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Easy Slow Cooker Spiced Pear Butter (Stovetop & Instant Pot Options)

A close-up of thick, dark amber homemade pear butter served in a small white fluted ramekin.
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Make this incredibly simple spiced pear butter using your slow cooker for a thick, naturally sweet spread. This recipe works well for canning and gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pounds ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou recommended)
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pears: Wash, core, and quarter the pears. You do not need to peel them for slow cooker or Instant Pot methods, as the skins will break down during cooking.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Place the prepared pears, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and water into the basin of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
  3. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The pears should be very soft.
  4. Blend: Carefully transfer the cooked pear mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker. Add vanilla extract, if using. Blend until completely smooth.
  5. Thicken (Optional): If the butter seems too thin, transfer the puree to a large saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency, about 15 to 30 minutes.
  6. Stovetop Method: If you skip the slow cooker, combine all ingredients in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered for 2 to 3 hours, stirring often, until the pears are soft and the mixture has thickened. Blend as directed above.
  7. Instant Pot Method: Combine all ingredients (except vanilla) in the Instant Pot. Cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure. Blend as directed above. Simmer on the Sauté function if further thickening is needed.
  8. Cool and Store: Let the pear butter cool completely. Transfer to clean jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or process using standard water bath canning methods for long-term storage.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use firm, ripe pears like Bartlett or Anjou. Avoid overly soft pears that may turn mushy too quickly.
  • This recipe makes a wonderful holiday gift when canned properly.
  • If you want an apple pear butter recipe, substitute 1 pound of the pears with 1 pound of tart apples, peeled and cored.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/easy-pear-butter-recipe-slow-cooker/