Pear Preserves Recipe
This Pear Preserves Recipe is a simple, beginner-friendly method to make delicious homemade preserves that capture the natural sweetness and tender texture of ripe pears. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it ensures long-lasting freshness and versatile uses—from spreading on toast to glazing meats—offering a cozy autumnal flavor in every jar.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 4 (8 oz) jars 1x
- Category: Condiments
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh ripe but firm pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Optional Variations
- 1–2 cinnamon sticks or 2 star anise pods (for spiced pear preserves)
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (for ginger infusion)
- Additional mashed ripe pears or 1/4 cup apple juice (for low-sugar version)
- 1–2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (for herb infusion)
- 1 cup chopped apples or quince (for mixed fruit preserves)
- Prepare Your Pears: Peel, core, and chop the pears into small, even pieces to ensure even cooking and a tender preserve texture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, add the chopped pears, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Stir gently to combine and dissolve the sugar before heating.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, cooking until pears are tender and the liquid thickens into a syrupy consistency, about 30-40 minutes.
- Add Flavor Enhancers: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add vanilla extract or optional spices like cinnamon sticks or star anise to infuse their flavors without overpowering the pears.
- Jar the Preserves: Once the preserves reach the desired thickness, remove from heat and carefully ladle into sterilized jars. Seal while hot and allow to cool completely before storing.
Notes
- Use firm pears to maintain texture and avoid mushy preserves.
- Stir often during simmering to prevent burning or sticking to the pot.
- Cook longer if thicker preserves are desired but watch carefully to avoid caramelizing the sugar.
- Properly sterilize jars and lids to ensure safe preservation and freshness.
- Taste the preserves during cooking to adjust sweetness or spice levels as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pear preserves, homemade preserves, pear jam, fruit preserves, easy preserves recipe, beginner preserves