Pear Preserves Recipe (Sweet & Simple)

There’s something timeless and cozy about making your own pear preserves. It’s a little slower, a little sweeter, and a whole lot more rewarding than grabbing a jar off the shelf. With just a few ingredients—fresh pears, sugar, lemon, and warm spices—you’ll create a rich, spoonable preserve that’s perfect for biscuits, toast, cheese boards, or even straight off the spoon.

This recipe is beginner-friendly, totally customizable (spiced or classic!), and a beautiful way to preserve the flavor of ripe pears for months to come. Whether you’re making a small batch to enjoy or canning for holiday gifts, these preserves are always a hit. 💛

What You’ll Need

For the Pear Preserves (makes about 3–4 cups):

4 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced ripe pears (about 5–6 medium Bartlett or Anjou pears)
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
¼ teaspoon ground ginger or allspice (optional)
Zest of 1 lemon
½ cup water

Pro Tips for Preserving Success

🍐 Use ripe but firm pears – they hold their shape while softening into syrupy goodness.
🍋 Don’t skip the lemon juice – it adds brightness and helps with preservation.
🫙 Sterilize jars if you plan to can for shelf storage.
🕰️ Let it simmer low and slow for the best flavor and texture.
👧 Let kids help stir (with supervision!)—they’ll love watching the transformation.

Tools You’ll Need

Large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Peeler and knife
Sterilized jars with lids (if canning)
Funnel and ladle (for easy jar filling)

Substitutions & Variations

🌿 Add vanilla bean or ½ tsp vanilla extract for a cozy twist
🍎 Mix in apples for a pear-apple preserve
🌶️ Spice it up – add a pinch of cayenne or fresh ginger for sweet heat
🍯 Use honey or brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks
Freeze in jars (leave 1” space) for up to 6 months
Water-bath can for shelf-stable storage (up to 12 months)—see canning notes below!

How to Make Pear Preserves

Step 1: Prep the Pears

Peel, core, and thinly slice your pears into even pieces.
Place them in a large pot with sugar, lemon juice, zest, and water.
Let sit for 30 minutes to draw out the juices.

Step 2: Simmer the Preserves

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 45–60 minutes until thickened and syrupy.
Stir in cinnamon and ginger (if using) about halfway through.

Step 3: Check for Doneness

Test the consistency by spooning a bit onto a cold plate—if it thickens and wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready.
If too runny, simmer a little longer; if too thick, add a splash of water.

Step 4: Store or Can

Ladle into clean jars while hot. Cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.
If canning: process in a water bath for 10 minutes for shelf storage.

Leftovers & Serving Ideas

Serve on toast, biscuits, or scones
Spoon over vanilla ice cream or yogurt
Use in grilled cheese or turkey sandwiches
Add to a cheeseboard for a sweet contrast
Bake into thumbprint cookies or hand pies!

Final Thoughts

Homemade Pear Preserves are sweet, comforting, and totally satisfying—like bottling up a cozy fall morning to enjoy year-round. Whether you keep them for yourself or gift a few jars to someone special, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles (and requests for more). 🍐💛

💬 Did you go classic or spice it up with ginger or vanilla? Let me know how your preserves turned out or what you paired them with—I love hearing how you made this recipe your own!