Classic Spiced Pear Preserves

In my opinion, pears don’t get enough attention when people think of fruit to preserve. But this easy pear preserves recipe will help you love pears like I do. This recipe is a simple intro to waterbath canning. Remember to use fully ripe pears for the right texture and flavor.

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A close-up of a jar filled with pear preserves, sealed with a metal lid, with pears and spices in the background.

The warm spices in this make it wonderful to have on a cool fall morning. If you’re burnt out on apples, pears are a delicious fruit to switch to.

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

Most of these items (except for the waterbath canner) can be found at your local grocery store, and the waterbath canner can be found in many stores and online. Your pears need to be fully ripe. Otherwise, the texture and flavor will be off.

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Equipment

Water Bath Canner
7 half pint jars

Ingredients

4 cups pears, peeled (cored and chopped)
2 tablespoons bottled lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla powder (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
1 package powdered pectin (1.75 oz)
5 cups sugar

If you’d like to double or triple this recipe, you can make adjustments in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Pear Preserves

Step One: Prep For Canning

Wash the jars with hot, soapy water. Place them in a water bath canner and fill it with water so the jars are fully submerged. Set over medium heat and allow the jars to simmer. Place the lids and rings in a saucepan over medium-low heat and simmer. Do not boil.

Step Two: Boil Pears And Flavoring

Add the pears, lemon juice, ginger, nutmeg, and vanilla powder to a large 6-8 quart pot. Place over medium-high heat and stir all the ingredients so they’re well combined.

a pot filled with chopped pears and spices.

Step Three: Add Pectin

Add the pectin and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil so that the mixture cannot be stirred down. *Please note that using unripe pears will not produce enough liquid for this to happen.*

Step Four: Add Sugar, Stirring Constantly

Add sugar and stir to combine. Continue to stir the mixture and bring it back to a full rolling boil. Once the mixture comes to a full rolling boil, set a timer for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

sugar added to pot and pear mixture cooking.

Step Five: Fill Jars

Remove from the heat. Using a canning funnel and ladle, ladle the hot pear preserves into the hot jars, allowing ½ inch headspace.

Step Six: Clean Rims And Fasten Lids

Wipe the rims with a clean, moist towel, or moisten a paper towel with some vinegar. Place the lids and rings on fingertip-tight.

rims of filled jars wiped clean, lids and rings fastened.

Step Seven: Process For 10 Minutes

Transfer the jars to the water bath canner, making sure the jars are fully submerged with at least 1 inch of water over them. Set to high heat, cover, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, set a timer for 10 minutes. Remove the canner from the heat, remove the lid, and allow the jars to sit for 5 minutes.

jars in a water bath canner, and a close-up of a single jar being lifted out.

Step Eight: Cool And Check Seals

Remove the jars from the canner and transfer them to a heat-safe place. Allow them to cool for 12-24 hours. After 24 hours, check the jars for a proper seal. Once a proper seal is confirmed, you can remove the rings and store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to 18 months or per the lid’s manufacturer’s recommendations.

Serving & Storing

Serve with tea and a cream biscuit for a lovely breakfast.

Once sealed, remove the rings to prevent rust and store without them. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place like a pantry. They will last up to 18 months or as per the lid manufacturer’s recommendations.

If you decide to freeze the preserves, use freezer-safe containers and leave a 1-inch headspace. If the jars are properly canned and sealed, you don’t need to freeze them.

Questions and Troubleshooting

Can I use less sugar in this recipe?

You really shouldn’t. The sugar not only sweetens the preserves but also helps with the setting and preservation process. Reducing the sugar might result in runny preserves and could affect their shelf life.

Can I use liquid pectin instead of powdered?

Yes, you can, but the process will be slightly different. Follow the instructions on the liquid pectin package for best results, as it’s added at a different stage than powdered pectin.

What if my preserves don’t set properly?

If your preserves are too runny, you can try re-cooking them. Bring the mixture back to a boil, add another half package of pectin, and boil for another minute. This should help them set.

Three jars of pear preserves lined up on a wooden board, surrounded by fresh pears and spices.

More Pear Recipes

The warm spices in this cinnamon sugar pear cobbler make it a comforting fall dessert.
Another delicious way to preserve pears is to make them into homemade pear butter.
Learn how to can pears to have fresh fruit in the winter.
Cozy up on a fall evening with a glass of apple pear sangria with caramel.