Are you craving a deliciously smooth, naturally sweet spread that's packed with flavor but free from added sugars? Get ready to fall in love with this incredibly simple Sugar-Free Pear Butter that will revolutionize your morning toast and satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt! Using nothing more than ripe pears, warm spices, and a touch of apple juice, this recipe transforms ordinary fruit into a luxurious, spreadable delight that will make you forget all about processed sugar.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 120 mins
Total Time: 135 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 cups
Ingredients
- 6 ripe pears, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and carefully core the ripe pears, then chop them into small, uniform chunks to ensure even cooking and smooth texture.
- Place the chopped pears into a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, ensuring there's enough space for the mixture to simmer without overflowing.
- Pour the apple juice over the pears, which will help prevent sticking and add natural sweetness without additional sugar.
- Add ground cinnamon and nutmeg to the mixture, stirring gently to distribute the spices evenly throughout the pears.
- Sprinkle lemon juice over the pears to help prevent browning and add a subtle tangy brightness to the final butter.
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Reduce heat to low and continue cooking, stirring frequently and mashing the pears with a potato masher or wooden spoon as they soften.
- Cook slowly, allowing the pears to break down and reduce, which will concentrate their natural sweetness and create a thick, spreadable consistency.
- Continue cooking and stirring for approximately
- 5 to 2 hours, or until the mixture has reduced by about half and reached a thick, jam-like texture.
- Test the consistency by running a spoon through the mixture - it should leave a clear path and not immediately fill back in.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to clean, sterilized glass jars for storage.
- Allow the pear butter to cool completely at room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or consider water bath canning for longer preservation.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pears: Select fully ripe, soft pears for maximum natural sweetness and easier breakdown during cooking.
- Low and Slow is the Key: Patience is crucial in developing deep, rich flavors. Resist the urge to turn up the heat, as slow simmering concentrates the pear's natural sugars.
- Stir Frequently: Prevent burning by stirring your pear butter every 10-15 minutes, especially as it thickens.
- Texture Matters: Use a potato masher or immersion blender to achieve your desired smoothness.
- Storage Hack: For longer preservation, consider water bath canning, which can extend the shelf life up to several months.
- Spice Variation: Feel free to experiment with additional warm spices like ginger or cardamom to customize your pear butter.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
