Vanilla Spiced Pear Butter : A Perfect Holiday Spread

Looking for a delicious homemade gift or a festive addition to your holiday breakfasts? Look no further than this Vanilla Spiced Pear Butter. This smooth, sweet, and aromatic spread combines the warm flavors of vanilla and spices with the natural sweetness of pears, making it the perfect topping for toast, scones, or pancakes. Whether you’re planning to can pears for the season or just want a delightful treat to enjoy at home, this pear butter recipe is sure to become a staple.

Vanilla Spiced Pear Butter not only makes a fantastic spread but also makes an excellent homemade butter gift, perfect for giving to friends and family during the holidays. It’s a simple recipe with big flavor that captures the essence of fall and winter.

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Why You’ll Love Vanilla Spiced Pear Butter

This Vanilla Spiced Pear Butter is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and fragrant flavors. The pears create a smooth, spreadable texture, while the vanilla adds a lovely depth, and the spices—cinnamon and nutmeg—bring warmth that’s perfect for cozy, cold days. Whether you’re slathering it on toast, using it in baked goods, or gifting it in jars, this pear butter is a versatile treat that will wow your guests.

Plus, it’s a great way to make use of canned pears, making it an ideal recipe for when pears are in season or if you have extra canned pears on hand.

Who This Recipe Is For

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves fall-inspired spreads or enjoys homemade gifts. If you’re looking to can pears for long-term storage or make something special out of seasonal fruits, this pear butter is a must-try.

It’s also perfect for people who love spiced fruit preserves and are looking for a healthy holiday spread to add to their festive meals. Whether you’re planning a family brunch, a holiday dinner, or just want a delicious spread for your daily snacks, this recipe has you covered.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Vanilla Spiced Pear Butter, gather the following ingredients:

For the Pear Butter:

• 6 cups pears (peeled, cored, and diced)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Ingredient Notes and Variations

• Pears: You can use any variety of pears, but Bartlett or Bosc pears work especially well for pear butter because of their naturally sweet flavor and soft texture when cooked. If you’re using canned pears, make sure to drain them before using them in the recipe.
• Sugar: You can adjust the sugar depending on how sweet your pears are. For a healthier version, reduce the sugar or swap it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
• Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices, such as cloves, allspice, or even ginger for a unique twist on this recipe.

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Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large saucepan or Dutch oven
• Immersion blender or regular blender
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Jar for canning (if you plan to preserve it)
• Spoon for stirring

Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Vanilla Spiced Pear Butter

Step 1: Prepare the Pears

Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your pears. Add them to a large saucepan or Dutch oven along with the water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook the pears for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re soft and starting to break down.

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Step 2: Blend the Pears

Once the pears are softened, use an immersion blender to purée the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the pears to a regular blender and purée in batches. Return the purée to the saucepan.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Spices

Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Add the lemon juice to help brighten the flavor and balance the sweetness. Stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 4: Simmer

Lower the heat to low and simmer the pear butter for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The mixture should reduce and thicken to a spreadable consistency. If you want a thicker butter, continue to simmer until it reaches the desired consistency. Be patient, as this is what makes the flavor rich and concentrated.

Step 5: Can (Optional)

If you want to preserve your pear butter, you can can it in sterilized jars. Pour the pear butter into sterilized jars while still hot, leaving about 1/4-inch headspace. Seal the jars and process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to preserve. Alternatively, store the pear butter in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the pear butter has cooled, serve it on toast, scones, or pancakes. You can also use it as a filling for pastries or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.

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Pro Tips for the Best Vanilla Spiced Pear Butter

• Control the sweetness: Taste the pear butter as it simmers and adjust the sugar and spices to your liking. Pears can vary in sweetness, so this step ensures you get the right balance of flavors.
• Keep an eye on the texture: For the best consistency, make sure to cook the pear butter down enough so it’s thick and spreadable, but not too thick.
• Add extra flavor: For a unique twist, try adding a bit of ginger or cloves to the spice mix.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not cooking it long enough: If the pear butter hasn’t thickened to your liking, keep simmering it on low heat. This ensures the natural pectin in the pears helps it thicken properly.
• Over-sweetening: Taste the pear butter before adding too much sugar, especially if your pears are already very sweet.

Serving Suggestions

This Vanilla Spiced Pear Butter is fantastic on buttermilk biscuits, croissants, or pancakes. You can also spread it on cheese boards alongside brie or goat cheese.

For a fun holiday treat, spread this pear butter on scones or use it as a topping for vanilla ice cream.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves for a warming twist.
• Citrus: Stir in a bit of orange zest or lemon zest for a citrusy zing.

How to Store and Reheat

Store the pear butter in airtight jars in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If you’ve canned it, it can last for several months in a cool, dark place. For serving, simply reheat the pear butter in a small saucepan or microwave until it’s warm and spreadable.

Make-Ahead Tips

This pear butter can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. In fact, it’s even better after a day or two, as the flavors continue to develop. It also makes a wonderful homemade gift when jarred and sealed with a festive ribbon.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with other fruits?
Yes! You can use apples or quinces as a base for a different fruit butter. Just adjust the sugar and spices accordingly.

Do I need to use the lemon juice?
Lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the pears and aids in preserving the pear butter, but you can omit it if you prefer.

Final Thoughts: Why Vanilla Spiced Pear Butter Is a Keeper

This Vanilla Spiced Pear Butter is the ultimate fall and winter treat, perfect for spreading on your favorite breakfast items or sharing as a homemade gift. With its rich, spiced flavor and smooth consistency, it’s an easy way to preserve the season’s best pears while adding a touch of warmth and sweetness to your meals.

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