Pear Butter Recipe

If there’s one aroma that captures the heart of fall for me, it’s the slow-simmering scent of pears, vanilla, and citrus mingling in my kitchen. I remember the first time I made this pear butter recipe — the air was crisp, the pears were overripe from the farmers market, and I just couldn’t let them go to waste. What began as a simple preserving project quickly turned into my go-to gift for friends, neighbors, and hostess baskets.

This crock pot version of a classic pear butter recipe is foolproof and full of warm, cozy flavor. You just toss everything in, stir occasionally, and let time work its magic. It’s the kind of old-fashioned kitchen joy that makes the whole house feel like home.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll adore how this pear butter recipe fills your home with the scent of vanilla, citrus, and warm fruit. It’s more than just a spread—it’s an experience.

There’s virtually no babysitting needed thanks to the crock pot, making this recipe stress-free and ideal for busy autumn days. You’ll get a velvety-smooth texture with just a quick blend before the final simmer.

This recipe is flexible too—you can adjust the sweetness or spices to match your mood. Whether you’re gifting a jar or spooning it over pancakes, it’s endlessly charming.

Best part? It keeps beautifully in the fridge or freezer. With a little water bath canning, it’s shelf-stable for months—perfect for stocking up.

Even beginners will love this simple, rewarding project. You’ll be hooked on this pear butter recipe after one batch!

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Ingredient Overview

This pear butter recipe offers sweet, spiced comfort in every spoonful. Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor and preserving your pears with care.

• Ripe Pears (2 ½ pounds): Choose soft, fragrant pears for the sweetest results. Bartlett or Anjou work beautifully.

• Water (⅓ cup): Helps get things started in the slow cooker without scorching.

• Vanilla Bean (½, split and scraped): Adds warm, floral depth. You can substitute with a splash of extract if needed.

• Brown Sugar (1–2 tbsp): Adds a caramel-like sweetness; adjust based on how ripe your pears are.

• Fresh Orange Juice (2 tbsp): Brings brightness and acidity to balance the sweetness.

• Orange Peel (1–2 strips): Infuses citrus oils that pair beautifully with pears.

• Pinch of Salt: Rounds out the flavors and enhances the sweetness.

Food styling tip: For gifting, ladle into small mason jars and tie with twine and a cinnamon stick for a rustic touch.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pears

Start by peeling, coring, and chopping 2½ pounds of ripe pears into bite-sized chunks. The softer and juicier the pears, the richer your pear butter recipe will turn out.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

Place the pear chunks into your crock pot. Add ⅓ cup of water, the split vanilla bean and its seeds, 1–2 tablespoons of brown sugar (to taste), 2 tablespoons of orange juice, 1–2 strips of orange peel, and a pinch of salt. This flavor combo makes this pear butter recipe truly unique.

Step 3: Cook on High for 3–4 Hours

Cover and cook on high for about 3 to 4 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. As the pears break down, they’ll begin to form a rich, golden mash.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Once the pears are fork-tender and fragrant, remove the vanilla bean and orange peel. Use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree everything into a silky-smooth consistency. You can also transfer to a food processor if you prefer. Tip: Don’t skip this step—texture matters in a pear butter recipe!

Step 5: Cook Low and Slow

Set the slow cooker to low and continue to cook uncovered for another 6 to 8 hours. Stir now and then, especially toward the end. The mixture should thicken and darken into a deep amber spread.

Step 6: Test for Doneness

To test if it’s ready, spoon a bit onto a plate. If no liquid pools around the edges, your pear butter recipe is complete and luscious.

Step 7: Jar and Seal

Ladle the hot pear butter into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Gently tap the jars to release air bubbles and seal with lids and rings.

Step 8: Process for Shelf-Stable Storage

Boil the sealed jars in a water bath for 15 minutes. This step ensures safe long-term storage for your pear butter recipe—up to a year in a cool, dark place.

Step 9: Cool and Store

Carefully remove the jars and let them cool completely. Press the center of each lid—if it doesn’t pop back, your jar is sealed. Refrigerate any that didn’t seal properly and enjoy within 3 weeks.

Now that your dish is coming together beautifully, let’s explore some pro tips and creative variations!

Pro Tips

If your pears are super ripe, you may not need much sugar. Always taste the fruit before starting your pear butter recipe and adjust the sweetness to match.

Use a real vanilla bean if you can. It gives a subtle floral depth that truly elevates your pear butter recipe beyond anything store-bought.

Keep a close eye during the second cooking phase. Stir every hour or so to prevent scorching, especially as your pear butter recipe thickens.

Make it smooth by blending until glossy. The immersion blender gives the best texture right in the pot—less mess and easier cleanup.

For long-term storage, don’t skip the water bath. It’s an essential finishing step that keeps your pear butter recipe shelf-stable all year.

Want more preserving inspiration? I always reference my favorite canning tomatoes guide for processing tips—it’s a handy companion to any canning project.

Variations

Switch up the flavor by swapping vanilla for cinnamon, cloves, or a pinch of cardamom. It’ll warm your pear butter recipe beautifully.

Try using different pear varieties—Bosc gives a firmer texture, while Bartlett is juicy and sweet. Mixing them makes for a richer spread.

If you’re gifting jars for the holidays, add a splash of bourbon after blending. It gives your pear butter recipe a cozy grown-up twist.

Prefer a savory spin? Reduce the sugar and add a little rosemary or cracked black pepper for a condiment that pairs with cheese boards or pork chops.

This would taste lovely paired with savory fall favorites like this fall turkey melt—a match made in seasonal heaven!

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm slice of sourdough spread with a thick layer of this silky pear butter recipe. I love it on toast with a dusting of cinnamon, stirred into oatmeal, or paired with sharp cheddar for a sweet-and-savory bite. It’s also a beautiful companion to a crock of white chicken chili—trust me, the contrast is delicious. Whether you’re enjoying a slow weekend brunch or setting out nibbles for a cozy gathering, this pear butter recipe fits in with heartwarming fall meals and special little moments alike.

Conclusion

This slow-simmered pear butter recipe brings together everything I love about home cooking—simplicity, seasonality, and soul. It’s more than just a spread; it’s a way to celebrate abundance and share sweetness with people you care about. Whether you’re preserving a bushel of pears or creating gifts from the heart, this recipe is both practical and beautiful. Take a peek at our recipe hub for more comforting creations that bring joy to the table.

Try the recipe, then tag your version over on Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok—I’d love to see what you’ve whipped up! Don’t forget to leave a comment sharing your twist on this pear butter recipe.

Gather around the table — something delicious is waiting!