Cranberry-Pear Butter Recipe

Looking for a delicious spread that captures the essence of fall? Our Cranberry-Pear Butter recipe is a simple, flavorful, and versatile concoction that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. This homemade butter elevates everything from breakfast toast to holiday appetizers, adding a touch of sweet and tart goodness to any occasion.

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What is Cranberry-Pear Butter?

Cranberry-Pear Butter is a delightful fruit spread, similar to apple butter, but with a unique twist. It’s made by slowly cooking cranberries and pears with spices until they break down into a smooth, luscious butter. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet pears, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and sophisticated. It’s a perfect alternative to traditional jams and jellies and a beautiful way to showcase seasonal produce.

This spread is incredibly versatile; you can use it on toast, scones, pancakes, waffles, or as a glaze for meats. Beyond breakfast, cranberry-pear butter pairs beautifully with cheese platters and desserts, adding a burst of fruity brightness to any culinary creation. The naturally vibrant color makes it visually appealing, while the gentle blend of flavors makes it universally loved. Give this recipe a try and you’ll discover a new favorite spread that brings the joy of autumn to your table year-round!

Key Ingredients for Cranberry-Pear Butter:

4 cups Pears: Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc pears work well. Peel, core, and roughly chop.
2 cups Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal during the fall season, but frozen cranberries work just as well.
1 cup Granulated Sugar: Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your pears and cranberries.
1/4 cup Water: Helps to jumpstart the cooking process and prevent scorching.
2 tablespoons Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors and acts as a natural preservative.
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg: Enhances the aromatic profile.
1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves: A little goes a long way in adding depth. (optional)
1/4 teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

How to Make Cranberry-Pear Butter:

This Cranberry-Pear Butter recipe is surprisingly easy and satisfying. It transforms simple fruit into a rich, flavorful spread in about an hour. The result is a delicious, homemade butter perfect for gifts or your own enjoyment. The gentle simmering process fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma. Get your ingredients ready and prepare to enjoy some homemade goodness. The prep time is about 15 minutes, and the cooking time is about 45 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Combine Ingredients: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the chopped pears, cranberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt.
Bring to a Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cook Until Softened: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the pears and cranberries are very soft and easily mashed. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent scorching.
Mash the Mixture: Remove the saucepan from the heat andmash the mixture with a potato masher or an immersion blender (for a smoother consistency) until no large chunks remain. If using an immersion blender, be careful as the mixture will be hot.
Simmer Until Thickened: Return the saucepan to the stove over low heat, uncovered. Simmer the mashed mixture for another 15-20 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and scorching. The butter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Test for Doneness: To test for doneness, place a small spoonful of the butter on a cold plate. Let it cool for a minute. If it sets up and doesn’t run, it’s ready. If it’s too thin, continue simmering for a few more minutes.
Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry-pear butter cool completely. It will thicken further as it cools.
Store: Transfer the cooled butter to sterilized jars or airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator.If canning, use proper canning techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry-Pear Butter:

This Cranberry-Pear Butter is not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make at home. The vibrant blend of sweet pears and tart cranberries creates a symphony of flavors, perfected by the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. This simple recipe transforms ordinary fruit into a sophisticated spread perfect for breakfast, snacks, or holiday gatherings.

Making your own Cranberry-Pear Butter offers significant cost savings compared to buying similar products at the store. Homemade versions tend to be lower in sugar and preservatives, allowing you to control exactly what goes into your spread. The fresh, natural flavors shine through without the artificial additives found in many store-bought alternatives.

The beauty of this butter lies in its versatility. It’s perfect on toast, scones, or bagels. But you can also use it as a glaze for meats or as a filling for pastries. You can easily customize the recipe by adding other spices like ginger or cardamom, or by experimenting with different types of pears. With its rich texture, seasonal ingredients, and homemade charm, Cranberry-Pear Butter is sure to impress.

If you love this recipe, try making apple butter with a hint of ginger for another delicious homemade treat.

What to Serve Cranberry-Pear Butter With:

Cranberry-Pear Butter is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of foods and flavors:

Breakfast Staples: Spread it on toast, bagels, muffins, scones, pancakes, or waffles for a delightful start to your day.
Cheese and Charcuterie Boards: Serve alongside a selection of cheeses, crackers, and cured meats for an elegant appetizer. It pairs particularly well with brie, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar.
Holiday Dishes: Use it as a glaze for roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. It adds a sweet and tart element that complements savory flavors beautifully.
Desserts: Drizzle it over ice cream, yogurt, or oatmeal. Use it as a filling for tarts, pies, or thumbprint cookies.
Drinks: Pair it with warm spiced cider, mulled wine, or herbal teas for a cozy and comforting experience.

Top Tips for Perfecting Cranberry-Pear Butter:

Use Ripe Pears: Choose pears that are ripe but still firm. Overripe pears will become mushy during cooking.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Taste the mixture as it cooks and adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, depending on the sweetness of your pears and cranberries.
Prevent Sticking: Stir the mixture frequently, especially towards the end of the cooking process, to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
Immersion Blender for Smoothness: For a super smooth butter, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture after the pears and cranberries have softened.
Sterilize Jars for Canning: If you plan to can the butter, be sure to sterilize your jars and follow proper canning procedures to ensure a safe and shelf-stable product. Use a water bath canner. Be sure to leave 1/4″ headspace.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat. Or a strip of orange zest for a brighter citrusy flavor.
Add nuts: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a crunchy texture.

5 Facts about Cranberry-Pear Butter:

Seasonal delight: A perfect way to use fresh cranberries and pears during fall and winter.
Healthier option: Lower in sugar and preservatives compared to store-bought jams.
Versatile: Can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Easy to customize: Adjust the spices and sweetness to your preference.
Makes a great gift: Homemade Cranberry-Pear Butter is a thoughtful and delicious present.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Storing:

Refrigeration: Store cooled Cranberry-Pear Butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the butter in freezer-safe containers or jars (leaving some headspace for expansion). It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Canning: For shelf-stable storage, process the butter in a water bath canner using proper canning techniques. Follow reputable canning guidelines to ensure food safety. Canned Cranberry-Pear Butter can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Reheating:

Refrigerated Butter: Simply scoop out the desired amount of refrigerated butter and use it as needed. There’s no need to reheat it unless you prefer it warm.
Frozen Butter: Thaw frozen butter in the refrigerator overnight. The texture might be slightly different after thawing, but the flavor will remain the same.
Warming (Optional): If you want to warm the butter, microwave it for 10-15 seconds or heat it gently in a saucepan over low heat until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat it.

Final Thoughts:

This Cranberry-Pear Butter recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of autumn. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and makes a wonderful homemade gift. This is the ultimate flavorful condiment for fall. Now you can skip the costly and sugar-filled jelly!

try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest

Cranberry-Pear Butter FAQs:

Can I use frozen pears? Yes, you can use frozen pears. Just thaw them before adding them to the recipe.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar? Absolutely. Start with less sugar and add more to taste.
Can I use a different sweetener? You can substitute granulated sugar with maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor of the butter.
Do I need to peel the pears? Peeling the pears is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skin on if you prefer a more rustic butter
How can I make it vegan? Just ensure your sugar is vegan friendly.
Is this recipe safe for canning? Yes, this recipe is safe for canning if you follow proper canning procedures and use sterilized jars. Be sure to process the jars in a water bath canner for the recommended time based on your altitude.
What can I do if my butter is too runny? If your butter is too runny, continue simmering it over low heat for a longer period to allow more moisture to evaporate. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
How do I know when the butter is done? The butter is done when it has thickened to your desired consistency and coats the back of a spoon. It should also hold its shape when a small amount is placed on a cold plate.