Pear Vanilla Butter: A Sweet, Spiced Spread for Every Occasion Recipe

Introduction

Pear Vanilla Butter is a luscious, spiced spread that brings warmth and sweetness to your table. Made with ripe pears and fragrant vanilla, it’s perfect for toast, desserts, or as a flavorful addition to cheese boards.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (about 4 cups) ripe pears, peeled and diced
• ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped, or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine the diced pears, sugar, vanilla bean seeds and pod (or vanilla extract), lemon juice, cinnamon, and water in a medium pot.
2. Step 2: Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pears become very soft.
3. Step 3: Remove the vanilla bean pod if used, then blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
4. Step 4: Return the puree to low heat and cook for another 20 to 30 minutes, stirring regularly, until thickened to your desired consistency.
5. Step 5: Let the pear vanilla butter cool, then transfer it to jars. Store in the refrigerator or freeze for longer keeping.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra smooth texture, strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before the final cooking step.
• Use the spent vanilla bean pod to infuse sugar and create homemade vanilla sugar.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to introduce a deeper spice note.
• Try substituting honey or maple syrup in place of granulated sugar for a different flavor.
• If canning, process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to make the spread shelf-stable.

Storage

Store pear vanilla butter in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in suitable containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving, stirring well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pears for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen pears completely before starting. Keep in mind that the texture might be a bit softer, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Is it necessary to use a vanilla bean?

No, vanilla extract works well as a convenient substitute, though a vanilla bean gives a richer and more aromatic flavor.

Pear Vanilla Butter: A Sweet, Spiced Spread for Every Occasion Recipe

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4.7 from 368 reviews

Pear Vanilla Butter is a luscious, sweet-spiced spread made from ripe pears infused with vanilla and warm cinnamon. This versatile butter is perfect for spreading on toast, swirled into yogurt, or as a delightful addition to desserts. With a smooth texture and balanced sweetness, it’s a cozy treat for every occasion.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: About 1.5 cups 1x
• Category: Spread
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Fruit and Flavorings

• 2 lbs (about 4 cups) ripe pears, peeled and diced
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Sweetener and Spice

• ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup water

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a pot, mix the diced pears, granulated sugar, split and scraped vanilla bean (or vanilla extract), lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and ¼ cup water. This combination will build the base flavor for your pear vanilla butter.
2. Simmer Pears: Place the pot over medium-low heat and let the mixture simmer for 30–40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the pears soften evenly, transforming them into a tender, fragrant mixture.
3. Remove Vanilla Bean and Blend: If you used a vanilla bean pod, take it out now to prevent any gritty texture. Then, blend the pear mixture until it’s completely smooth, creating that creamy butter consistency.
4. Thicken the Butter: Return the blended mixture to low heat and cook for an additional 20–30 minutes. Stir frequently as it thickens into a spreadable, jam-like texture.
5. Cool and Store: Let the pear vanilla butter cool completely. Transfer it into sterilized jars, then refrigerate for immediate use or freeze for long-term storage. The spread will keep well and become a staple in your kitchen.

Notes

• Texture Tip: For an extra smooth finish, strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before the final cooking step to remove any remaining solids.
• Vanilla Hack: Don’t discard the used vanilla bean pod; dry it and use it to make vanilla sugar for baking and beverages.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom during cooking to enhance complexity and warmth.
• Sugar Swap: Substitute granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different, natural flavor profile.
• Canning: For shelf-stable storage, process jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes following safe canning practices.

Keywords: pear butter, vanilla spread, pear vanilla butter, fruit spread, fall recipes, homemade jam, spiced spread