If you’re looking for an irresistible spread that combines the silky sweetness of ripe pears with warming spices, you have to try this One Hour Easy Pear Butter Recipe. It’s a delightful way to savor pears beyond the usual, bringing out their natural flavor in a rich, creamy butter you can whip up quickly. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, swirling it into yogurt, or gifting it to friends, this recipe makes the magic of fall flavors effortlessly accessible in just one hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect pear butter is all about balancing simple, wholesome ingredients that each add their own magic to the final result. Every item plays a role, whether it’s enhancing sweetness, depth, or that comforting spice profile.
- 3 15 oz. cans chopped pears (or 6 fresh pears, cored and chopped): The star of the recipe, pears provide natural sweetness and smooth texture.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Adds caramel-like richness for a deeper flavor.
- 3 tbsp agave nectar (or honey): Offers natural sweetness and a gentle floral note.
- Juice from ½ lemon: Brightens the flavor and balances sweetness with freshness.
- ½ tbsp ground ginger: Gives a warm, slightly spicy kick.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and tames the sweetness.
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg: Adds cozy warmth that complements the pears beautifully.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings classic autumn spice aroma.
- Pinch of ground cloves: Punctuates the blend with an earthy, aromatic note.
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional): Adds a hint of citrusy brightness for extra complexity.
- 1 star anise (optional): Infuses a subtle licorice flavor that’s just mesmerizing.
How to Make One Hour Easy Pear Butter Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Start by tossing all the ingredients into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir them well so everything mingles nicely. The mix of spices, sweeteners, and pears is already begging to be a star—this first step gets all those flavors acquainted.
Step 2: Simmer and Reduce
Bring your pear mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer gently. Cover the pan partially so steam can escape and help thicken your butter naturally. Stir every so often to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom. You’ll want to simmer for about 50 minutes until the pears become unbelievably soft and the liquid reduces to a luscious consistency.
Step 3: Blend to Perfection
Once your pears are tender and the mixture looks thick and inviting, it’s time to blend. Carefully remove the star anise if you used one—its flavor will have done its job by now. Pour the warm pear mixture into a food processor or blender and pulse until perfectly smooth and creamy. This step transforms your cooked pears into that luscious butter texture you’re craving.
Step 4: Store and Chill
Pour the silky pear butter into a clean mason jar. Seal it tight and pop it into the fridge to chill. This preserves the freshness and allows the flavors to meld even more deeply. Your pear butter will keep well for up to three weeks, giving you plenty of time to enjoy it in countless ways.
How to Serve One Hour Easy Pear Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a dusting of cinnamon or a few fresh lemon zest curls on top to make your pear butter look as good as it tastes. These simple garnishes add a pop of color and an extra burst of aroma that’s sure to impress.
Side Dishes
This pear butter pairs beautifully with warm toast, soft biscuits, or crisp crackers. It also makes for a magical topping over oatmeal or creamy yogurt, adding a sweet-spiced twist that’s both nourishing and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Use your pear butter as a glaze on roasted meats, or dollop it over vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert upgrade. It’s also fantastic swirled into muffin or pancake batters to infuse seasonal sweetness right into your baked goods and breakfasts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your pear butter tightly sealed in a mason jar or airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to three weeks, making it perfect to prepare ahead for busy mornings or leisurely weekend breakfasts.
Freezing
If you want to keep your pear butter even longer, it freezes beautifully. Just spoon it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headroom for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using, and it’ll taste just like freshly made.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your chilled pear butter, a brief stir or gentle warming in a microwave-safe dish can bring back its spreadable magic. Just heat in short bursts and stir in between, so it doesn’t get too hot or lose flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pears instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pears work wonderfully in this recipe; just core and chop them without peeling. Using fresh fruit can offer a more vibrant, natural flavor and slightly different texture that’s equally delicious.
What if I don’t have agave nectar?
No worries at all. Honey is a perfect substitute that complements the spices and pears nicely. If you prefer a vegan option, maple syrup can also do the trick.
Is the star anise flavor very strong?
It’s pretty subtle since you only add one piece during cooking and remove it before blending. Star anise imparts a hint of licorice that rounds out the spices beautifully without overpowering the recipe.
How can I make the pear butter thicker?
Simmering longer helps reduce the mixture further and thickens the butter naturally. Just keep an eye on it and stir regularly to prevent burning. Alternatively, blending in cooked apple or adding a bit more brown sugar can boost thickness and sweetness.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, doubling works great if you want a bigger batch. Just use a larger pot to prevent overcrowding and adjust simmering time slightly as needed. The flavors develop beautifully in larger quantities, making it perfect for sharing or gifting.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this One Hour Easy Pear Butter Recipe enough for anyone who loves a sweet, spiced spread that’s simple to make but packed with flavor. It transforms humble pears into something truly special, perfect for lifting everyday meals or creating thoughtful edible gifts. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it day after day!
Print
One Hour Easy Pear Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One Hour Easy Pear Butter recipe transforms ripe pears into a rich, spiced spread perfect for toast, desserts, or as a flavorful addition to various dishes. Made with simple ingredients including fresh or canned pears, brown sugar, agave nectar, and warming spices, this pear butter is simmered until tender and then blended to a smooth, luscious consistency. Quick to prepare and packed with cozy flavors, it’s an ideal homemade fruit butter to enjoy year-round.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 3 15 oz. cans chopped pears (drained) or 6 fresh pears, cored and chopped (no need to peel)
Sweeteners
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp agave nectar (or honey)
Spices and Flavorings
- Juice from ½ lemon
- ½ tbsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch ground cloves
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1 star anise (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine all ingredients including drained pears (or fresh chopped pears), brown sugar, agave nectar, lemon juice, ground ginger, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, lemon zest, and star anise. Stir thoroughly to mix all components evenly.
- Simmer Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, partially cover the saucepan to allow steam to escape and reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Let it cook for 50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning or sticking at the bottom of the pan. The pears should become very soft and the mixture should reduce noticeably.
- Prepare for Blending: After cooking down, remove the star anise and transfer the pear mixture to a food processor or blender for smooth pureeing.
- Blend to Smooth: Blend the cooked pears until completely smooth and creamy, achieving the buttery texture typical of fruit butter.
- Store and Serve: Pour the pear butter into a clean mason jar or airtight container. Refrigerate and enjoy within 3 weeks as a spread or ingredient in recipes.
Notes
- You can use canned pears for convenience or fresh pears when in season for a fresher flavor.
- If you prefer a sweeter butter, adjust the amount of brown sugar or agave nectar accordingly.
- Removing the star anise before blending is important to avoid any overpowering licorice flavor.
- This pear butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or frozen for longer preservation.
- Use as a spread on toast, a topping for yogurt, or an ingredient in desserts and baked goods.
