Amish Pear Butter Recipe
Introduction
Amish Pear Butter is a rich, spiced spread made from ripe pears and warming spices. This slow-cooked treat offers a naturally sweet and smooth flavor, perfect for toast, pancakes, or as a unique gift.
Ingredients
- 10 ripe pears, cut into cubes, skin on
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons allspice
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until the pears are well-coated with the sugar and spices.
- Step 2: Transfer the mixture to a large heavy pot and simmer on low heat for 4-5 hours until the pears are very soft. Alternatively, cook in a slow cooker on high for 5 hours.
- Step 3: Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Allow the pear butter to cool before transferring it into glass jars for storage.
- Step 5: Serve and enjoy on toast, biscuits, or use as a flavorful addition to your favorite recipes.
Tips & Variations
- Choose ripe but firm pears to avoid a watery pear butter and enhance natural sweetness.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
- For a smoother texture, peel the pears before cooking, though the skin adds extra fiber and nutrients.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to taste, especially if your pears are very sweet.
Storage
Store pear butter in airtight glass jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned pears instead of fresh pears?
Fresh pears are best for flavor and texture, but if using canned pears, drain them well and reduce the added sugar since canned pears may be sweeter.
Is it necessary to peel the pears before making pear butter?
No, keeping the skin on adds nutrients and helps thicken the butter, but peeling can create a smoother spread if preferred.
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Amish Pear Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: About 4 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Amish Pear Butter is a rich, warmly spiced fruit spread made by slowly simmering ripe pears with brown sugar and aromatic spices. This traditional buttery-textured condiment is perfect for spreading on toast, serving alongside cheese, or adding depth to desserts, capturing the wholesome, comforting flavors of Amish cooking.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 10 ripe pears, cut into cubes with skin on
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons allspice
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cubed pears, dark brown sugar, allspice, nutmeg, vanilla, and lemon juice until all the pieces are well coated with the sugar and spices.
- Simmer Pear Mixture: Transfer the mixture to a large heavy pot and simmer on low heat for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pears are very soft. Alternatively, cook on high in a slow cooker for 5 hours, which gently breaks down the fruit and develops deep flavors.
- Puree the Pear Butter: Using an immersion blender or transferring to a regular blender, blend the cooked pear mixture until completely smooth and creamy in texture.
- Cool Before Storing: Allow the pear butter to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it into clean glass jars for storage.
- Serve and Enjoy: Use this flavorful Amish pear butter as a spread on breads, a topping for desserts, or a sweet addition to your favorite recipes.
Notes
- Use ripe pears for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Ensure to stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom.
- Pear butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or frozen for longer preservation.
- Adjust spices to taste; increase nutmeg or allspice for a stronger warm spice profile.
- For a finer texture, strain the pear butter through a fine mesh after blending if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Amish
Keywords: Amish Pear Butter, pear spread, spiced pear butter, pear fruit spread, homemade fruit butter, autumn preserves
