There’s a quiet joy in turning humble, ripe pears into something extraordinary—a rich, velvety pear butter that tastes like autumn in a jar. No complicated steps, no endless ingredients—just pure, comforting flavor with minimal effort.
Maybe you’ve picked up too many pears at the market, or perhaps you’re craving a naturally sweet spread without the additives of store-bought jams. Whatever the reason, this 3-ingredient pear butter recipe is your answer. It’s forgiving, flexible, and fills your kitchen with the kind of warmth that makes homemade food so special.
And the best part? You likely already have everything you need. Just pears, a touch of sweetness, and a sprinkle of spice—that’s it. Let’s make something delicious.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pear Butter Recipe
Because simplicity wins. This recipe is:
✔ Effortless – Just 3 ingredients, one pot
✔ Naturally sweet – Lets ripe pears shine
✔ Versatile – Perfect on toast, oatmeal, or even cheese boards
✔ Waste-free – A delicious way to use up extra pears
No fancy skills needed – just real food, real flavor.
Ingredients for the Best Homemade Pear Butter
You won’t believe how much flavor comes from just these essentials:
🍐 2 kg ripe pears (about 10 medium) – Look for Bartlett or Anjou varieties
🍯 ½ cup sweetener (white sugar, honey, or maple syrup) – Adjust to your taste
✨ 1 tsp cinnamon – The magic touch
Optional upgrades:
▪ 1 tbsp lemon juice (brightens flavor)
▪ ½ tsp vanilla or nutmeg (for depth)
That’s it! No complicated shopping list – just pure, pear perfection.
Pro Tip: The riper your pears, the sweeter your butter will be naturally!
Foolproof Pear Butter in 4 Simple Steps
This is where ordinary pears transform into something magical. Don’t let the simmering time fool you – 95% is hands-off while your kitchen fills with the most incredible autumnal aroma.
1. Prep Your Pears (10 min)
- Wash 2kg pears (no need to peel)
- Core and roughly chop (size doesn’t matter)
- Pro Tip: Leaving skins on adds natural pectin and pretty pink hue!
2. Soften the Fruit (30 min)
- Toss pears in large pot with ¼ cup water
- Simmer uncovered on medium-low, stirring occasionally
- They’re ready when mashable with a spoon
3. Blend to Silk (5 min)
- Use immersion blender directly in pot
- OR carefully transfer to stand blender
- Safety Note: Let cool slightly if using stand blender
4. The Slow Simmer (1-2 hrs)
- Stir in sweetener and spices
- Cook on lowest heat until:
✓ Darkens in color
✓ Thickens to spreadable consistency
✓ Leaves a clear trail when spoon dragged
Chef’s Secret: The longer you simmer, the deeper the caramel flavor develops. I like mine at the 90-minute mark!
Visual Cue: It’s done when a spoonful on a chilled plate doesn’t weep liquid at the edges.
Two Bonus Methods:
▸ Slow Cooker: 8 hours on low (perfect overnight)
▸ Instant Pot: 15 mins high pressure + natural release
Now breathe in that incredible aroma – your patience is about to be rewarded!
Nutrition at a Glance
Here’s the beautiful truth about this pear butter – it’s nature’s candy with benefits. One tablespoon gives you:
| Nutrient | Amount | Daily Value |
| Calories | 25 kcal | 1% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 6.5g | 2% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8g | 3% |
| Natural Sugars | 5g | – |
| Vitamin C | 1.2mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 35mg | 1% |
Based on unsweetened version with peel included
Why This Matters:
- 🌿 Fiber-rich – Helps maintain healthy digestion
- 🍐 Naturally sweet – No added sugar needed with ripe pears
- ☀️ Vitamin C – Supports immune function
- 💧 Low sodium – Just 0.5mg per serving
Sugar Note: Using honey or maple syrup adds about 1g extra sugar per tbsp. The riper your pears, the less sweetener you’ll need!
Compare & Contrast:
▸ Store-bought jam: Typically 12g sugar per tbsp
▸ Our pear butter: Just 5g naturally occurring sugars
This is how you enjoy sweetness without the guilt – straight from nature’s pantry.
Pro Tips for Pear Butter Perfection
Master your spread with these simple secrets:
🍐 Pear Selection
- Use slightly overripe pears – they’re sweeter and break down easier
- Mix varieties (like Bartlett + Bosc) for complex flavor
🔥 Cooking Hacks
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking (especially near the end)
- Simmer uncovered to thicken properly
- Test thickness on a chilled plate
🌡️ Storage Smarts
- Lasts 2 weeks refrigerated
- Freeze in jars (leave 1″ headspace) for 6 months
- For canning: Process in water bath for 10 mins
✨ Flavor Boosters
- Add citrus zest for brightness
- A pinch of sea salt enhances sweetness
- 1/4 tsp ginger adds warm spice
Remember: Pear butter thickens as it cools! Stop cooking when it’s slightly runnier than you want.
Beyond Toast – 10 Delicious Ways to Enjoy Pear Butter
Take your pear butter from basic to brilliant with these easy ideas:
🍽️ Sweet Pairings
• Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt
• Spread on pancakes or waffles
• Layer in parfaits with granola
🧀 Savory Twists
• Glaze roasted pork or chicken
• Pair with cheese boards (try brie or blue cheese)
• Mix into vinaigrettes for salads
🍰 Baking Boost
• Fill thumbprint cookies
• Swirl into cheesecake batter
• Fold into muffin or cake batter
☕ Quick Fixes
• Stir into warm chai tea
• Top vanilla ice cream
• Spread on grilled sandwiches
One jar, endless possibilities – your breakfasts and snacks just got upgraded!
Quick Pear Butter FAQ
1. Can I make this sugar-free?
Absolutely! Ripe pears are naturally sweet – just skip added sweeteners or use a sugar substitute.
2. How do I know when it’s done?
It’s ready when a spoonful holds its shape on a cold plate without dripping.
3. Can I use unpeeled pears?
Yes! Peels add nutrients and texture, but strain after blending if you prefer it super smooth.
Short answers for busy cooks – now get back to your delicious pear butter!
Chef’s Note
The Magic of Patience
Pear butter teaches us the beauty of slow transformation. What begins as humble fruit becomes something extraordinary through time and gentle heat. Don’t rush the simmer – those caramelized flavors are worth every minute.
A Recipe for Memories
This isn’t just preserves – it’s captured sunshine in a jar. The scent alone will transport you back to autumn mornings whenever you open it. Pro tip: Make double batches to share; nothing says “I care” like homemade goodness.
Your Kitchen, Your Rules
Remember:
• Too thick? Add a splash of apple juice
• Too thin? Keep simmering
• Want more spice? Trust your taste buds
Now go forth and spread the joy – you’re not just making pear butter, you’re creating edible love.
“Good food is wise medicine.” – Jill Ker Conway