Homemade Slow Cooker Pear Butter Recipe: Sweet Fall Magic

Slow cooker pear butter upgrades ordinary fruit into a luxurious, silky-smooth delicacy that captures autumn’s warmth.

Homemade spreads offer an unparalleled depth of flavor impossible to find in store-bought versions.

Fragrant spices mingle with ripe fruit, creating a rich sensory experience that tantalizes taste buds.

The gentle, slow-cooking method concentrates natural sugars and develops complex, nuanced notes throughout the preparation.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward technique make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Nutritious and versatile, this butter works wonderfully across multiple culinary applications.

You’ll love how simple yet impressive this delectable preserve can be.

Why Slow Cooker Pear Butter Is a Cozy Must

• Slow and Sweet Transformation: Watch ordinary pears magically turn into a rich, velvety spread through the gentle, patient process of slow cooking, which develops deep, concentrated flavors without burning or scorching.
• Hands-Off Cooking Convenience: Enjoy minimal preparation and maximum flavor with this simple slow cooker method that requires little active cooking time, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without constant monitoring.
• Versatile Seasonal Delight: Create a luscious pear butter that works perfectly as a spread on toast, a topping for pancakes, or a sweet addition to cheese boards, capturing the essence of fresh, ripe pears in every spoonful.
• Healthy Homemade Goodness: Craft a low-calorie, nutrient-rich condiment with zero cholesterol, minimal fat, and natural fruit sugars, offering a healthier alternative to store-bought preserves while controlling exactly what goes into your food.

Pear Butter Ingredients That Make It Shine

• Pears: Sweet, ripe pears provide the main base for the butter, with juicy and soft texture ideal for slow cooking.

• Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that adds depth and classic fall flavor to the pear butter.
• Nutmeg: Subtle, sweet spice that complements the pears with a gentle warmth.
• Brown Sugar: Adds rich caramel-like sweetness and helps create a deeper color in the final spread.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with smooth, sweet undertones.

• Lemon Juice: Bright acid that helps prevent browning and balances the sweetness of the pears.
• Salt: Small amount to enhance and round out the overall flavor profile of the pear butter.

How to Make Pear Butter in a Slow Cooker

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the inside of a large slow cooker to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Add Pears

Cube fresh pears and place them evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 3: Layer Seasonings

• Cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon juice

Step 4: Initial Cooking

Cover the slow cooker and set to high heat. Cook for 4 hours without stirring to allow flavors to develop.

Step 5: Mash Pears

After initial cooking, carefully remove the lid and gently mash the pears using a fork or potato masher to break down the fruit.

Step 6: Blend Smooth

Transfer the pear mixture to a blender and pulse until completely smooth, about 30 seconds.

Step 7: Continue Cooking

Pour the blended mixture back into the slow cooker. Leave the lid slightly open to allow steam to escape.

Step 8: Reduce and Thicken

Cook on high for an additional 3-4 hours. Stir the mixture every 30 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even thickening.

Step 9: Cool and Store

Remove from heat and let the pear butter cool completely. Transfer to clean glass jars.

Step 10: Refrigerate

Store in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 weeks. Enjoy as a spread on toast, pancakes, or as a dessert topping.

Expert Tips for Smooth and Flavorful Pear Butter

• Select Ripe Pears: Choose soft, fragrant pears at peak ripeness for maximum natural sweetness and smooth texture.
• Spice Balance: Experiment with different spice combinations like cardamom or nutmeg to customize flavor profiles without overwhelming the delicate pear taste.
• Prevent Burning: Stir occasionally during the final thickening stage to prevent scorching and ensure even caramelization.
• Smooth Consistency: Use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker for easier cleanup and more controlled blending.
• Storage Tip: Sterilize glass jars before filling to extend the pear butter's refrigeration life and maintain optimal preservation.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Pear Butter

• Refrigeration: Transfer the cooled pear butter into clean glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Seal carefully and store in the refrigerator for maximum freshness. The homemade spread will maintain its delicious flavor for 3-4 weeks when stored properly.
• Freezing: Want longer storage? Freeze your pear butter in freezer-safe containers, leaving about a half-inch of space at the top for expansion. Frozen pear butter stays delectable for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Reheating: Gently warm small portions in the microwave using short 15-second intervals, stirring between each burst. Alternatively, heat slowly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Pear Butter

• Slice and Savor with Artisan Bread: Spread this velvety pear butter on warm, crusty sourdough or rustic whole grain bread for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack that highlights the butter's rich, caramelized flavors.
• Complement with Creamy Cheese: Pair the pear butter with tangy goat cheese or a mild brie on a charcuterie board, creating a perfect balance between the sweet, spiced pear spread and the creamy, sharp cheese.
• Sip and Enjoy: Match this pear butter with a crisp, slightly dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Riesling, or for a non-alcoholic option, enjoy with a warming chai tea that echoes the butter's warm spice notes.
• Breakfast Boost: Swirl the pear butter into Greek yogurt or oatmeal, adding a luxurious touch to your morning meal and bringing a burst of seasonal sweetness to your breakfast routine.

Flavorful Spins on Classic Pear Butter

• Spiced Autumn Pear Spread: Enhance the recipe by adding ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of cloves during the initial cooking phase for a warm, seasonal flavor profile.
• Vanilla Bean Pear Preserve: Incorporate a split vanilla bean during cooking to infuse a rich, aromatic sweetness into the pear butter.
• Honey Ginger Pear Butter: Replace some sugar with local honey and add freshly grated ginger for a zesty, natural sweetness that complements the pears' mild flavor.
• Caramelized Maple Pear Mixture: Swap out regular sugar for pure maple syrup and cook slightly longer to develop deeper caramel notes and richer color.

Slow Cooker Pear Butter Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Slow Cooker Pear Butter brings orchard-fresh sweetness to your kitchen with minimal effort. Ripe pears simmer gently into a silky spread that promises rich, caramelized flavor perfect for morning toast or afternoon snacking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 8 medium-sized pears, cubed with cores and stems removed

Sweeteners:

• 0.5 cup (120 ml) granulated sweetener or preferred granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) dark brown sugar sweetener or preferred dark brown sugar

Spices and Flavoring:

• 1.5 teaspoons (7.5 ml) cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) allspice
• 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure Madagascar bourbon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat the interior of a 6-quart (5.7 liters) slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Carefully dice ripe pears into uniform 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) cubes, ensuring even cooking and texture.
3. Gently distribute pear cubes across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even layer.
4. Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and vanilla extract evenly over the pear cubes, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Close the slow cooker lid and set the temperature to high, allowing the mixture to cook undisturbed for 4 hours.
6. After initial cooking time, use a potato masher or sturdy fork to gently break down the pears into a rustic consistency.
7. Transfer the partially mashed pear mixture to a blender, processing for 30-45 seconds until achieving a smooth, velvety texture.
8. Return the blended mixture to the slow cooker, positioning the lid slightly askew to permit steam escape and promote thickening.
9. Continue cooking on high heat for an additional 3-4 hours, stirring thoroughly every 30 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even reduction.
10. Once the pear butter reaches a jam-like consistency with deep, rich color, remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
11. Carefully ladle the cooled pear butter into sterilized glass jars, leaving approximately 1/4 inch (0.6 centimeters) of headspace.
12. Refrigerate immediately and consume within 3-4 weeks for optimal flavor and freshness.

Notes

• Cooking this pear butter transforms ordinary fruit into a luscious, spreadable delight that captures autumn’s warmth in every spoonful.
• Slow cooker method ensures minimal effort while producing maximum flavor complexity without constant monitoring.
• Blending after initial cooking creates silky smooth texture, eliminating chunky inconsistencies and developing deeper taste profiles.
• Stirring during final reduction concentrates natural sugars, intensifying the pear’s inherent sweetness and developing rich caramel undertones.
• Refrigeration helps preserve the butter’s vibrant taste, allowing you to savor homemade goodness for several weeks after preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 100 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: <1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg