If you’ve ever wanted sheer sunshine in a jar, Pear Honey is about to become your new obsession. This Southern-inspired fruit spread is silky, sweet, and brimming with the gentle floral notes of ripe pears—there’s no honey here, but it’s every bit as luscious! Imagine juicy pears, a bright splash of pineapple, and a touch of citrus brought together into the perfect topping for biscuits, toast, yogurt, or even a holiday cheese board. Making Pear Honey is surprisingly simple, and the reward is a beautiful preserve that captures the very best of pear season, ready to share with family or give as a thoughtful, homemade gift.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pear Honey Ingredients:
- 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)
- 6 cups granulated sugar

How to Make Pear Honey

Step 1: Prep the Fruit

Start by peeling, coring, and finely chopping your ripe pears. The riper, the better—the natural sugars really amplify the flavor! Take your time with this step, as finely chopped pears cook more evenly and yield a smoother Pear Honey texture. Drain and measure your pineapple (no need to drain if using juice, just pour it all in), and have the lemon juice and sugar ready.

Step 2: Cook the Fruit Mixture

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine the chopped pears, crushed pineapple with its juice, and lemon juice. Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, until the pears have completely softened and the kitchen smells amazing.

Step 3: Mash for Texture

Once your fruit is soft, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to gently mash the mixture. Don’t overdo it—a few small pear chunks add wonderful texture and visual appeal to the finished Pear Honey. This step gives the spread its luscious consistency, somewhere between a jam and a fruit butter.

Step 4: Add Sugar and Thicken

Stir in the granulated sugar, making sure it’s fully dissolved into the warm fruit. Once combined, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir frequently as you boil for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture thickening up into that gorgeous, spoonable Pear Honey consistency. Keep an eye on it to prevent scorching—low and slow is better than rushing!

Step 5: Jar and Store

When your Pear Honey is thick and glossy, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Pour the hot spread into sterilized jars, leaving a bit of headspace. If you want it shelf-stable, process the jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes. Otherwise, cool completely and refrigerate. Enjoy within 3 weeks, or stash in the pantry (once canned) for up to a year.

How to Serve Pear Honey

Garnishes

Pear Honey is wonderful with just a swipe of butter underneath, but it really shines when topped with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest or a scattering of toasted walnuts. Those little details add both flavor and a pretty finish when serving on a breakfast table or cheese board.

Side Dishes

This sweet spread is unbelievably good alongside warm cornbread, sourdough toast, or fluffy buttermilk biscuits. If you’re serving brunch, set out small bowls of Pear Honey with fresh ricotta, yogurt, or even pancakes for an extra-special touch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you love to entertain, put a jar of Pear Honey in the center of a cheese platter with sharp cheddar, creamy blue cheese, and buttery crackers. Swirl it into oatmeal, dollop over vanilla ice cream, or even use it as a glaze for roasted vegetables. For a gift from the heart, tie a ribbon around a jar and share with neighbors—it’s guaranteed to bring a smile!

Pear Honey Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve made your batch, keep any extra Pear Honey in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Be sure the jars are sealed tight and always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination, keeping your spread fresh and tasty.

Freezing

If you want to stash away extra jars for even longer, Pear Honey freezes beautifully! Use freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before and stir well before serving.

Reheating

Most often, you can enjoy Pear Honey straight from the fridge. If you prefer it warmed for drizzling, just microwave a little in a small bowl for 10–15 seconds, or heat gently on the stove over low heat until loosened and glossy.

FAQs

Is there real honey in Pear Honey?

Nope! Despite the name, Pear Honey contains no actual honey. The tantalizing sweetness comes entirely from ripe pears and sugar, making it vegan-friendly and perfect for anyone who doesn’t eat honey.

Can I use other fruits with the pears?

Absolutely! Pear Honey is delicious as is, but adding apples or swapping in diced peaches for some of the pears is a fun twist. Just keep the overall quantity of fruit the same for best results.

Is Pear Honey good for canning?

Yes—it’s a fantastic beginner recipe for canning! As long as you follow safe water bath canning methods and use sterilized jars, your Pear Honey will be shelf-stable for up to a year.

How will I know when Pear Honey is thick enough?

After boiling, test by placing a small spoonful on a cold plate; it should hold its shape and wrinkle slightly when pushed with a finger. The mixture should be glossy and spreadable, not runny.

What are the best pears to use?

Bartlett pears are a favorite for Pear Honey thanks to their sweetness and juicy texture, but Bosc or Anjou pears work well, too. The key is choosing fruit that’s soft and fully ripe for best flavor.

Final Thoughts

With its golden color, velvety texture, and uniquely comforting flavor, Pear Honey is a true kitchen gem that always draws compliments. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself spreading it on everything from breakfast toast to late-night crackers. There’s just something special about homemade preserves, and this one might become a staple in your kitchen, too!

Pear Honey Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 half-pint jars 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

Learn how to make delicious pear honey at home with this easy recipe. This pear honey is a sweet and fruity spread that is perfect for breakfast or as a condiment.

Ingredients

Scale

Pear Honey Ingredients:

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)
6 cups granulated sugar

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Instructions

Prepare the Fruit: In a large pot, combine pears, crushed pineapple, and lemon juice. Boil until soft.
Mash and Sweeten: Mash the mixture slightly, then add sugar and cook until thick.
Jar and Store: Fill sterilized jars and refrigerate or process for shelf-stable storage.

Notes

Pear honey is a fruit spread—there’s no actual honey in it, just sweet pear goodness with a silky texture.
Delicious on biscuits, toast, or served with cheese.
Store refrigerated for up to 3 weeks or canned for up to 1 year.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American