5-Ingredient Homemade Pear Butter That Will Steal Your Heart

There’s something magical about Homemade Pear Butter—it’s like spreading autumn on toast. The first time I made it, I couldn’t believe how something so simple—just pears, sugar, and spices—could taste so rich and luxurious. My kids go wild for it slathered on warm biscuits, and I love stirring a spoonful into oatmeal or yogurt for a sweet twist. Honestly, once you try it, store-bought fruit spreads just won’t cut it anymore.

This recipe is one of those rare kitchen wins: dead easy but impressive, with a deep caramelized sweetness that makes it feel fancier than it is. It’s the kind of thing I’ll whip up when pears are in season (or when I spot a bargain bin at the farmers’ market). And the best part? It fills your kitchen with the coziest cinnamon-spiced aroma while it simmers—like a hug in a pot.

Whether you’re a canning pro or just looking for a way to use up extra fruit, this pear butter is forgiving, adaptable, and downright delicious. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be looking for excuses to eat it straight from the jar.

Ingredients for Homemade Pear Butter

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy pear butter – I promise it’s nothing fancy, just good ingredients doing their thing:

• 5 lbs ripe pears – peeled, cored, and chopped (I like Bartlett or Anjou – they break down beautifully)
• 1 cup granulated sugar – but feel free to adjust based on your pears’ sweetness
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – that molasses depth makes all the difference
• 1 tsp cinnamon – the warm hug in every bite
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg – just enough to make it interesting
• 1/4 tsp cloves – a tiny pinch goes a long way
• 1/4 tsp salt – to balance all that sweetness
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice – keeps everything bright and prevents browning

Pro tip: Don’t skip peeling the pears – the skins can make your butter grainy. I know it’s a bit of work, but it’s so worth it for that velvety texture!

How to Make Homemade Pear Butter

Okay, let’s get to the good stuff! Making pear butter is one of those kitchen projects that feels fancy but is actually super simple. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have jars of golden, spiced goodness in no time.

Preparing the Pears

First things first – grab those ripe pears. I can’t stress enough how important ripe fruit is here. They should give slightly when pressed (think avocado-ripe) – this means they’ll break down beautifully. Peel, core, and chop them into roughly 1-inch chunks. Don’t worry about perfect pieces – they’re going to cook down anyway!

Cooking and Simmering

Now for the magic! Toss all those pear chunks into your biggest, heaviest pot with the lemon juice. Medium heat is your friend here – you want them to soften, not burn. Stir occasionally while they cook down for about 20 minutes until they’re nice and mushy.

Next comes the sweet stuff – add both sugars and all your spices. Oh, the smell at this point is absolute heaven! Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring every 15-20 minutes to prevent sticking. This is where patience pays off – it’ll take 1-2 hours to thicken properly. You’ll know it’s ready when you can drag a spoon through and the trail holds for a couple seconds.

Blending and Storing

Time to get smooth! I use an immersion blender right in the pot (careful – it’s hot!), but you can also carefully transfer to a regular blender. Blend until perfectly silky. Pour into clean jars while still warm – they’ll seal as they cool. Store in the fridge where it’ll keep for about 3 weeks (if it lasts that long!).

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pear Butter

Listen, once you try this pear butter, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Here’s why it’s about to become your new obsession:

• Effortless elegance – It feels fancy but couldn’t be simpler to make (no canning equipment needed!)
• Better than store-bought – The flavor is deeper, richer, and far more complex than anything you’ll find on shelves
• Breakfast game-changer – Swipe it on toast, stir into oatmeal, or dollop on pancakes for instant magic
• Kitchen perfume – Your house will smell like a cozy bakery while it simmers
• Endless uses – Great with cheeses, in baking, or even as a glaze for meats
• No waste – The perfect way to use up those extra pears before they go bad

Seriously, this stuff is liquid gold – sweet, spiced, and just begging to be spooned onto everything!

Tips for Perfect Homemade Pear Butter

After making countless batches of pear butter (and yes, burning a few!), here are my hard-earned secrets for foolproof success:

• Taste as you go – Pears vary in sweetness, so adjust sugar after the pears soften but before simmering
• Low and slow wins – Keep the heat gentle to prevent scorching and develop deeper flavors
• The riper the better – Soft pears break down easier and need less sugar
• Watch for the “napkin test” – When done, a dab on a napkin shouldn’t leave watery edges
• Stir more near the end – As it thickens, it’ll stick more easily to the pot bottom

Remember – pear butter continues thickening as it cools, so pull it just before it seems perfect!

Variations for Homemade Pear Butter

One of my favorite things about this pear butter? How easily you can make it your own! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried over the years – feel free to play around:

• Vanilla bean – Split one lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the pot for a floral sweetness
• Fresh ginger – Grate in a thumb-sized knob for a spicy kick that cuts through the sweetness
• Orange zest – Just a tablespoon brightens everything up beautifully
• Bourbon or rum – A splash (about 2 tbsp) stirred in at the end adds amazing depth
• Cardamom – Swap the nutmeg for 1/2 tsp of this fragrant spice

My personal favorite? Vanilla-ginger – the warmth of both plays so nicely with the pears. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these!

Serving Suggestions for Homemade Pear Butter

Oh, the possibilities with this pear butter! Here are my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Breakfast champion – Smear it thick on warm toast, swirl into yogurt, or dollop on pancakes and waffles
• Cheese board star – Pair with sharp cheddar or creamy brie for an irresistible sweet-savory bite
• Baking buddy – Use as a filling for thumbprint cookies or layer in parfaits
• Unexpected twist – Glaze roasted pork or chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking
• Simple indulgence – Honestly? Straight off a spoon works too – I won’t judge!

It’s amazing how one jar can transform so many everyday foods into something special. Get creative!

Storing and Reheating Homemade Pear Butter

Once your pear butter cools, transfer it to clean jars and pop them in the fridge where they’ll keep beautifully for about 3 weeks. If it thickens too much in the cold, just microwave a small portion for 10-15 seconds or stir in a teaspoon of warm water to loosen it up. Easy!

Nutritional Information for Homemade Pear Butter

Here’s the scoop on what’s in that delicious spoonful of pear butter (based on 1 tablespoon):

• Calories: About 50
• Sugar: 12g (mostly natural from the pears!)
• Fiber: 1g – not bad for something this sweet
• Fat: 0g – it’s practically guilt-free
• Sodium: Just 10mg

Of course, these numbers can vary slightly depending on your pear variety and how much sugar you add. But compared to store-bought jams that often contain preservatives? This homemade version is a clear winner in my book!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use unripe pears for pear butter?
Oh honey, I wouldn’t recommend it! Unripe pears won’t break down properly and they lack that gorgeous natural sweetness. If your pears are rock-hard, leave them in a paper bag with a banana for a day or two – the ethylene gas works wonders. Trust me, ripe pears make all the difference in texture and flavor.

How long does homemade pear butter last?
Stored properly in clean jars in the fridge, your pear butter will stay delicious for about 3 weeks. I always sniff test mine – if it smells fermented or gets mold (yikes!), toss it. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months if you want to keep some for later!

Can I can this pear butter for shelf storage?
While I love this as a fridge recipe for simplicity, you can absolutely can it properly for pantry storage! Process filled jars in a water bath for 10 minutes. Just make sure to leave 1/4-inch headspace and check that your lids seal. Safety first!

My pear butter came out too thin – what now?
Don’t panic! Just simmer it a bit longer to evaporate more liquid, stirring frequently. Next time, remember that pear butter thickens significantly as it cools – I’ve learned to pull mine when it’s still slightly runny in the pot.

Share Your Homemade Pear Butter Experience

I’d love to hear how your pear butter turns out! Did you try any fun variations? Maybe your kids licked the spoon clean like mine always do? Drop a comment below with your results, questions, or favorite way to enjoy it. And if you loved this recipe as much as I do, give it a rating – it makes my day!

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