Canning Pears Recipes Easy: Make Perfect Pear Butter at Home

There’s something wonderfully cozy about preserving the taste of fall and winter fruits to enjoy all year long. If you’re searching for canning pears recipes easy enough for beginners but flavorful enough for seasoned canners, this crockpot pear butter is the recipe you need. It’s sweet, spiced, smooth, and incredibly simple. Even better, you don’t need any fancy equipment or advanced skills—just a slow cooker, ripe pears, and a few pantry staples.

Pear butter is a concentrated fruit spread that’s similar to apple butter but has its own unique charm. It’s perfect for toast, muffins, pancakes, or even swirled into yogurt or oatmeal. Plus, this version includes step-by-step canning instructions, so you can store your jars for the colder months—or gift them during the holidays.

If you’ve been curious about how to can pears easy, this recipe will guide you every step of the way. Let’s dive in and preserve some seasonal goodness.

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Why This Is One of the Best Pear Recipes for Winter and Beyond

What makes this one of the best pear recipes is how hands-off and adaptable it is. The pears cook down slowly in a crockpot, allowing their natural sweetness to shine. There’s no need to peel the pears or stand over a hot stove. Once the pears break down, you blend the mixture and either refrigerate, freeze, or can the pear sauce for shelf-stable storage.

It’s a wonderful example of winter pear recipes that truly make the most of cold-season fruit. You can use different pear varieties like Bartlett, Bosc, or even wild pears, depending on what’s available. For something festive, pair a jar of this pear butter with a slice of pumpkin chocolate chip bread or some cinnamon roll sourdough focaccia.

Ingredients for Pear Butter – Simple and Seasonal

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a rich and fragrant batch of slow-cooked pear butter:

• 4 to 5 pounds fresh pears (about 10–12 medium pears)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

You can use any variety of ripe, slightly soft pears for this recipe. If you have access to wild pears, go ahead and use them—they bring a delightful tartness and rustic texture.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for Pear Canning and Prep

You don’t need to invest in a bunch of expensive tools. These basics will get the job done:

• Slow cooker or crockpot
• Immersion blender or countertop blender
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle or funnel
• Mason jars with new lids and rings
• Large pot (for water bath canning)
• Jar lifter or tongs
• Clean kitchen towels

If you’re a fan of hands-off cooking, you’ll also enjoy this crock pot lemon chicken and rice recipe, which follows a similar no-fuss approach.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make and Can Pear Butter Easily

1. Wash and chop the pears

Rinse the pears well. Remove the cores and cut into chunks—no peeling necessary! The skins add flavor and blend smoothly later.

2. Load the slow cooker

Add pears, sugar, lemon juice, spices, and salt into the crockpot. Stir well. Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours, stirring occasionally.

3. Blend until smooth

Use an immersion blender or transfer to a countertop blender. Blend until completely smooth, then return to the crockpot if needed.

4. Thicken (optional)

Leave the lid slightly ajar and cook on LOW for another 1–2 hours to thicken further. Stir occasionally.

5. Add vanilla

Stir in vanilla extract to finish. The result should be rich, glossy, and spreadable.

At this point, you can chill or freeze the pear butter. Or, follow the next steps to can it for long-term storage.

How to Can Pears: Easy Water Bath Method Explained

Canning is simple and satisfying. Here’s how:

1. Prepare jars

Wash jars, lids, and rings in hot soapy water. Keep jars warm in simmering water.

2. Fill jars

Ladle hot pear butter into jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Wipe rims and secure lids.

3. Process in water bath

Place jars in boiling water, ensuring 1-inch coverage. Process for 10 minutes.

4. Cool and store

Remove jars with tongs. Cool on a towel for 12–24 hours. Check for seals before storing.

This straightforward technique is perfect for those wondering how to can pears without stress.

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Tips for Flavorful and Smooth Canned Pear Sauce

• Use ripe pears for full flavor and smooth texture.
• Adjust sweetness as needed based on pear variety.
• For a unique twist, try adding a splash of peach vinaigrette for extra brightness.
• Blend thoroughly for silky texture, or leave some small chunks for rustic charm.
• Stir during cooking to prevent sticking or burning.

Wild Pear Recipes and Substitutes You Can Try

Wild pears offer a naturally tart, more concentrated flavor—perfect for spreads and sauces. Combine them with sweeter pears if desired. You can also experiment with adding fruits like nectarines or apples for flavor balance.

Don’t toss overripe or slightly bruised fruit. They’re ideal for turning into butter, sauce, or even baked into a caramel apple empanada.

How to Freeze Pears and Store Leftover Pear Butter

To freeze pear butter:

• Cool completely
• Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving headspace
• Label and freeze for up to 6 months

To store in the fridge, use an airtight container. It will last up to 2 weeks.

Freezing also works well for whole or sliced pears. For a snack-ready option, try pairing pear slices with homemade granola bars or mixing into school lunch ideas for kids.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Canning Pears Recipes Easy

• Skipping lemon juice – It’s essential for acidity and safety in canning.
• Overfilling jars – Leave proper headspace to prevent spoilage.
• Not checking seals – Always ensure jars are sealed before storing.
• Using under-ripe fruit – This reduces flavor and affects texture.
• Not sterilizing equipment – Clean tools prevent contamination.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you achieve success with every batch.

Serving Ideas for Crockpot Pear Butter and More

There are endless ways to enjoy this sweet, spiced spread:

• Spread on toast, biscuits, or fresh white bread
• Swirled into Greek yogurt
• As a topping for pumpkin smores cookies
• Glazed over roasted meats like pork or chicken
• Added to oatmeal or smoothies
• Paired with cheese on a snack board

Feeling festive? Serve alongside a warm hocus pocus latte or a cozy pumpkin cream cold brew.

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FAQs About Canning Pears, Freezing, and Pear Storage

Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but lower sugar versions are better for freezing or refrigeration than shelf storage.

How long does canned pear butter last?
Properly sealed jars can last up to a year in a cool, dark place.

Can I use this method with apples or peaches?
Absolutely! Try blending with peach crisp or apples for variations.

Do I need pectin?
No. The slow cooking naturally thickens the butter without it.

Is pear butter the same as pear jam?
Pear butter is smoother and more concentrated than jam, with less sugar and no pectin.

Conclusion + Call to Action: Share This Canning Pears Recipe Easy!

This delicious, no-fuss pear butter recipe is proof that canning pears recipes easy can be flavorful, practical, and deeply rewarding. Whether you’re preserving your fall harvest, preparing gifts, or just craving something sweet and spiced for breakfast, this recipe delivers.

Tried it and loved it? Share this recipe with friends and fellow food lovers, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more seasonal recipes, cozy meals, and homemade pantry staples.

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