Name: Homemade Pear Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 3 pounds Bartlett pears ((peeled, cored and sliced)); ¼ cup lemon juice ((use bottled if canning); ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon allspice; ¼ teaspoon ground mace; ¼ teaspoon ground coriander; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup water

Here’s a little something to savor in the late summer—my very own Homemade Pear Butter recipe. With its cozy blend of warm spices and sweet pears, this spread is perfect for slathering on toast or mixing into your morning yogurt.

You’ll also adore the velvety texture of this pear butter and the amazing aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make the most of late summer’s fresh produce.

Homemade Pear Butter

Perfectly spiced fresh pears cooked and milled into a smooth spread, this butter captures the essence of late summer. This recipe makes 3 half-pints.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 55

Total Time 1 10

Serving Size servings

Equipment

½ pint mason jars
Waterbath canning equipment optional
Stick blender or food processor

Ingredients

3 pounds Bartlett pears (peeled, cored and sliced)
¼ cup lemon juice (use bottled if canning
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon allspice
¼ teaspoon ground mace
¼ teaspoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup water

Instructions

Cook all ingredients. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine all the ingredients. Next, boil it on medium-high heat, then turn down the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot with the lid slightly open and let it simmer for around 50 minutes, stirring now and then until the pears are soft and the mix gets thick.
Blend. Once reduced and thickened, remove the pot from the heat. Then, use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth. (Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.)
Store. Using a spoon or ladle, transfer the pear butter into canning jars or other airtight containers. Put the lids on and let the jars cool to room temperature on the counter. Store in the fridge or freezer, or proceed with water bath canning if desired.

Notes

When choosing pears, go for ripe Bartlett pears as they offer the best flavor and sweetness. They should be soft but not mushy.

As you peel and slice the pears, keep them in a bowl of water with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning. Slice the pears evenly to cook at the same rate, resulting in a smoother butter.

While simmering, stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

For a different flavor, consider adding a vanilla bean or a teaspoon of orange zest along with the other ingredients. This adds a warmer, wintery taste.

If you don’t have all the spices listed, don’t worry. You can compensate by adding a little more cinnamon.

More Tips:

To preserve this recipe, scoop it into hot jars, clean the edges, close the lids just enough, and put it in a pot of boiling water for 15 minutes.

Be careful if you use a blender with the pear mix. It’s hot!

To check if your pear spread is thick enough, plop a small bit on a plate and let it cool. If it keeps its shape and doesn’t run, it’s ready.

If you’re preserving, be sure to clean your jars and lids well to avoid any contamination.

Let the jars cool entirely at room temperature before storing them in the fridge or freezer to prevent moisture inside the jars.

Remember to write the date and what’s inside the jars so you can monitor their freshness.

Serving Suggestions

This pear butter pairs well with warm toast, scones, homemade biscuits, sourdough discard pancakes, or this white farmhouse loaf.

Key Ingredients and Tools

Here are some key items and ingredients that will help you create this delicious recipe:

Bartlett pears: These are sweet and juicy, ideal for making smooth and flavorful butter.
Lemon juice: If you intend to preserve the pear butter, use bottled lemon juice to maintain consistent acidity levels for safe canning.
Ground mace: This spice adds a special depth of flavor.
Hand blender: This tool makes blending the pear mixture directly in the pot simple, saving you time and effort.
Water bath canning equipment: If you plan to preserve the pear butter, this equipment is necessary for safe and efficient canning.

These items will help ensure that your pear butter is delicious and smooth. Enjoy the process and the delightful results!

Here are good ingredient alternatives for this butter:

Bartlett pears: Use Bosc or Anjou pears if Bartlett pears are unavailable.
Ground mace: You can replace it with an equal amount of ground nutmeg.
Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice can be used if not canning.
Granulated sugar: Swap with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

These changes will slightly alter the flavor, but you can still achieve tasty results.

Storage Instructions

Once it has cooled, put the pear butter in airtight containers or jars. It will be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Transfer the cooled pear butter to containers or freezer bags for longer storage. Leave some space at the top of the containers to allow for expansion.

Don’t forget to label it with the date and freeze it for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

If you plan to can the pear butter, follow the water bath canning instructions provided in the recipe. Properly canned pear butter can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Homemade pear butter is a wonderful way to capture the delicious flavors of late summer. This simple recipe lets you savor the sweet, spiced goodness of pears in so many dishes, from toast to yogurt.

With easy ingredients and clear directions, you’ll whip up a tasty spread that everyone will adore. Go ahead, give it a go, and enjoy this recipe throughout the year!

Best Pear Butter Recipe: Easy, Homemade, and Delicious