Let’s talk about one of my absolute favorite homemade fruit spreads: Pear Honey. This shimmering, spoonable treat is packed with lush pear flavor balanced by tangy pineapple and the perfect kiss of lemon. It’s a gorgeous, golden preserve that tastes like late summer sunshine, wonderfully sweet yet delicate, and it’s as versatile as it is easy to love. Whether you slather it on warm biscuits, dollop it over pancakes, or swirl it into yogurt, Pear Honey brings a comforting sense of nostalgia and pure delight to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pear Honey Ingredients:
- 8 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped ripe pears (about 8–10 medium pears)
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple in juice (undrained)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

How to Make Pear Honey

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Start by washing, peeling, coring, and finely chopping about 8 to 10 perfectly ripe pears. The more evenly you chop, the smoother your Pear Honey will be, so take your time here. If you love a rustic, chunky texture, chop the pears by hand; for a smoother spread, feel free to pulse them in a food processor.

Step 2: Combine All Ingredients

Grab a large, heavy-bottomed pot — this helps prevent sticking and burning — and add in your chopped pears, the entire can of crushed pineapple with its juice, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir until thoroughly combined. You’ll notice the colors already look vibrant and inviting!

Step 3: Bring to a Boil

Place the pot over medium-high heat. Stir the mixture often as it heats up, which both dissolves the sugar and keeps everything from sticking to the bottom. Once it hits a steady boil, your kitchen will begin to smell absolutely incredible — fruity, sweet, and citrusy all at once.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat immediately once boiling, and let your Pear Honey simmer gently for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Keep stirring every so often, mashing the pears a bit with your spoon for a texture that’s somewhere between silky and slightly rustic. The magic happens as everything thickens and turns a pale golden color reminiscent of fresh honey.

Step 5: Jar and Cool

When the Pear Honey reaches that dreamy, honey-like consistency, take it off the heat. Carefully ladle the hot mixture into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean, seal with lids, and set them aside to cool fully. You can refrigerate the jars for up to a month, or process them in a water bath for a pantry-stable treat that lasts even longer.

How to Serve Pear Honey

Garnishes

There’s no end to how you can dress up Pear Honey! For a classic touch, spoon it over toast or warm biscuits and sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon. Or, for extra pizzazz, add a few fresh pear slices or even a sprig of thyme for a charming finish.

Side Dishes

Pear Honey makes a wonderful companion to a breakfast spread — think flaky croissants, pancakes, or scones. But don’t limit yourself to morning fare! It’s delightful paired with sharp cheddar or goat cheese on a cheese board, and it even shines as a glaze for roast chicken or pork.

Creative Ways to Present

Give a jar as a homemade gift, tie it with rustic twine, and pair it with a little card of serving suggestions. Or, swirl Pear Honey into yogurt parfaits, drizzle atop vanilla ice cream, or use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies for a sweet and memorable treat. Its golden color looks especially lovely in clear jars at a brunch table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Pear Honey in the refrigerator, sealed tightly. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to a month, making it perfect for everyday use or impromptu brunches. Always use a clean spoon each time to help preserve its bright, fruity flavor.

Freezing

Pear Honey also freezes beautifully! Spoon cooled spread into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of headspace for expansion. Frozen, it keeps well for up to six months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before using, and give it a quick stir to restore that silky smooth texture.

Reheating

If your Pear Honey has thickened in the fridge or after freezing, simply give it a gentle stir. For a slightly warmer spread, scoop it into a microwave-safe dish and heat in short bursts, stirring every ten seconds, just until it loosens up. Be careful not to overheat, as this can alter its lovely consistency.

Pear Honey FAQs

Can I use less sugar for a lighter Pear Honey?

You can reduce the sugar slightly, though the recipe is balanced for both flavor and preservation. Too little sugar may change the texture and shorten the shelf life, so experiment in small batches and store in the fridge.

What type Condiment

Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc pears are excellent choices for their juicy flesh and gentle sweetness. Just be sure whichever variety you use is fully ripe for the most flavor and best texture.

Do I have to can Pear Honey, or is refrigeration enough?

If you plan to eat your Pear Honey within a month, simply refrigerate the jars after they’ve cooled. For longer storage, especially at room temperature, process the sealed jars in a water bath according to safe canning guidelines.

Can I add spices or other flavors?

Absolutely! Try adding a cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, or even a touch of ginger during cooking to customize the flavor to your liking. Don’t forget to remove whole spices before jarring.

Is Pear Honey suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?

Yes, Pear Honey is naturally vegan and gluten-free, with just fruit, sugar, and lemon juice; there’s no animal product or gluten of any kind in this simple, delicious spread.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried making Pear Honey at home, I can’t recommend it enough — it’s a sweet, golden tradition you’ll want to return to again and again. Quick to whip up and sure to impress, it’s that little bit of comfort your breakfasts and snacks have been missing. Give it a try and let your kitchen be filled with the scent of pure, pear-filled joy!

Pear Honey Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: About 6 half-pint jars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Learn how to make delicious Pear Honey at home with this simple recipe. This sweet fruit spread is perfect for toast, biscuits, or even as a glaze for meats. It’s easy to prepare and can be stored for future use.

Ingredients

Scale

Pear Honey Ingredients:

8 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped ripe pears (about 8–10 medium pears)
1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple in juice (undrained)
4 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice

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Instructions

Prepare the Mixture: In a large pot, combine pears, crushed pineapple, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir to mix thoroughly.
Cook the Mixture: Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 to 1½ hours until thickened and golden, stirring occasionally.
Jar and Store: Ladle into sterilized jars, leaving space at the top. Seal and cool before storing in the fridge or processing for longer shelf life.