Pear Jam

Imagine the sweet aroma of ripe pears melding with warm cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this delightful pear jam.

It’s a simple yet comforting treat that transforms humble ingredients into a luscious spread perfect for toast or pastries.

As the pears simmer, they evolve into a velvety texture, creating a jam that’s both indulgent and easy to make.

Let’s bring this cozy creation to life!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large saucepan
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 ladle
• 4 mason jars with lids
• 1 cutting board
• 1 knife
• 1 peeler

Ingredients

• 4 cups ripe pears, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while making pear jam, you can create a timeline incorporating prep work, cooking activities, and additional time for reading the recipe and instructions.

Here’s a suggested timeline:

Day 1: Preparation and Cooking

1. Reading and Preparation (10 minutes)
   • Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.
2. Peeling and Chopping (10 minutes)
   • Peel and chop the pears into small pieces.
3. Initial Cooking (10 minutes)
   • Place the chopped pears in a large saucepan.
   • Add granulated sugar, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon to the saucepan.
   • Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
4. Boil and Simmer (1 hour)
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
   • Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
5. Final Steps (5 minutes)
   • Add vanilla extract and stir well before removing from heat.
   • Ladle the hot jam into sterilized mason jars and seal with lids.
6. Cooling (10 minutes)
   • Allow jars to cool at room temperature.

Day 2: Resting and Serving

1. Resting Time (12 hours)
   • Let the jam rest for 12 hours for flavors to meld and texture to set.

Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.

Recipe Instructions

Peel and chop the pears into small pieces.

Place the chopped pears in a large saucepan.

Add granulated sugar, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon to the saucepan.

Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.

Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.

Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Add vanilla extract and stir well before removing from heat.

Ladle the hot jam into sterilized mason jars.

Seal jars with lids and let them cool at room temperature.

Allow the jam to rest for 12 hours before serving.

Serving Tips

• Toast: Spread the pear jam over warm, buttered toast for a simple and delicious breakfast treat.
• Yogurt: Add a dollop of pear jam to plain or vanilla yogurt for a fruity twist.
• Cheese Platter: Pair the jam with a selection of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, for a sophisticated appetizer.
• Ice Cream: Drizzle pear jam over vanilla ice cream for a quick and easy dessert option.
• Pancakes or Waffles: Use pear jam as a topping for pancakes or waffles instead of syrup for a fruity start to your day.

Storage

Store pear jam in a cool, dark place to extend its shelf life.

Once opened, refrigerate the jam to maintain freshness.

Ensure mason jars are properly sealed to preserve flavor.

Freezing

To freeze pear jam, first cool it completely.

Transfer to airtight, freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion.

Label with date, and store in the freezer for up to one year.

Reheating

When reheating pear jam, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat to prevent burning.

Stir consistently and avoid microwaving to maintain texture and flavor integrity.

Final Thoughts

Making pear jam is a delightful way to preserve the sweet flavors of ripe pears.

It’s a simple process that requires just a few ingredients and some patience.

Once you peel and chop the pears, the rest of the recipe involves simmering the mixture until it reaches the perfect consistency.

Don’t forget to add vanilla extract at the end for a hint of warmth that complements the cinnamon.

After ladling the hot jam into sterilized mason jars, let it rest for 12 hours to enhance the flavors.

Enjoy your homemade pear jam on toast, or as a filling for pastries. Store it properly to savor its taste for months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Pears With Another Fruit in This Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute pears with apples or peaches for a delightful twist. Make certain they’re ripe for best flavor. Adjust sugar to taste, and follow the same cooking steps. Experiment with spices to enhance the fruit’s essence.

Is It Necessary to Add Lemon Juice to the Jam?

You’ll want to add lemon juice to balance sweetness and enhance flavors. It also acts as a natural preservative, helping the jam set properly. Without it, the taste might be overly sweet, and the texture inconsistent.

What Is the Best Way to Sterilize Mason Jars?

You should sterilize mason jars by washing them in hot, soapy water, then placing them in a preheated oven at 225°F for 20 minutes. This guarantees a clean, bacteria-free environment for your gourmet creations.

How Can I Make the Jam Spicier or More Flavorful?

To make your jam spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or grated fresh ginger for a zing. Enhance flavors by incorporating star anise or cloves. Don’t forget to taste as you go, ensuring balance.

Can the Jam Be Made Without Added Sugar?

You can make the jam without added sugar by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. These alternatives enhance the flavor while maintaining sweetness. Adjust the quantity to taste, ensuring the pears’ natural sugars shine.

Pear Jam

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Resting Time 12 hours hrs

Total Time 13 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4 cups

Equipment

• 1 large saucepan
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Ladle
• 4 Mason jars with lids
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Knife
• 1 peeler

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 4 cup ripe pears peeled and chopped
• 2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Peel and chop the pears into small pieces.
• Place the chopped pears in a large saucepan.
• Add granulated sugar, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon to the saucepan.
• Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
• Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
• Add vanilla extract and stir well before removing from heat.
• Ladle the hot jam into sterilized mason jars.
• Seal jars with lids and let them cool at room temperature.
• Allow the jam to rest for 12 hours before serving.

Notes

For the best texture, ensure the pears are fully ripe before starting the jam. You can also adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the pears. If you prefer a smoother jam, use a potato masher while cooking to break down the fruit further. Store the jam in a cool, dark place for extended shelf life, and refrigerate after opening.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.