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Easy Spiced Pear Butter with Vanilla Bean

spiced pear butter - featured image

A cozy, flavorful pear butter infused with warming spices and real vanilla bean, perfect for fall breakfasts and snacks. This homemade spread balances simplicity with rich, comforting flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pounds ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Bartlett)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (reduce to ¾ cup for less sweet)
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 whole vanilla bean, split and scraped
  • 1 large cinnamon stick (or 1 tsp ground cinnamon as substitute)
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Peel, core, and chop pears into roughly 1-inch pieces (about 15 minutes).
  2. In a large saucepan, combine chopped pears, granulated sugar, brown sugar, water, scraped vanilla bean seeds and pod, cinnamon stick, ground cloves, and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and partially cover with lid to allow steam to escape. Simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring every 10–15 minutes to prevent sticking.
  4. Remove vanilla pod and cinnamon stick once pears are soft and thickened. For smoother butter, optionally run through a food mill or blend briefly with an immersion blender.
  5. If pear butter is too thin, simmer uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring often until spreadable consistency is reached.
  6. Spoon hot pear butter into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch headspace. Let cool completely at room temperature before sealing.

Notes

Use firmer pears like Bosc for better texture and flavor. Stir regularly to prevent burning and help break down pears evenly. Low and slow simmering is key for best results. Vanilla bean adds natural floral sweetness and visual appeal. Lemon juice prevents browning and balances sweetness. For smoother texture, use a food mill or immersion blender carefully. Store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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