If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the gentle sweetness of ripe pears and the tropical zing of pineapple into one luscious spread, then this Pear Honey Spread Recipe is just for you. It’s a silky, jam-like delight that’s bursting with natural fruit flavors, without a trace of actual honey, making it a perfect all-occasion fruit preserve. Whether you slather it on your morning toast, dollop it on biscuits, or pair it with a creamy cheese plate, this recipe transforms humble pears into a golden jar of pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pear Honey Spread Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, tartness, and texture, creating a harmonious spread that sings on your palate.
- 8 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped ripe pears: Choose perfectly ripe pears for maximum sweetness and that tender texture essential for the spread.
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained: Adds a tropical tang and natural juice that keeps the spread moist and vibrant.
- ¼ cup lemon juice (fresh or bottled): Provides just the right amount of acidity to brighten flavors and help preserve the jam.
- 6 cups granulated sugar: The key to achieving that luscious, jam-like consistency while enhancing the natural fruit sugars.
How to Make Pear Honey Spread Recipe
Step 1: Combine and Cook the Fruit
Start by tossing the chopped pears, crushed pineapple with its juice, and the lemon juice into a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the pears become very soft and the mixture melds into a flavorful base.
Step 2: Mash for Texture
Grab a potato masher or an immersion blender and gently mash the fruit mixture, leaving some small pear chunks for delightful texture. This step ensures your spread isn’t overly smooth; those little bits add a lovely homemade touch that makes each spoonful feel special.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Dissolve
Now comes the sweet magic. Stir in the granulated sugar gradually, mixing until it is completely dissolved into the hot fruit. The sugar not only sweetens but also helps the spread achieve its velvety thickness.
Step 4: Boil to Jam-Like Consistency
Turn the heat back up and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Stay by the stove and stir frequently to avoid scorching. Let it boil hard for about 30 to 40 minutes, until it thickens into a jam-like consistency and coats the back of a spoon beautifully. This patient simmer creates that signature silky texture of the Pear Honey Spread Recipe.
Step 5: Jar and Cool
Remove the pot from heat and allow the spread to cool slightly before carefully pouring it into sterilized jars. To keep your spread fresh, either refrigerate for up to three weeks or process the jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes, which makes it shelf-stable for up to a year.
How to Serve Pear Honey Spread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped mint or a pinch of ground cinnamon atop your spread for a pop of color and flavor. These garnishes complement the natural sweetness of the pear and pineapple and add an inviting aroma that makes it even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This spread pairs wonderfully with warm biscuits, crispy toast, and flaky croissants. It’s also a fantastic companion for a cheese board, especially alongside creamy brie or tangy goat cheese, where the sweet spread balances savory richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fresh twist, serve your Pear Honey Spread Recipe dolloped onto yogurt or oatmeal in the morning. You can even swirl it into baked goods like muffins or scones before baking to add a sweet fruit surprise in every bite. For entertaining, consider small appetizer spoons garnished with a bit of spread and a sliver of pear or pineapple for a bite-sized delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any unused Pear Honey Spread Recipe refrigerated in airtight jars or containers. Properly stored, it stays fresh and flavorful for up to three weeks, making it easy to enjoy over multiple meals.
Freezing
If you want to store the spread longer without canning, freezing is a great option. Pour cooled spread into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. Frozen Pear Honey Spread keeps well for up to six months and thaws quickly in the fridge for convenient use.
Reheating
When ready to use frozen spread, thaw it overnight in your refrigerator. To loosen the texture if it seems too thick, gently warm it on the stovetop or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until you get back that perfect velvety consistency.
FAQs
Is there real honey in this Pear Honey Spread Recipe?
Despite its name, this spread contains no actual honey. The “honey” refers to the smooth, sweet texture and natural fruit sugars from pears and pineapple that mimic the richness of honey.
Can I use different types of pears for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou pears work beautifully. Just be sure to use ripe pears for the best sweetness and texture, which are crucial to the success of the spread.
How long does the spread last if canned properly?
When processed in a water bath canner and sealed correctly, your Pear Honey Spread Recipe jars can last up to one year stored in a cool, dark place.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
While you can slightly reduce the sugar, keep in mind that sugar helps preserve the jam and achieve the right texture. Reducing it too much might affect the consistency and shelf life.
Is this spread suitable for special diets?
Yes! This Pear Honey Spread Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a versatile option for many dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Pear Honey Spread Recipe is a delightful journey from fresh ripe fruit to golden, luscious jars of goodness. It’s straightforward, comforting, and so satisfying to share with friends and family. Next time you want to brighten breakfast or elevate a snack, this spread will be your go-to secret weapon for adding that special homemade touch. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first spoonful!
Print
Pear Honey Spread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 half-pint jars
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan,Gluten Free
Description
Pear Honey is a delightful fruit spread made from ripe pears and crushed pineapple, sweetened with sugar and brightened with lemon juice. This naturally sweet and silky-textured condiment is perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or serving alongside cheese. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and can be refrigerated or canned for longer storage.
Ingredients
Fruit Mixture
- 8 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped ripe pears (about 6–8 medium)
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice (undrained)
- ¼ cup lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
Sweetener
- 6 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Fruit Mixture: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine the chopped pears, crushed pineapple with juice, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking.
- Simmer and Soften: Reduce the heat and let the fruit mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes until the pears become very soft, stirring occasionally to maintain even cooking.
- Mash the Fruit: Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to lightly mash the cooked fruit mixture, leaving some small pear chunks to provide texture in the final spread.
- Add Sugar: Stir in the granulated sugar until it is fully dissolved into the fruit mixture.
- Boil to Thicken: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Continue boiling for 30–40 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the spread thickens to a jam-like consistency.
- Cool and Store: Remove the pot from heat and let the pear honey cool slightly. Pour the spread into sterilized jars. Refrigerate for immediate use or process the jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes to create shelf-stable preserves.
Notes
- Pear honey is a fruit spread and contains no actual honey, just natural sweetness from fruit and sugar.
- Its silky texture and fruity flavor make it delicious on biscuits, toast, or paired with cheese.
- Store refrigerated pear honey for up to 3 weeks or canned jars for up to 1 year.
