Chunky Pear Butter with a Lemon Twist Recipe

 Chunky Pear Butter with a Lemon Twist is a smooth, fragrant spread with bits of tender pear and a touch of bright citrus. The natural sweetness of ripe pears blends beautifully with the tang of lemon, creating a comforting and versatile preserve. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, pancakes, scones, or even serving alongside roasted meats and cheeses. This recipe brings out the cozy flavor of fall with a hint of freshness from lemon zest.

1. Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

2. Serving: About 4 cups

3. Ingredients:

  • 4 pounds ripe pears (about 8 medium), peeled, cored, and chopped

  • ¾ cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness of pears)

  • ¼ cup honey

  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ½ cup water

4. Instructions:

  1. Prepare the pears: Peel, core, and chop the pears into small chunks. If you prefer a smoother butter, chop them finer.

  2. Cook the fruit: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the pears, water, lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, honey, and spices. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

  3. Simmer and thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring often. The pears should soften completely, and the mixture should start to thicken.

  4. Mash or blend: For a chunky texture, mash with a potato masher. For a smoother butter, use an immersion blender to puree until silky.

  5. Check consistency: The pear butter is ready when it holds its shape on a spoon and no excess liquid pools around it. If too thin, continue cooking until thickened.

  6. Cool and store: Let it cool completely, then spoon into clean jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

5. Nutrition (per tablespoon):

  • Calories: 35

  • Carbohydrates: 9g

  • Protein: 0g

  • Fat: 0g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 8g

6. Tips:

  • Use ripe, juicy pears like Bartlett or Bosc for the best flavor.

  • Add more lemon zest if you want a stronger citrus kick.

  • For a deeper flavor, cook the butter longer over low heat to caramelize slightly.

  • A pinch of cloves or allspice can add warmth if you like spiced spreads.

  • Serve it warm with pancakes or swirl it into oatmeal for a cozy breakfast.