandmother would whip up pear butter every fall when her trees were heavy with fruit. I fondly remember those afternoons filled with laughter, the sound of bubbling pots, and the irresistible scent wafting through the house. It was a family affair, involving everyone from peeling pears to sneaking spoonfuls of that luscious spread. There’s something magical about sharing food that brings people together, especially during those crisp autumn days.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This pear butter is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients
- Its flavor profile bursts with sweetness and spice, making it a perfect treat for any time of day
- The vibrant color adds visual appeal to your breakfast table or gift baskets
- Versatile enough for toast or as a filling in pastries, this pear butter will impress everyone!
One time, I brought a jar of my homemade pear butter to a potluck dinner. Everyone raved about it! Little did they know it was just me and my pear tree working our magic.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Pears: Choose ripe pears for optimal sweetness and flavor; Bosc or Bartlett varieties work wonderfully.
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Granulated Sugar: Use sugar based on your preference; adjust for sweetness according to your taste.
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Cinnamon: A pinch will elevate the flavor; I love using fresh ground cinnamon for its aromatic qualities.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and helps preserve the lovely color of the pears.
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Nutmeg (optional): Just a hint can bring warmth and depth to your pear butter; use sparingly for balanced flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Pears: Start by washing and peeling about six cups of ripe pears. Remove the cores and chop them into small pieces for even cooking.
Cook Those Pears Down: In a large pot over medium heat, add the chopped pears along with half a cup of water. Stir occasionally until they soften—about 10 minutes should do it.
Add Sweetness and Spice: Sprinkle in one cup of granulated sugar along with one teaspoon of cinnamon and half a teaspoon of nutmeg if you’re using it. Stir well to combine all those fragrant flavors.
Simmer Away!: Reduce heat to low and let your mixture simmer uncovered for about an hour. Keep an eye on it; stir frequently until it reaches that beautiful buttery consistency.
Blend It Up!: Using an immersion blender (or transferring carefully to a regular blender), puree until smooth. You want that luxurious texture that spreads easily on toast!
Cool and Store: Let your pear butter cool completely before transferring it into clean jars. Seal them tightly—you can store this beauty in the fridge for several weeks or even freeze some for later!
Now grab some toast or pancakes because this delicious pear butter is going to become your new favorite breakfast companion!
You Must Know
- This delightful pear butter is a sweet spread that transforms your breakfast toast into a gourmet experience
- Its rich aroma fills the kitchen, making everyone wonder what deliciousness is in the air
- Perfect for gifting or enjoying on chilly mornings!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by peeling and coring your pears, then chop them into small pieces. Cook them with spices and sugar slowly to develop rich flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix in other fruits like apples or add a dash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Experimenting with spices like cinnamon makes it even more delightful.
Storing & Reheating
Store pear butter in airtight jars in the fridge for up to two weeks. Reheat gently on low heat, stirring occasionally until warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use ripe pears for the best flavor; they break down beautifully and enhance the sweetness
- Don’t rush the cooking process; slow cooking deepens the taste and texture
- Keep an eye on consistency; you want it spreadable but not runny!
Creating this pear butter reminded me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where every fall meant cozy afternoons filled with laughter and sweet scents wafting through her home.
FAQ
What are the best pears for making pear butter?
Bartlett and Bosc pears work wonderfully for their sweetness and smooth texture.
Can I use less sugar in pear butter?
Yes, you can reduce sugar, but it may alter the final flavor and consistency slightly.
How do I know when my pear butter is ready?
It’s done when it thickens to a spreadable consistency, usually after 1-2 hours of cooking.
Delicious Pear Butter
Wake up to the warm, inviting aroma of homemade pear butter that transforms your breakfast into a delightful experience. This rich, sweet spread captures the essence of fall with its cozy flavors, making it perfect for toast, pastries, or even as a thoughtful gift. Easy to make and utterly delicious, pear butter is a nostalgic treat that will have you reminiscing about cherished moments in the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: About 16 servings 1x
- Category: Spread
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 cups ripe pears (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare your pears by washing, peeling, coring, and chopping them into small pieces.
- In a large pot over medium heat, combine chopped pears and water. Cook until soft (about 10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Add sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about an hour, stirring frequently until it reaches a buttery consistency.
- Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Allow pear butter to cool before transferring to clean jars. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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