Delicious Apple Pear Butter Recipe
How to Make Homemade Apple Pear Butter with Fall Spices
There’s nothing that says fall like fresh-picked apples, juicy pears, and the warming spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Combine those flavors, and you’ve got a wonderful batch of Apple Pear Butter! To take it up a notch, we’re also adding a hint of cardamom to give it a rich, aromatic twist. So grab your pot and let’s get cooking! Speaking of pots, start with a nice heavy-bottomed one. Since we’ll be cooking this mixture for quite some time, you want to avoid any burning and ensure your Apple Pear Butter turns out perfectly smooth and flavorful.
Choosing the Best Apples and Pears for Your Apple Pear Butter
This time of year is perfect for getting fresh fruit straight from the orchard. The added bonus? A visit to a local orchard makes for a great day trip, and the experience is unforgettable. I love visiting an orchard nestled in the mountains of Virginia, fresh apples and stunning scenery make it a trip worth taking. But if you can’t make it to an orchard, no worries! Store-bought apples are just as great, and you’ll often find a variety of orchard apples at your local grocery store. When selecting apples, it’s important to know the differences. For a sweeter Apple Pear Butter, I recommend using a blend of apples, like Granny Smith for tartness and Envy for sweetness. But if you prefer a tarter flavor, you can adjust by using apples like Granny Smith or Winesap. The same goes for pears, be sure to choose a variety that fits your taste. Not sure where to start? Check out this quick guide on the best cooking apples and pears to find what works for you!
Best Pears for Puree: Top Varieties for Sweet, Smooth Results
For making pear puree, the best pears to use are those that are ripe, sweet, and have a smooth texture. Here are some top choices:
- • Bartlett Pears: Known for their juicy, sweet flavor and tender flesh. They break down well when cooked, making them ideal for puree.
- • Bosc Pears: Slightly firmer than Bartletts but still sweet and flavorful. They hold up well during cooking and create a smooth puree.
- • Anjou Pears: These pears are sweet and have a smooth texture, making them great for pureeing.
- • Comice Pears: Very sweet and juicy, though they can be a bit more delicate, so handle them gently.
Choose pears that are ripe but not overly soft to ensure a good texture and flavor in your puree.
To Peel or Not to Peel: Preparing Your Apples and Pears
The next step in developing the flavors in your Apple Pear Butter is deciding whether to peel the fruit. That’s definitely the question! (lol) But one thing I never question is coring. I always core my apples and pears because the hard bits in the core can be unpleasant and may affect the flavor. I’ve even noticed this in some store-bought butters and sauces. As for peeling, that’s entirely optional. Some apple peels can be bitter, even when the apple itself is sweet, which might not be a pleasant surprise. But if you’re planning to adjust the spices and sugar, the peels may not make much difference since everything will be pureed. After deciding whether to peel, the next step is chopping the fruit. You can roughly chop them without worrying about uniform size since they’ll break down as they cook. Just be sure to stir occasionally as they simmer for about an hour.
What Makes This Apple Pear Butter Extra Special
What sets this Apple Pear Butter apart is the addition of apple cider, orange juice, and cardamom. If you don’t have apple cider, don’t worry, you can substitute with 100% real white grape juice. And if you don’t have either, just use water! I like my butter on the sweeter side because I love to spread it over salted butter, sometimes even topping it with flaked sea salt for a caramel-like flavor. If you prefer a super sweet butter, like I do, and plan to use all cider, be sure to taste the cider first. Not all ciders are created equal; some are much sweeter than others, which can affect how much sugar you need to add. Pears are naturally sweet too, so if you want to dial back the sweetness, stick to water and reduce the sugar to ¼ cup.
Spices That Make It Cozy and Delicious
Now, let’s talk spices, this is where the cozy fall flavors really come through. Feel free to adjust based on what you have, but the warming spices are key. You can add allspice or ginger if you like, or stick with just cinnamon if that’s what you have on hand. My favorite spice, though, is cardamom. Whether in pod form or ground, it adds a unique complexity that’s hard to describe, my taste buds pick up citrusy and piney notes. It works beautifully in both sweet and savory dishes, though be aware it’s a bit on the pricey side. But trust me, it’s worth every penny!
Apple Pear Butter with Cardamom
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 Tbs orange juice
- ½ cup sugar
- 4 to 5 cups of apples
- ½ tsp vanilla extract optional
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Peel and core apples and pears. (peeling is optional)
- Add apple cider and water and bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for 40 minutes or until very soft.
- Puree while warm, using blender or food processor.
- Add pureed fruit to pan and add remaining ingredients
- Cook on low heat until brown and desired texture.
Notes
Perfecting the Cook Time for Your Apple Pear Butter
When it comes to cooking your Apple Pear Butter, the cook time can vary depending on your desired texture. There are plenty of recipes out there with different times, but it really boils down to personal preference. I like to cook mine a little longer to achieve a medium thickness, it’s not too thin, but not overly thick either. If you prefer a more traditional, thick apple butter texture, slow-cook it for up to 8 hours. Just be sure to watch it closely around the 6-hour mark, as that’s when it really begins to caramelize and develop those deep, rich flavors. This thick, caramelized butter is perfect for spreading on peanut butter and butter sandwiches, so delicious! From my experience, taking the extra time to slow-cook it makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
Tips for Perfect Apple Butter in a Slow Cooker
- Cook on Low: Start your apple butter on low heat for the first 6 hours to let the flavors develop slowly.
- Increase Heat in the Last Hour: For a thicker texture, turn the slow cooker to high during the last hour of cooking. This helps evaporate any extra liquid.
- Stir Occasionally: Make sure to stir the apple butter every couple of hours to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Vent the Lid: During the last few hours, prop the lid open slightly to allow steam to escape, which helps thicken the butter.
- Test for Thickness: Spoon a small amount onto a plate and let it cool to see if it’s at your desired consistency. If it runs, cook longer.
- Blending for Smoothness: Use an immersion blender at the end of cooking for a super smooth, creamy texture.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Apple Pear Butter
You have to try this Apple Pear Butter, it will completely change your breakfast game! Spread it over oatmeal, top your morning toast or English muffins, or even spoon it over your favorite muffins. Warm it up and drizzle it on pancakes or waffles for a sweet, fruity twist. But don’t limit it to just breakfast! Apple Pear Butter pairs beautifully with pork, making it a delicious sauce for oven-baked or roasted pork chops. If you're entertaining, add it to your charcuterie board alongside cheeses, fruits, and crackers for a cozy fall touch. And for a truly indulgent snack, try my Apple Cheddar Walnut Bread toasted with butter and a generous slather of this butter on top, paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea, it’s absolute perfection!
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Hey, if you tried this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! A quick rating helps others out too, and if you added your own twist, let’s talk about it!