Imagine spreading a luscious, silky-smooth pear butter on your morning toast that tastes like autumn itself has been captured in a jar. This slow cooker pear butter is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that transforms humble pears into a decadent, spice-infused spread that will make your taste buds dance with delight. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you'll create a preserve that rivals any store-bought version, filling your kitchen with the warm, comforting aromas of cinnamon and caramelized fruit.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 pints
Ingredients
- 6 cups peeled and chopped pears
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and prepare fresh pears by peeling, coring, and chopping them into small, uniform chunks. Place chopped pears directly into the slow cooker.
- Add sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice to the chopped pears. Stir thoroughly to ensure all pear pieces are evenly coated with the spices and sugar.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Allow the pear mixture to cook for 5-6 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even caramelization.
- After 5-6 hours, the pears should be deeply caramelized and reduced to a thick, spreadable consistency. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth, or carefully transfer to a standard blender for processing.
- Continue cooking uncovered for an additional 30-60 minutes with the lid off to help thicken the pear butter and concentrate the flavors.
- While the pear butter is finishing, sterilize canning jars, lids, and rings by washing in hot, soapy water and then boiling for 10 minutes.
- Carefully ladle the hot pear butter into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe jar rims clean and secure lids and rings.
- Process filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation. Remove and allow jars to cool completely.
- Check jar seals, label with contents and date, and store in a cool, dark pantry for up to one year.
Tips
- Choose ripe, fragrant pears for the most intense flavor. Bartlett or Anjou varieties work best for this recipe.
- Cut pears into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even caramelization.
- Use an immersion blender for the smoothest texture, but be careful of hot splatters.
- If your pear butter seems too thin, continue cooking with the lid off to reduce and thicken.
- Always use sterilized jars and new lids to ensure safe preservation.
- Let jars cool completely undisturbed to ensure proper sealing.
- Store in a cool, dark place and consume within one year for best quality.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
