Homemade Crock Pot Pear Butter: A Beginner-Friendly Canning Recipe

If you're looking for a simple, wholesome, and delicious way to preserve fruit, this homemade pear butter recipe is a perfect place to start—especially if you're new to canning. Made in a crock pot with just a few basic ingredients, this pear butter is warm, spiced, and comforting—perfect for toast, bagels with cream cheese, or even layered between cake.

Inspired by Noreen at Noreen’s Kitchen, this version skips the ginger for a kid-friendly twist, using cinnamon and nutmeg instead. Whether you’re stocking your pantry or giving homemade gifts, this recipe is budget-friendly, beginner-approved, and incredibly rewarding.

Why You'll Love This Pear Butter Recipe
Easy Prep: No need for fancy tools—just a crock pot, jars, and basic spices.

Budget-Friendly: Pears were snagged for just 99 cents per pound.

Customizable: Adjust the spices to suit your family’s taste.

Beginner-Friendly Canning: Perfect introduction to water bath canning for new preservers.

No Added Pectin: Pears contain natural pectin, making this recipe even simpler.

Ingredients
7 pounds of ripe pears, peeled and sliced (left chunky for rustic texture)

½ cup bottled lemon juice

¼ cup ground cinnamon (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon freshly ground nutmeg

4 cups white granulated sugar (added later in the process)

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Pears
Start by peeling and slicing about 7 pounds of pears. Leave the pieces chunky for a hearty texture. Add them directly into your crock pot set to low.

2. Add Spices and Lemon Juice
Pour in ½ cup of lemon juice to preserve the color and acidity. Stir in your cinnamon and nutmeg, making sure the pear slices are well coated.

3. Slow Cook the Fruit
Cover and let your pear mixture cook on low for 6–7 hours. During this time, mash the pears occasionally using a potato masher to help them break down.

4. Add Sugar and Continue Cooking
After the initial cook time, stir in 4 cups of sugar. Let the mixture cook longer (overnight if needed) until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency. The total cook time may be 14–15 hours.

5. Prepare for Canning
Sterilize your jars in a 225°F oven for 15–20 minutes. Heat your canning lids in hot water. Keep your water bath canner at a boil and your tools sanitized.

6. Fill and Process Jars
Use a canning funnel and ladle the hot pear butter into jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Wipe the rims with vinegar to ensure a good seal, apply lids finger-tight, and place the jars in the boiling water bath.

7. Water Bath Can
Process jars in boiling water for 15 minutes. Remove and let cool undisturbed on a towel. Check seals after 12–24 hours.

Canning Tips for Beginners
Don’t Fear the Process: Canning can seem intimidating, but it's very doable with patience and clean tools.

Use What Works for You: Some use oven sterilization, others prefer boiling jars. Go with what feels safest and most comfortable.

Sterilization is Key: Always sanitize tools and jars to prevent spoilage.

Start Simple: Recipes like pear butter and grape jelly are great for learning.

Why Homemade Canning Matters
This pear butter recipe is more than just delicious—it's empowering. For many, canning is a way to stretch grocery dollars, reduce waste, and ensure the pantry is stocked with wholesome food. Especially for those who’ve known food insecurity, having shelves full of homemade preserves brings peace of mind.

As the creator shares, watching jars fill with homemade pear butter isn’t just satisfying—it’s deeply rewarding. “I just love watching people can,” she says. “This isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of life, a way of survival.”

Enjoying Your Pear Butter
Here are a few delicious ways to use it:

Spread on toast or bagels

Dollop over pancakes or waffles

Use as a filling between cake layers

Add to a cheese board with crackers

Stir into oatmeal or yogurt

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wanted to try canning, this crock pot pear butter is a fantastic first step. With minimal ingredients and simple instructions, it’s approachable even if you’ve never canned before. Plus, the flavor is phenomenal—rich, spiced, and comforting.