Pear Vanilla Butter Spread

Silky spiced and bursting with true pear flavor this Pear Vanilla Butter is my favorite way to honor fall fruit The recipe comes together with just a handful of ingredients and offers a simple afternoon project that makes your house smell incredible You will love having a jar of this luscious spread in the fridge to dollop onto toast yogurt pancakes or even oatmeal

I love how versatile this butter is It started as a way to rescue an overload of pears one autumn and now it is my secret weapon for homemade foodie gifts My friends look forward to a jar every year and it always disappears fast

Ingredients

• Ripe pears: Peeled and diced ripe pears bring natural sweetness and keep the butter velvety Use Bartlett Bosc or any soft variety and pick pears that give slightly to gentle pressure for best results
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the mixture thicken as it cooks You can use less if your pears are very sweet
• Vanilla bean or pure vanilla extract: Vanilla infuses a rich floral flavor that elevates the pears If using a bean look for ones that are plump and shiny not dried out
• Lemon juice: A splash of acidity sharpens the fruit’s flavor and preserves the butter’s color Fresh squeezed is best for vibrant taste
• Ground cinnamon: A warming hint of spice makes the butter feel cozy and balanced Choose Ceylon cinnamon for a delicate gentle touch
• Water: Just a splash to start the simmer Use filtered water for a pure clean taste

Instructions

Prep the Pears:

Peel core and dice the ripe pears aiming for uniform pieces so they cook evenly The riper the pear the more aromatic and smooth the final butter will be

Combine the Ingredients:

In a medium saucepan add the pears sugar vanilla lemon juice cinnamon and water Stir to mix everything together well so the sugar dissolves

Simmer Until Soft:

Set the pan over medium low heat Stir every few minutes and let the mixture simmer for thirty to forty minutes The pears should become very soft and can be easily mashed with the back of a spoon This slow cooking draws out sweetness and depth

Remove and Blend:

Take out the vanilla bean if using Use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the mixture to a traditional blender Blend until completely smooth For extra smoothness you can strain through a fine mesh sieve if you like

Thicken the Butter:

Return the blended mixture to the pot if needed and cook on low stirring often for twenty to thirty more minutes Watch as the fruit butter thickens and darkens Once it holds its shape on a spoon the butter is ready to cool

Cool and Store:

Let your butter cool to room temperature then spoon into clean jars It will thicken more as it cools Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage

Vanilla is my favorite part of this recipe The gentle floral aroma fills my kitchen and transforms even plain toast into something luxurious Last year my youngest helped me scrape the seeds and we both had vanilla scented hands for hours

Storage Tips

Once cooled transfer pear butter into glass jars with tight lids in the fridge it keeps for about two weeks For longer storage freeze in small containers up to six months If canning process in a water bath for ten minutes to keep shelf stable

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer honey or maple syrup swap these for the sugar for a deeper rustic flavor You can also use ground ginger or cardamom in place of cinnamon for a different fragrance For the vanilla both vanilla bean and extract work beautifully

Serving Suggestions

Spread on toasted sourdough or croissants Swirl into morning yogurt or oatmeal Try as a glaze for roast chicken or pork Tender layers pair well with pancakes waffles or even as a cheesecake topping

Cultural and Seasonal Notes

Fruit butters like this have deep roots in American home preserving families made them each fall to use up fruit harvests Pear vanilla butter captures that nostalgia but feels elegant too In peak pear season try mixing a few varieties for a nuanced flavor

Seasonal Adaptations

Works with apples or Asian pears for variety Use brown sugar in winter for a caramel undertone Add a pinch of nutmeg for holiday flair

Success Stories

I once hosted a brunch and set out bowls of this along with homemade bread and coffee Guests raved and everyone wanted the recipe It is foolproof and always wins compliments plus it makes your kitchen smell amazing all afternoon

Freezer Meal Conversion

Make a double batch and store in small freezer safe jars so you can pull out a portion whenever you need a bright fruity spread Defrost overnight in the fridge Stir before serving for best consistency

This pear vanilla butter is always a welcome treat in my kitchen and for gifts Make a batch to savor the very best of pear season

Common Recipe Questions

→ How can I make the butter extra smooth?

For maximum silkiness, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before the final simmer. This removes any remaining pear fibers and produces a luxurious texture.

→ Can I use something other than vanilla bean?

Yes, pure vanilla extract is an excellent alternative. Use about one teaspoon to impart rich flavor if you don’t have a whole vanilla bean.

→ What pears work best for this spread?

Choose ripe, flavorful varieties like Bartlett or Anjou, as they break down easily and have a naturally sweet profile, perfect for this silky treat.

→ Is it possible to can this for longer storage?

Absolutely. Process the finished spread in sterilized jars using a water-bath method for 10 minutes to ensure shelf stability throughout the season.

→ Are there creative ways to serve this butter?

Try spreading it on warm toast, swirling into yogurt, topping pancakes, or pairing with soft cheeses for an elegant appetizer.

→ Can I adjust the sweetness or spices?

Definitely. Adjust sugar to taste, and add a dash of nutmeg or cardamom for depth. Honey or maple syrup also work as alternative sweeteners.