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The Ultimate Guide: Easy Pear Butter Recipe (Stovetop, Slow Cooker, & Instant Pot Methods Included)

Close-up of thick, dark brown pear butter piled high in a small white bowl.

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Make this easy pear butter using ripe pears, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Follow instructions for stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot methods to create this healthy pear spread perfect for toast or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lbs ripe pears (Anjou or Bartlett recommended)
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pears: Wash, core, and roughly chop the ripe pears. You do not need to peel them for this recipe.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Place the chopped pears, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and water into a large pot (for stovetop), slow cooker, or Instant Pot liner.
  3. Cook on Stovetop: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pears are very soft.
  4. Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the pears are very soft.
  5. Cook in Instant Pot: Secure the lid and cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes. Allow for a Natural Pressure Release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
  6. Blend: Transfer the cooked pear mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Blend until completely smooth. This creates a silky, homemade pear butter.
  7. Thicken (Stovetop/Slow Cooker): Return the puree to the pot (if using a standard blender). Simmer uncovered over low heat for 30 to 60 minutes, stirring frequently, until the butter is thick enough to mound on a spoon. This step is crucial for achieving the right consistency for canning pear butter.
  8. Cool and Store: Allow the pear butter to cool slightly. Transfer the spiced pear butter to clean jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or process using a water bath canner for long-term storage.

Notes

  • For a Salted Caramel Pear Butter variation, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 cup of caramel sauce during the final blending stage.
  • If you prefer a less spiced flavor, omit the cloves and ginger, focusing only on cinnamon pear butter.
  • Use firm, ripe pears for the best flavor and texture in your fall fruit preserves.
  • This recipe yields a naturally thick spread, requiring no pectin pear butter.

Nutrition