Marry Pioneer Woman Pear Butter Recipe — soft, spiced, fall-in-a-jar kinda vibe. sweet pears cooked down with orange zest and a little nutmeg. it spreads like a dream. it’s easy. cheap. and makes your kitchen smell like you actually know what you’re doing.
Jump to RecipeIngredients Needed
- 4 pounds medium pears – quartered, cored. no need to peel.
- ½ cup water – just enough to steam them down.
- 2 cups sugar – yeah, it’s a sweet spread.
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest – use a real orange.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – subtle warmth.
- ¼ cup orange juice – again, fresh if you can.
How To Make Pioneer Woman Pear Butter
- Cook the Pears:
Toss pears in a big pot with that water. Simmer for like 30 mins. Lid on. Stir here and there. They should go soft — like mashable soft. - Mash ‘Em:
Use a food mill or press through a sieve. You want pulp, not chunks. Get about 2 quarts. - Make the Butter:
Move pulp to a new pot. Stir in sugar, zest, nutmeg, orange juice. Low heat. Stir often. It’ll bubble and thicken for about an hour. Don’t walk away. It burns fast. - Can It (or Don’t):
You can ladle hot pear butter into sterile jars. Leave a bit of space at the top. Bubble check with a spatula. Wipe rims. Seal. Boil in water bath for 10 mins. Or just skip this and keep it in the fridge.
Recipe Tips
- Use ripe-but-not-overripe pears. Too soft = watery mess.
- Stir. Constantly. Burnt pear butter smells like sadness.
- Cold spoon test: if it holds a shape, it’s done.
- Fresh zest + juice matter. don’t use bottled.
How to Store & Reheat
- Room Temperature: only if canned properly.
- Fridge: up to 3 weeks in airtight jar.
- Freezer: 6 months. leave space at the top of the container.
Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 35
- Sodium: 10mg
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fibre: 0g
- Sugar: 6g
FAQs
Can I skip the orange juice?
You could. But it won’t have that citrusy depth. Up to you.
Do I have to can it?
Nope. Just keep it in the fridge. Eat it sooner.
Can I use brown sugar instead?
Yep. Adds more caramel-y flavor. Good switch.
Can I add cinnamon?
Totally. Start with 1/2 tsp and taste as you go.
Can I blend instead of sieve?
You can. It’ll be smoother but might have tiny bits. Still good.
Pioneer Woman Pear Butter Recipe
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: EasyServings
32
servingsPrep time
15
minutesCooking time
1
hour30
minutesCalories
35
kcalSweet, thick pear butter with warm spice and citrus — spreads like gold on toast.
Ingredients
4 pounds medium pears
½ cup water
2 cups sugar
1 tsp grated orange zest
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ cup orange juice
Directions
- Cook pears with water until soft.
- Mash through food mill or sieve to make pulp.
- Combine pulp with sugar, zest, nutmeg, and juice.
- Simmer for 1 hour, stirring often.
- Pour into jars. Can them or store in fridge.
Notes
- Use ripe pears for best flavor and texture.
- Stir often — it scorches easily.
- Cold spoon test = check thickness.
- Sterilize jars well if canning.
