Homemade Pear Butter (Instant Pot, Crockpot & Stovetop)

When fall rolls around and pears are piled high at the market, it’s the perfect time to make a batch of homemade pear butter. Sweet, spiced, and silky smooth, this recipe turns ripe pears into a luscious spread that tastes like autumn in a jar. Whether you’re team Instant Pot, slow cooker, or stovetop, you’ll love how easy it is to whip up this fragrant treat. Slather it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or give it as a gift—your kitchen will smell incredible, and your tastebuds will thank you.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pear Butter

This homemade pear butter is the kind of comforting, low-effort recipe that delivers big flavor. Here’s why it’s worth making:

• Three Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer the Instant Pot, slow cooker, or stovetop, there’s a method that works for your style.
• Warm Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom make each bite cozy and aromatic.
• Perfect for Beginners: No fancy tools or canning knowledge needed—just blend and jar!
• Naturally Sweet: Brown sugar enhances the pears without overpowering them.

A Slice of History: Fun Facts About Homemade Pear Butter

1. The term “fruit butter” refers to a smooth, thick spread made by slowly cooking fruit with sugar and spices.
2. Pear butter has been made for centuries in Europe and America as a method of preserving fall fruit.
3. Despite its name, it contains no dairy—just fruit cooked until creamy.
4. Families often passed down their own spice blends, making each version unique to the household.

Key Ingredients in Homemade Pear Butter

• Pears – The heart of the recipe. Bartlett or Anjou pears are perfect for their sweet, juicy flesh.
• Brown Sugar – Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with warm spices.
• Lemon Juice – Brightens the flavor and helps preserve the butter’s color.
• Spice Blend – Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, cardamom, and cloves work together to create that classic fall warmth.
• Water – Helps the fruit break down while cooking, especially for stovetop and pressure cooker methods.

How to Make Homemade Pear Butter

Choose Your Method: Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, or Stovetop

Instant Pot Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot insert and stir to coat the pears.
2. Lock the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
3. Once done, do a quick pressure release and carefully open the lid.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth.
5. Hit the Sauté function and simmer the pear butter for 20 minutes to thicken.
6. Let cool, then transfer to jars.

Slow Cooker Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in your slow cooker and close the lid.
2. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6–8 hours, until pears are soft and fragrant.
3. Puree with an immersion blender until silky smooth.
4. Cool and transfer to clean jars.

Stovetop Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover partially, and simmer for 50–60 minutes.
3. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Once soft, blend until smooth.
4. Cool slightly and transfer to jars.

Homemade Pear Butter Tips and Twists

Whether you’re cooking in a pot or a pressure cooker, here’s how to get the best results from your homemade pear butter:

Pro Tips:

1. Use very ripe pears—they’re easier to cook and naturally sweeter.
2. Stir frequently on the stovetop to avoid burning.
3. Taste and adjust spices to your liking after blending.
4. Let the butter simmer down enough to reach a spreadable texture.
5. Use sterilized jars if you plan to store it longer in the fridge.

Flavor Twists:

• Vanilla Pear Butter: Stir in 1 tsp vanilla after blending.
• Bourbon Pear Butter: Add a splash of bourbon after cooking for depth.
• Cranberry Pear Butter: Toss in 1/2 cup cranberries for a tart holiday twist.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

• Storage: Store in sealed jars in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for up to 6 months.
• Reheating: Not necessary, but you can microwave it slightly if you prefer it warm.
• Make-Ahead: Make a double batch and freeze extra jars—you’ll be glad you did during the holidays!

Serving Suggestions

This homemade pear butter is endlessly versatile. Here are a few ways to use it:

• Spread it: On toast, muffins, pancakes, or scones.
• Spoon it: Into plain yogurt, overnight oats, or cottage cheese.
• Serve it: Alongside pork chops, roasted turkey, or grilled chicken.
• Bake it: As a filling in thumbprint cookies, swirl in cakes, or layer in parfaits.
• Gift it: Package in a cute jar for a thoughtful homemade holiday gift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pears?
Yes, just drain them well and reduce the sugar slightly.

Do I need to peel the pears?
For the smoothest texture, yes—but you can leave skins on if you’re blending thoroughly.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, especially for the slow cooker and stovetop versions. Be sure your pot can handle it.

How thick should the pear butter be?
It should mound slightly on a spoon and hold its shape when cooled.

Can I can this pear butter?
Yes, follow proper water bath canning techniques for shelf-stable storage.

Enjoy Your Homemade Pear Butter

Now that you know how easy it is to make homemade pear butter, you’ll never look at ripe pears the same way again. Whether you’re spooning it over pancakes or adding it to a cheese board, this spiced fruit spread brings a little magic to your meals. Plus, it makes the whole house smell amazing while it cooks—now that’s a win-win.

Explore More Recipes

Looking for more seasonal comfort and versatile spreads? You’ll love these too:

• Our Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes are heavenly topped with pear butter.
• Try Best Carrot Cake Cookies and sandwich them with pear butter for a spiced dessert.
• Serve a spoonful alongside Grilled Chicken Wraps for a savory-sweet combo.
• Pair it with No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake for a fruity dessert duo.
• Or enjoy it with our cozy Simple Avocado Toast with Egg for a sweet-salty breakfast twist.

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Homemade Pear Butter (3 Easy Methods)

This homemade pear butter is warm, spiced, and silky smooth—perfect for toast, yogurt, or gifting. With Instant Pot, slow cooker, and stovetop options, it’s an easy recipe for any kitchen. Naturally sweet and full of fall flavor, it’s beginner-friendly and delicious!

Course Breakfast, Condiment, Snack

Cuisine American, Fall Favorites

Keyword fall recipes, fruit spread, homemade pear butter, instant pot pear butter, slow cooker pear butter

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4 cups

Calories 35kcal

Author Abby Marlow

Ingredients

• 3 lbs pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 TBSP lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• Pinch of ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom

Instructions

Instant Pot Instructions:

• Add all ingredients to the insert pot and stir to combine.
• Close lid, set to sealing, and cook for 20 minutes at high pressure.
• Quick release the pressure, open lid, and puree with an immersion blender.
• Use the Sauté setting to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Transfer to jars and let cool.

Slow Cooker Instructions:

• Place all ingredients in a slow cooker and stir.
• Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6–8 hours.
• Puree with immersion blender until smooth.
• Transfer to jars and let cool.

Stovetop Instructions:

• Combine ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
• Reduce to medium-low, cover partially, and simmer 50–60 minutes, stirring often.
• Once pears are soft, puree with an immersion blender.
• Transfer to jars and allow to cool.

Notes

Use very ripe pears for best flavor and texture.

Adjust spices to taste.

Pear butter thickens as it cools.

For longer shelf life, use proper canning techniques.

Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or freeze up to 6 months.

Calories
35 kcal per 2 tbsp