Apple Or Pear Butter

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 16 Cuisine: American

Sweet and spicy apple or pear butter offers a rich, velvety spread with warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 4 qt. fruit, peeled and cored
  • 1/4 cup apple juice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice or cloves

Instructions

  1. Put the peeled and cored fruit into a large pan.
  2. Add apple juice and simmer until the fruit is soft.
  3. Mash the cooked fruit with a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth.
  4. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice or cloves to the mashed fruit and mix well.
  5. Serve the apple or pear butter over pancakes or on whole wheat toast.
  6. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your apple or pear butter, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of lemon juice to balance the sweetness. If you don't have apple juice, you can substitute it with pear juice or even water for a lighter version. Adjust the spices according to your preference; for example, using more cinnamon can give it a warm, cozy flavor. If you're looking for a vegan version, this recipe is already suitable.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious apple or pear butter is perfect spread over pancakes or whole wheat toast, making it a delightful breakfast treat. It also pairs beautifully with oatmeal or yogurt for a nutritious start to your day. Consider serving it alongside Maggie'S Special Salad for a complete meal or as a topping for warm ginger cutouts for a sweet dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover apple or pear butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Apple Or Pear Butter contains roughly 674 calories, with 7g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 26g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

674 kcal 34% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.5g 15% DV
Total Fat 46.4g 59% DV
Carbs 63.7g 23% DV
Fiber 26.1g 93% DV
Sugar 4.8g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 31.6mg 1% DV
Potassium 443.4mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 0.2mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 3.9mg 4% DV
Calcium 237.9mg 18% DV
Iron 3.9mg 21% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen fruit for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen fruit for making apple or pear butter. Just make sure to thaw it first and drain any excess liquid to achieve the right consistency. The flavor will still be delicious, though fresh fruit usually yields a better texture.

How can I make this recipe sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter butter, you can add sugar, honey, or maple syrup to taste during the cooking process. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed, keeping in mind that the natural sweetness of the fruit will also contribute to the final flavor.

Is it possible to can this apple or pear butter?

Absolutely! To can your apple or pear butter, follow proper canning procedures using sterilized jars and lids. Process in a water bath for about 10-15 minutes to ensure safety and long-term storage. Always refer to updated canning guidelines for best practices.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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