Slow Cooker Pear Butter – Easy Fall Fruit Spread Recipe

Introduction

There’s something incredibly comforting about homemade fruit spreads, especially when they’re simmered low and slow, allowing the flavors to deepen and intensify. Slow Cooker Pear Butter is one such delight, bringing out the rich, natural sweetness of pears combined with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s not just a spread; it’s a taste of fall in every bite.

Pear butter is often considered a cousin of the more well-known apple butter, but it has a flavor profile all its own. The softness of ripe pears provides a naturally velvety texture, while the blend of spices adds warmth without overpowering the fruit’s delicate flavor. This recipe is perfect for cozy breakfasts, spread on toast, drizzled over pancakes, or even added to your favorite yogurt.

One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is to make. Using a slow cooker (or crockpot) allows you to set it and forget it. You don’t need to babysit the stovetop, making it perfect for busy days. Plus, your home will be filled with the irresistible aroma of spiced pears as the pear butter slowly transforms.

Why Make This Slow Cooker Pear Butter?

Ease and Convenience: This recipe requires minimal effort, thanks to the slow cooker. With just a few simple ingredients and some time, you can create a delicious, homemade pear butter with very little hands-on work.
Rich Flavor: Cooking the pears slowly enhances their natural sweetness and deepens their flavor, while the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves adds a warm, spiced complexity.
Versatility: Pear butter isn’t just for spreading on toast. It can be used as a topping for pancakes, swirled into oatmeal, or as a filling for pastries. It also makes a wonderful homemade gift!
Healthier Option: Compared to store-bought fruit spreads, this homemade version allows you to control the sugar content and avoid any artificial preservatives. Plus, pears are rich in dietary fiber and vitamin C.
Perfect for Fall: This pear butter is a cozy, comforting recipe that’s perfect for autumn or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients List

4 lbs of pears, peeled, cored, and chopped (any variety will work, but Bartlett or Anjou pears are ideal for their sweetness and texture)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar (for a deeper, molasses-like sweetness)
1 tsp cinnamon (ground)
1/4 tsp nutmeg (ground)
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Juice of 1 lemon (helps preserve color and adds a slight tang)

Instructions: Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Pears

Start by peeling, coring, and chopping the pears into small, uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly in the slow cooker. You can use any pear variety you like, but Bartlett or Anjou pears are recommended due to their soft texture and natural sweetness.

2. Combine Ingredients

Add the chopped pears to the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Once combined, sprinkle this sugar mixture over the pears and stir gently to ensure the pears are evenly coated.

3. Start the Slow Cooker

Set your slow cooker to low heat and let the pears cook for 6-8 hours. Stir the mixture every few hours to help the pears break down evenly and prevent sticking. The pears will soften and release their juices, filling your kitchen with a fragrant, spiced aroma.

4. Blend to Smooth

After the cooking time, the pears should be very soft and beginning to thicken. Use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to blend the pear mixture into a smooth, creamy consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious of the hot liquid.

5. Add Final Touches

Once smooth, stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice. The vanilla enhances the depth of flavor, while the lemon adds brightness and helps preserve the color of the pear butter.

6. Continue Cooking

Continue cooking the pear butter uncovered for another 1 hour to allow it to thicken further. This step ensures you achieve that rich, spreadable consistency that pear butter is known for. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can cook it for an additional 30 minutes.

7. Cool and Store

Once your pear butter reaches the desired consistency, turn off the slow cooker and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Transfer the pear butter into sterilized jars for storage. This recipe should yield about 3 pints of pear butter.

Tips and Substitutions

Pears: Bartlett and Anjou pears are excellent choices, but you can experiment with Bosc or Comice pears for different textures and flavors.
Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar amounts or use honey or maple syrup as natural sweeteners.
Spices: Adjust the spices to your taste. For a more intense flavor, you can increase the cinnamon, or for a unique twist, add a pinch of cardamom.
Consistency: For a chunkier pear butter, blend less, leaving some small pear pieces intact. If you want a super smooth finish, blend thoroughly until the texture is silky.
Storage: Once cooled, store the pear butter in airtight jars. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or you can freeze it for longer storage.

Recipe Variations

1. Ginger Pear Butter

Add 1-2 teaspoons of fresh grated ginger for a zesty, slightly spicy kick. Ginger pairs beautifully with pears and adds an extra layer of warmth to the flavor.

2. Spiced Pear and Apple Butter

For a delightful variation, replace half of the pears with apples. The combination of apples and pears creates a more complex fruit butter with a mix of tartness and sweetness.

3. Bourbon Pear Butter

Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of bourbon during the last hour of cooking for a rich, boozy twist. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a deep, slightly caramelized flavor.

4. Vanilla-Chai Pear Butter

Swap out the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for 1 tablespoon of chai spice blend. This gives the pear butter a comforting, aromatic chai tea flavor.

Nutritional Information

This pear butter is not only delicious but also offers some nutritional benefits, especially from the pears themselves:

Calories: 75 kcal per tablespoon
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugars: 16g
Fiber: 2g
Vitamin C: Pears are a good source of Vitamin C, which helps support the immune system and promotes healthy skin.
Dietary Fiber: Pears are high in fiber, which is great for digestion and can help in maintaining a healthy gut.

If you’re looking to make this recipe a bit healthier, you can reduce the sugar or use natural sweeteners like honey or agave.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Storage:

Once cooled, the pear butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in a tightly sealed jar.
For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Be sure to leave some space in the jar as the pear butter will expand when frozen.
You can also preserve it by canning. Use proper canning techniques and the pear butter will last up to 1 year in your pantry.

Serving Suggestions:

On Toast: Spread pear butter on a warm piece of toast, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt for a simple but delicious treat.
As a Topping: Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a naturally sweet alternative to syrup.
Swirl into Oatmeal: Add a spoonful to your morning oats for a flavorful boost.
Cheese Board: Serve alongside cheese and crackers for a sweet and savory appetizer.
Filling for Pastries: Use it as a filling for turnovers, thumbprint cookies, or hand pies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use overripe pears?

Yes! In fact, overripe pears are perfect for this recipe as they are softer and sweeter, which helps the pear butter achieve a smooth, rich consistency.

2. Do I have to peel the pears?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but if you prefer a chunkier or more rustic butter, you can leave the skins on and blend them later.

3. How can I thicken my pear butter?

If your pear butter is too runny, continue cooking it uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to an hour, allowing more moisture to evaporate and the butter to thicken.

4. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make pear butter on the stovetop. Simply cook the pears on low heat in a large pot, stirring occasionally, until the pears are soft and the mixture has thickened.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Slow Cooker Pear Butter, you might also enjoy these other recipes:

Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Heat
Homemade Peach Preserves
Spiced Plum Jam
Crockpot Fig Butter

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Pear Butter is the perfect addition to your fall recipe lineup. With its smooth texture, deep flavor, and versatility, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves fruit spreads. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, swirling it into yogurt, or giving it as a gift, this pear butter is sure to become a favorite.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab some pears, dust off your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy this delectable homemade spread. Don’t forget to share your creations in the comments below or explore more recipes on our website