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Slow Cooker Cranberry Pear Butter Recipe

Sweet Autumn pears complement tart cranberries in this slow cooker Cranberry-Pear Butter — a silky, sweet-tart fruit spread ideal for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, holiday sandwiches, or simply to brighten toast and cheese plates. This easy slow-cooker recipe concentrates the pears and cranberries into a rich butter that keeps well in the refrigerator and makes a thoughtful homemade gift.

Sweet Autumn pears compliment tart cranberries in this wonderful cranberry pear butter spread, perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving or anytime you want to add a little sweet-tartness to your meal.Slow Cooker Cranberry Pear Butter

This cranberry-pear butter blends the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the bright acidity of cranberries for a balanced spread that’s particularly good with turkey, roasted pork, or layered on sandwiches. It also pairs beautifully with aged cheeses, yogurt, oatmeal or as a garnish for pancakes and waffles. The slow cooker allows the fruit to break down gently and develop deeper flavor without constant attention.

Tip: Use ripe but firm pears for the best texture and flavor. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can cook the mixture gently on the stovetop in a wide, heavy pot over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until it reaches the desired thickness.

Sweet Autumn pears compliment tart cranberries in this wonderful cranberry pear butter spread, perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving or anytime you want to add a little sweet-tartness to your meal.

Sweet Autumn pears compliment tart cranberries in this wonderful cranberry pear butter spread, perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving or anytime you want to add a little sweet-tartness to your meal.

More Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas

  • Apricot Rum Glazed Spiral Ham
  • Potato Leek Soup
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes
  • Green Bean Salad
  • Mini Sweet Potato Meringue Pies

Slow Cooker Cranberry-Pear Butter — Recipe

Summary: Sweet Autumn pears complement tart cranberries in this wonderful spread, perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or anytime you want a sweet-tart condiment.

Prep: 20 mins   |   Cook: 4 hrs+   |   Total: 4 hrs 20 mins

Yield: 22 servings (about 2 3/4 cups)   |   Serving Size: 2 tablespoons

Ingredients

  • 5 oz cranberries (about 1 generous cup)
  • 36 oz pears (about 7 large pears), peeled, cored and sliced
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch ground cloves
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, unpacked
  • Zest of one orange

Instructions

  1. Combine the cranberries, sliced pears, cinnamon, cloves, brown sugar, and orange zest in the slow cooker. Stir to distribute the sugar and spices evenly.
  2. Cover and cook on high for about 2 hours, or until the pears are tender and the cranberries have softened.
  3. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you prefer a very fine texture, strain or continue blending briefly.
  4. Cook uncovered on high for about 4 hours or longer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is very thick and reduced to a butter-like consistency. The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavor and the thicker the final spread.
  5. Transfer the finished pear butter to an airtight container. Allow it to cool slightly, then refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld and the texture set.

Tips and Variations

  • Sweetness: Adjust brown sugar to taste depending on pear ripeness and personal preference. You can substitute coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different flavor profile, making small adjustments for sweetness and moisture.
  • Spices: Add a small amount of nutmeg, vanilla, or a star anise for a subtle twist. A splash of orange juice can enhance citrus notes if you prefer more acidity.
  • Cooking method: To make this on the stovetop, simmer the mixture in a wide saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently so it doesn’t burn, until thickened — this may take 1–2 hours depending on pan size and heat.
  • Preserving: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, consider proper canning techniques in sterilized jars following tested canning guidelines.

Notes

Makes approximately 2 3/4 cups. Texture will firm up after chilling. This recipe works well with different pear varieties; Bartlett, Bosc, or any firm, sweet pear will produce good results.

Nutrition (per 2-tablespoon serving)

  • Calories: 44 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 2 mg

Final Note

If you try this cranberry-pear butter, please take a moment to leave a rating or comment where you found the recipe — feedback helps others discover and enjoy homemade spreads like this one. If you share your creation on social media, tag @skinnytaste or use the hashtag #skinnytaste so others can see your results.

Enjoy this flavorful spread on roasted turkey sandwiches, as a complement to cheese boards, or simply spread over warm toast. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet pears creates a balanced, festive condiment perfect for holiday meals and everyday use.

Sweet Autumn pears compliment tart cranberries in this wonderful cranberry pear butter spread, perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving or anytime you want to add a little sweet-tartness to your meal.