If you love the idea of capturing the sweet, delicate essence of ripe pears in a luxurious, spreadable form then this Pear Honey Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen. It’s a charming blend of tender pears and a hint of pineapple that transforms into a golden, luscious treat perfect for breakfast or anytime you crave a touch of natural sweetness. Once you make this pear honey yourself, you’ll discover just how extraordinary homemade preserves can be—so silky, fragrant, and packed with sunshine in every spoonful!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Trust me, the magic of this Pear Honey Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, acidity, and texture, giving you that perfect homemade fruit spread that feels both comforting and indulgent.
- 8 cups ripe pears (peeled, cored, and finely chopped): Choose Bartlett or Bosc pears for their perfect balance of sweetness and firmness, the star of this recipe.
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice): Adds a subtle tropical tang that brightens the flavor and enhances the natural sweetness of the pears.
- ¼ cup lemon juice: Provides a refreshing citrus note and prevents the mixture from browning, keeping the color vibrant and fresh.
- 6 cups granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and achieving that thick, honey-like consistency you’ll love spreading on everything.
How to Make Pear Honey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Base
Start by peeling, coring, and finely chopping your pears until you have a lovely pile of juicy fruit pieces. Combine them in a large pot with the crushed pineapple and lemon juice. Bring this to a gentle boil on medium heat, stirring now and then. This step softens the fruit and lets their flavors mingle beautifully.
Step 2: Simmer the Mixture
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let the mixture gently cook for about 10 minutes, giving the ingredients plenty of time to marry and the fruit to soften even further. This simmer is key for a smooth, richly flavored base.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Thicken
After simmering, stir in your sugar until it dissolves completely. Then keep your heat low and simmer for another 1 to 1½ hours. Stir frequently as it thickens into that luscious, honey-like syrup. Don’t forget to skim off any foam that appears—it keeps your pear honey crystal clear and silky.
Step 4: Cool and Jar
Once your pear honey reaches the perfect thick yet spoonable texture, remove it from heat and allow it to cool just a bit. Then carefully pour it into sterilized jars and seal tightly. If you’re planning to enjoy it soon, refrigerate and use within three weeks, or for pantry storage, process those jars in a hot water bath.
How to Serve Pear Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh sprig of mint or a thin slice of pear on top of your serving to enhance the visual appeal and add a fresh aroma that complements the sweetness perfectly. A sprinkle of crushed nuts can add a lovely crunch against the smooth honey texture as well.
Side Dishes
This pear honey pairs beautifully with warm toast, fluffy pancakes, buttery biscuits, or even tangy yogurt. It’s also wonderful alongside a cheese platter, especially mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese, which balance the sweetness with their creamy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Try drizzling your Pear Honey Recipe over vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert or swirl it into your morning oatmeal for a natural touch of sweetness. You can also use it as a glaze for roasted vegetables or pork to add an unexpected fruity note.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After opening, keep your pear honey refrigerated where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to three weeks. Store in an airtight container to maintain its vibrant flavor and prevent any spoilage.
Freezing
If you want to keep your pear honey longer, you can freeze it in freezer-safe containers. Just make sure to leave some space at the top as it will expand. Frozen pear honey can last for several months without losing its flavor.
Reheating
When ready to use frozen or refrigerated pear honey, warm it gently in a saucepan or microwave until it’s slightly softened and pourable. Avoid boiling it again to preserve its delicate flavors and natural texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pears in the Pear Honey Recipe?
Absolutely! While Bartlett and Bosc pears are recommended for their flavor and texture, other pear varieties can work too. Just make sure they are ripe but firm for the best results.
Is it necessary to add pineapple to the Pear Honey Recipe?
Pineapple is optional but highly recommended because it adds acidity and a subtle tropical flavor that balances the sweetness and keeps the preserve lively and fresh.
How thick should the pear honey be when finished?
The final consistency should be thick and syrupy, much like traditional honey—it should coat the back of a spoon and spread easily without being runny.
Can I use this pear honey as a jam substitute?
Definitely! This pear honey works wonderfully as a spread on bread, toast, or even as a dollop on desserts, making it a versatile alternative to traditional jams.
Do I need to sterilize jars if I’m refrigerating the pear honey?
While strict sterilization is best for long-term storage, if you plan to keep your pear honey in the fridge and consume it within three weeks, using clean, airtight jars is usually sufficient.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Pear Honey Recipe is such a rewarding experience that brings a little sunshine and sweetness into your day. It’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious spread on everything from breakfast to dessert. Give this recipe a try, and I promise, your kitchen will smell amazing and your taste buds will thank you for it!
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Pear Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 cups
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Pear Honey recipe is a delightful homemade fruit spread made from ripe pears and crushed pineapple, cooked down with sugar and lemon juice to create a naturally sweet, honey-like condiment. Perfect for spreading on toast, pancakes, or biscuits, this gluten-free and vegan pear preserve is easy to make on the stovetop and can be stored refrigerated or canned for longer shelf life.
Ingredients
Fruit Base
- 8 cups ripe pears (peeled, cored, and finely chopped)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- ¼ cup lemon juice
Sweetener
- 6 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, mix the chopped pears, crushed pineapple with juice, and lemon juice together, ensuring everything is evenly distributed before heating.
- Simmer Fruit Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to soften the fruit and blend the flavors.
- Add Sugar and Dissolve: Stir in the granulated sugar until completely dissolved, ensuring an even sweetness throughout the mixture.
- Cook to Thicken: Continue simmering on low heat for 1 to 1½ hours, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to help the mixture thicken to a honey-like consistency. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface during cooking.
- Cool and Store: Remove the pot from the heat and allow the pear honey to cool slightly. Pour the mixture into sterilized jars and seal. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or process in a hot water bath for longer-term preservation.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend the pear mixture slightly with an immersion blender before adding the sugar.
- Use Bartlett or Bosc pears for the best flavor and sweetness.
- This pear honey is delicious as a spread on toast, pancakes, or biscuits.
