Name: Pear Applesauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and chopped; 4 apples (such as Fuji or Gala), peeled, cored, and chopped; 1/4 cup water; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional)

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There’s something instantly comforting about a spoonful of homemade Pear Applesauce—creamy, fragrant, and perfectly sweet, it transports you straight back to cozy autumn days and the pure flavors of fresh fruit. This recipe captures everything you love about applesauce and gives it a gentle twist with juicy pears, warm spices, and just the right touch of tang and maple. Whether you’re serving it warm from the pot or chilled from the fridge, Pear Applesauce is a treat that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pear Applesauce:
- 4 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 4 apples (such as Fuji or Gala), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional)

How to Make Pear Applesauce

Step 1: Prep the Fruit

Start by peeling, coring, and chopping both the pears and apples into evenly sized pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate and break down evenly into a luscious sauce.

Step 2: Simmer Everything Together

Combine the chopped pears, apples, water, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Set the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Give everything a good stir, cover, and let the fruit cook for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the fruit is tender and beginning to fall apart, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 3: Mash or Blend to Your Preferred Consistency

Once the fruit is soft, take the pot off the heat. For a rustic, chunky Pear Applesauce, use a potato masher and give your arm a little workout. If you prefer a silky-smooth sauce, reach for an immersion blender and blend until perfect.

Step 4: Add Spices and Sweeten

Stir in the ground cinnamon and nutmeg, letting those wonderful aromas bloom in the warm fruit. Taste your sauce—if your pears and apples were super sweet, you might not need any more sugar. But if you find it needs a little extra, swirl in maple syrup or honey until it tastes just right.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Let the Pear Applesauce cool before ladling it into jars or containers. Store in the refrigerator and pat yourself on the back for making something so delicious—with hardly any effort!

How to Serve Pear Applesauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of cinnamon on top instantly dresses up Pear Applesauce for the table, but you can get creative—try a drizzle of maple syrup, a handful of toasted chopped nuts, or even a few curls of lemon zest for a colorful finish. Fresh mint or a dusting of nutmeg also make delightful garnishes.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pear Applesauce with roast pork or chicken for a classic sweet-savory combination. It also makes a wonderful side for breakfast dishes like oatmeal, pancakes, or even served alongside sharp cheeses and crackers for a chic snack board.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Pear Applesauce slightly warm over vanilla ice cream as a lighter, fruit-forward dessert. Layer it in a parfait with yogurt and granola for an elegant brunch, or spoon it into small cups for a kid-approved afternoon snack. It’s amazing tucked into lunchboxes as a healthy treat, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer completely cooled Pear Applesauce into airtight jars or containers. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week, making it easy to grab whenever cravings strike (or you need a speedy side dish).

Freezing

Pear Applesauce freezes beautifully! Pour it into freezer-safe containers or silicone ice cube trays for easy portioning. Be sure to leave a little space at the top, as it will expand slightly when frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge as needed.

Reheating

To enjoy Pear Applesauce warm, simply scoop what you need into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second bursts, stirring between each. You can also rewarm it gently on the stovetop over low heat. Either way, the flavors are just as fresh as the day you made it.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pears or apples?

Absolutely! While ripe, sweet pears and apples are the best base, try mixing and matching varieties for a unique flavor profile. Bosc, Bartlett, Anjou pears and Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady apples all work beautifully.

Is this Pear Applesauce recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free and, if you use maple syrup (or skip the sweetener), it’s completely vegan. Just double-check your add-ins and garnishes if you’re aiming for a specific dietary preference.

How sweet is this Pear Applesauce?

The final sweetness really depends on your fruit. Taste before adding any maple syrup or honey, and feel free to adjust to your liking. Ripe pears and apples tend to make the sauce naturally sweet enough for most palates.

Can I double (or halve) the recipe?

Absolutely! This Pear Applesauce is easy to scale up or down—simply adjust the quantities to match your needs, and use a larger or smaller pot accordingly. Just make sure not to overcrowd the pan so everything cooks down evenly.

What’s the best way to get a super smooth Pear Applesauce?

If you prefer a very silky texture, blend the sauce thoroughly with an immersion blender right in the saucepan. For extra smoothness, you could even pass it through a mesh strainer (although that’s not necessary for most folks).

Final Thoughts

Now you know my favorite way to make Pear Applesauce—a true fruit lover’s dream that’s as easy as it is rewarding. Whip up a batch and discover just how versatile, comforting, and crowd-pleasing this homemade treat can be. I can’t wait for you to share it with your family, friends, or simply savor it by the spoonful all to yourself!

Pear Applesauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 3 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the delightful combination of pears and apples in this homemade Pear Applesauce recipe. Perfectly sweetened and spiced, this sauce is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways.

Ingredients

Scale

Pear Applesauce:

4 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
4 apples (such as Fuji or Gala), peeled, cored, and chopped
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Fruit: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped pears, apples, water, and lemon juice.
Cook the Mixture: Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the fruit is soft and breaking down.
Mash or Blend: Remove from heat and mash with a potato masher for a chunky texture or blend with an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.
Season and Store: Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup or honey if desired. Let cool before transferring to jars or containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.