Are you ready to experience the comforting warmth and sweet tang of homemade pear butter? Forget store-bought; this slow cooker recipe delivers a perfectly spiced, luscious pear butter that's unbelievably easy to make. It's the perfect healthy addition to your breakfast toast, a delightful topping for yogurt, or a unique twist on your favorite desserts. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner cooks and experienced home chefs alike, providing a delicious homemade treat without the fuss. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 6 pounds ripe but firm pears (Bartlett or Bosc recommended), peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or to taste, you can adjust based on pear sweetness)
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for a deeper spice flavor)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Pears
Wash and peel your pears. Core them carefully, removing the stem and seed cavity. Roughly chop the pears into 1-inch pieces. This helps them cook evenly in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Combining Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Place the chopped pears, apple cider, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt into your slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients well.
Step 3: Slow Cooking the Pear Butter
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pears are very soft and easily mashed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer it cooks, the thicker and richer your pear butter will become.
Step 4: Pureeing the Pear Butter
Once the pears are completely soft, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture directly in the slow cooker. Alternatively, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor in batches and puree until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier pear butter, simply mash the pears with a potato masher instead of pureeing.
Step 5: Simmering and Thickening (Optional)
For an even thicker pear butter, transfer the pureed mixture back to the slow cooker (or a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat) and continue to simmer uncovered for another 30-60 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir frequently to prevent burning, especially if using a stovetop.
Step 6: Canning and Storage
Once the pear butter has reached the desired consistency, let it cool completely. If canning, sterilize your jars and lids before filling them with the hot pear butter. Leave a 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe the rims clean, seal the jars, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. For shorter-term storage, you can store the pear butter in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Tips for the Best Pear Butter:
- Pear Selection: Choose ripe but firm pears for the best flavor and texture. Overripe pears will result in a mushy butter.
- Sugar Adjustment: Taste the pear butter as it cooks and adjust the sugar to your preference. Some pears are naturally sweeter than others.
- Spice Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices. A dash of ginger or cardamom can add a unique twist.
- Smooth vs. Chunky: Adjust the pureeing process to achieve your desired texture.
Nutritional Information (per 1/4 cup serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 10-20mg
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Fiber: 3-4g
- Sugar: 25-35g
This homemade pear butter recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy food made easy. Enjoy this quick dinner side, a healthy breakfast addition, or a wonderful dessert topping. It's a simple recipe that yields big flavor and makes a fantastic homemade gift, too!