Pear Honey

There’s something so cozy about homemade pear honey. This old-fashioned recipe isn’t actual honey, but its deep golden hue and thick, spreadable texture make the name feel just right. Fresh pears and granulated sugar simmer to create a sweet, luscious fruit spread, and crushed pineapple adds a bit of tang and depth. Ladle it into jelly jars, and you’ve got a simple, timeless treat that’s perfect slathered on toast, stirred into yogurt, spooned over ice cream or given as a thoughtful homemade holiday gift.

Ingredients for Pear Honey

• Pears: Ripe, juicy pears give the “honey” its fruity flavor and silky texture. Bartlett pears are ideal since they’re naturally juicy and break down easily as they cook, but Anjou, Bosc or even backyard varieties will work. Choose firm, ripe pears without mushy spots, and plan to use for 3 to 4 pounds of fruit.
• Sugar: Granulated white sugar does more than just sweeten. It helps draw the juices out of the pears and thickens the mixture as it cooks, transforming the fruit into a thick, jam-like spread.
• Crushed pineapple: Pineapple adds bright, tangy flavor and keeps the pear honey from being one-note sweet. Canned crushed pineapple is a time-saver—be sure to drain it well so the pear honey isn’t watery—but you could substitute very ripe, finely chopped fresh pineapple.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the pears

Peel and quarter the pears, then place them in a food processor. Process them until they’re finely chopped.

Editor’s Tip: Finely chop the pears by hand if you don’t have a food processor.

Step 2: Simmer the pear honey

Combine the chopped pears and sugar in a large Dutch oven. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the mixture, uncovered, for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the crushed pineapple and continue cooking and stirring for five minutes more.

Editor’s Tip: If your pear honey isn’t as smooth as you’d like, use an immersion blender in the pot to blend the mixture into a silky puree.

Step 3: Transfer the pear honey to jars

Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully ladle the pear honey into six clean, hot half-pint jars. Wipe the rims with a damp paper towel to remove any drips, then screw on the lids until fingertip tight.

Editor’s Tip: Heating the jars first helps prevent the glass from cracking when you add hot food and gives you a better seal. Wash your jars well, then place them in a pot of simmering water on the stove until you’re ready to fill them.

Step 4: Cool then refrigerate

Let the jars cool to room temperature, then store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Editor’s Tip: Pear honey isn’t acidic enough for safe water bath canning, but we have plenty of tried-and-true canning recipes to try.

Pear Honey Variations

• Add a citrus twist: Stir in a couple tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice when you add the pineapple for a brighter, tangier flavor.
• Include warming spices: Give your pear honey an autumnal vibe by adding a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves. You could also try dried or freshly grated ginger for a spicy twist.
• Halve the recipe: Simply halve the quantity of each ingredient to make a smaller batch of pear honey. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so keep a close eye on the mixture as it simmers.
• Reduce the sugar: Cut the sugar back to 3 cups for a slightly less-sweet pear honey. You may have to simmer the mixture a little longer for it to thicken.
• Make apple-pear honey: Replace half of the pears with peeled, finely chopped apples for a more complex fruit spread.

How to Store Pear Honey

Store your pear honey in clean, sealed jars in the refrigerator. It’ll keep for up to two weeks. If you plan to give jars as gifts, either freeze them ahead of time or include a label with storage instructions so the recipient knows to keep the pear honey refrigerated.

Can you freeze pear honey?

Yes! To keep pear honey longer, transfer sealed and cooled jars to the freezer for up to three months. Be sure to leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar to allow for expansion. Thaw frozen pear honey overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying it.

Pear Honey Tips

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh fruit, choose a very ripe, juicy pineapple. Peel and core the fruit, then chop it finely. You may need to simmer the pear honey a bit longer after adding the pineapple to soften the fruit. If the pineapple makes your pear honey stringy, blend it until it’s smooth with a handheld or countertop blender.

Can you make pear honey in a slow cooker?

You can make pear honey in a slow cooker, but the process will take longer than it would on the stovetop. Combine the pears and sugar in your slow cooker and cook them on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours until the pears break down and the mixture thickens. During the last 30 minutes, stir in the pineapple. Ladle the pear honey into jars and store it as directed.

Can you safely can this pear honey recipe?

We don’t recommend canning pear honey, since it isn’t acidic enough for safe long-term shelf storage. Instead, enjoy it as a refrigerator or freezer recipe: Keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze it for up to three months.

What do you serve with pear honey?

Pear honey is a wonderfully versatile fruit spread. Slather it on warm biscuits, toast or English muffins for a sweet breakfast treat, or try it in place of syrup on fluffy pancakes or waffles. Stir a spoonful into yogurt or oatmeal to add natural fruit flavor, or pair it with a cheese board for an elegant appetizer. It also makes a delicious dessert topping for cream cheese pound cake, angel food cake or vanilla ice cream.