How to Make Pear Sauce

Simple-to-Follow Canning and Freezing Instructions

Pear Sauce

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Pear sauce is an excellent addition to any frugal pantry. It can be served plain, like applesauce; used as a topping for bread and other foods; or used as an oil substitute in many baked good recipes. Heat up the stove, and give this recipe a try while pears are in season.

Ingredients

  • Pears (40 medium-sized or 50 small), peeled, chopped and cored
  • Two teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 cup water
  • Sugar to taste (optional)
  • Cinnamon to taste (optional)

Simple Steps on the Stovetop

  1. Place the pears and water in a large pot, and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce the heat; cover; and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the pears are soft, stirring often.
  3. Add the lemon juice and any sugar or cinnamon that you wish to include.
  4. Bring the pot back to a boil. Then, reduce the heat; and simmer uncovered, until the pears are cooked down to your desired consistency. If you want perfectly smooth sauce, blend the pot with an immersion blender, or transfer the sauce to a regular blender to finish.

Yield: 4 to 6 pints or 2 to 3 quarts; quantity will vary depending on the size of the pears and the length of the cook time.

Crockpot Cooking Method

Pear sauce can also be made in a crockpot. Since this recipe calls for a lot of pears, you'll either need to divide the recipe between two large crockpots or halve the recipe. Keep in mind that it'll take longer to make your pear sauce in the crockpot, but you won't be tethered to the stove while it cooks.

Canning Instructions

Ladle the pear sauce into hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/2-inch of headspace. Then, run a spatula or bubble remover tool around the inside edge of the jar to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims clean; top with a boiled lid; secure the band, and process in a boiling water bath — 15 minutes for pints, 20 minutes for quarts. Place the jars on a towel, and allow them to cool overnight. Then, test the jars for a good seal in the morning (press down on the lid; and if the lid doesn't pop back, the jar is sealed). Refrigerate any jars that did not seal. They'll need to be used within the next few weeks.

Warning

Processing times vary by altitude. Check with your local extension office for times specific to your area, or review the altitude times listed on the National Center for Food Preservation website.

Freezing Instructions

Ladle the pear sauce into clean freezer jars, leaving 1/2-inch of headspace in pint jars and 1-inch of headspace in quart jars.

Seal the jars, and allow them to cool completely before freezing.

Things You Can Do With Pear Butter

  • Use pear sauce as a substitute for some, or all, of the oil called for in cakes, muffins, and cookies. 
  • Pear sauce can also be used in place of the apple, pumpkin or zucchini called for in bread recipes.
  • Cook your pear sauce down further to make pear butter.