Traditional Pear Butter

By
Barbara Rolek
Barbara Rolek
Barbara Rolek is a former chef who became a cooking school instructor and award-winning food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 05/6/22
Pear Butter
Westend61/Getty Images
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 2 hrs
Total: 2 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 16 servings
Yield: 1 pint

Pears are abundant in Eastern Europe and they often find their way into pear butter. This recipe is simple to make and requires only three ingredients—pears, water, and sugar. It can easily be increased. You have your choice for how you cook the pear puree. You can use a slow cooker, microwave, stovetop, or oven. Once made, you also have the choice of keeping it in the refrigerator for use within a couple of weeks, freezing it, or canning it.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pears, any type, washed, stemmed and cored

  • 1/2 cup water

  • 1/2 to 1 cup sugar

Steps to Make It

Prepare the Pear Puree

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Place the pears and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until pears have broken down. Pass the pears through a sieve or food mill.

  3. Combine the pear puree and sugar to taste and choose one of the following cooking methods. In each case, the puree will be thick enough when the butter doesn't run off a spoon when turned upside down.

Cook Down the Puree—Slow Cooker Method

  1. Place sweetened pulp in a slow cooker with the lid partially off to let steam escape.

  2. Set at low and cook, stirring occasionally, for six to 12 hours or overnight until thick enough.

  3. Once thick, you can store your pear butter in a container in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, or freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to a year. The other option is to can the pear butter so you can store it in your pantry.

  4. Serve your pear butter and enjoy!

How to Can Pear Butter

  1. To can your pear butter, place the hot butter in hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace.

  2. Cover with hot sterilized lids and rings.

  3. Process in a water bath for 10 minutes.

  4. Remove the jars to a counter and allow them to cool before storing them in a cool, dry, dark place.

Recipe Variations

Rather than using the slow cooker to concentrate the sweetened pulp, you can use these other methods:

  • Microwave Method: Place the sweetened pulp in a microwave-safe bowl and cook for 20 minutes at a time, stirring frequently until thick enough.
  • Stovetop Method: Place the sweetened pulp in a medium saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for one to two hours or until thick enough.
  • Oven Method: Heat the oven to 250 F. Place the sweetened pulp in a heatproof casserole dish or roaster. Bake, stirring only occasionally, for one to three hours or until thick enough.

Tips


  • If freezing the pear butter, be sure to label the freezer-safe containers with the contents and the date.
  • If you want to preserve your pear butter for use in coming months you will need to put it in sterilized jars and process them in a water bath. Before attempting a home canning project, be sure you have all of the needed supplies and understand how to use them.
  • Your canned pear butter can make a lovely gift.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
65 Calories
0g Fat
17g Carbs
0g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 16
Amount per serving
Calories 65
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 1mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 17g 6%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 15g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 1mg 6%
Calcium 3mg 0%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 33mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)