Homemade Spiced Honey Pear Jam is the perfect way to bring the sweet and comforting flavors of autumn into your kitchen. This easy recipe combines juicy pears with the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of honey for a rich, flavorful jam that’s perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheese, or gifting to loved ones. Best of all, it’s simple to make with just a few ingredients and a little time.
Table of Contents
Why Homemade Spiced Honey Pear Jam?
This Homemade Spiced Honey Pear Jam is a wonderful treat for any occasion. It’s a unique twist on traditional pear jam, featuring a blend of aromatic spices that add warmth and depth. Whether you’re a jam-making pro or a beginner, this recipe is accessible and easy to follow, requiring minimal equipment and effort. The inclusion of honey not only enhances the flavor but also provides a natural sweetness, making it a healthier alternative to jams made with refined sugars.
Ingredients
- Pears: The main ingredient, pears provide a sweet and juicy base with a soft, smooth texture when cooked down.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the pears and honey.
- Fruit Pectin: Helps the jam set and gives it the perfect consistency.
- Cinnamon: This spice brings warmth and a cozy flavor, perfect for fall.
- Nutmeg: Adds a touch of sweet spiciness that complements the other spices.
- Ground Ginger: Gives the jam a subtle heat and depth.
- Ground Cloves: Contributes a rich, aromatic flavor to enhance the spiced profile.
- Honey: Replaces sugar, offering a natural sweetness and a slightly floral flavor that pairs beautifully with the pears.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
- Maple Syrup: If you don’t have honey, maple syrup makes a great substitute for the sweetener, lending its own unique flavor.
- Spices: If you’re not a fan of one of the spices, you can easily adjust. Try adding cardamom for a different twist or use pumpkin pie spice for a quicker option.
- Pectin-Free: If you prefer a more natural jam with no added pectin, simply cook the pears down longer to achieve a thicker consistency, though it may take a bit more time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Canner: Start by filling your canning pot with water, setting it to simmer. Add the jelly jars to sterilize and warm them up while you make the jam.
- Prepare the Pears: Peel, core, and cube the pears, then place them into a large pot. Add the juice of one lemon, followed by the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Stir everything together and taste-test to ensure the spices are to your liking.
- Cook the Pear Mixture: Heat the pear and spice mixture over medium heat, stirring often, for about a minute. This helps the spices fully incorporate into the pears.
- Add the Honey: Pour in the honey, about 1 and 1/2 cups, and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue cooking and stirring for 5-8 minutes, or until the jam thickens to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- Fill the Jars: Use a ladle to carefully transfer the hot jam into your sterilized jars. Fill each jar, leaving a little space at the top for sealing.
- Process the Jars: Place the jars into your simmering water bath canner. Bring the water to a boil and process the jars for 10 minutes (20 minutes if you’re above 1,000 feet in altitude). This helps seal the jars and ensures the jam is preserved.
- Cool and Store: Carefully remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely. The jam will thicken further as it cools, so don’t worry if it appears runny right after processing. Store your homemade spiced honey pear jam in a cool, dark place.
Tips & Tricks
- Check Consistency: If you’re unsure whether your jam is thick enough, do the “spoon test.” Spoon some jam onto the back of a spoon, and if it drips off slowly, it’s ready.
- Avoid Spilling: Hot jam can be tricky to handle, so pour it carefully into the jars. A funnel or ladle can help prevent messes.
- Altitude Adjustments: If you live at a higher altitude, increase your processing time to ensure proper sealing.
- Storage: Once the jars have cooled, check that they’ve sealed properly by pressing down in the center of the lid. If it doesn’t pop back, it’s sealed. Properly sealed jars can be stored for up to a year.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Homemade Spiced Honey Pear Jam is versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes. Spread it on your favorite toast, biscuit, or homemade scone for a delightful breakfast treat. It also pairs beautifully with cheese, particularly sharp cheddar or goat cheese, making it a great addition to cheese boards.
For variations, consider adding other fruits like apples or quinces to the pear mixture for a fruity twist. You could also experiment with different spices—cloves and cardamom make a great combo for a richer flavor.
A Seasonal Delight
Homemade Spiced Honey Pear Jam is the perfect addition to your holiday spread. With the warm spices and natural sweetness of honey, it embodies the flavors of fall and winter, making it an ideal gift for the holiday season. Packaged in a mason jar with a cute ribbon, this jam makes a thoughtful and homemade gift that will surely be appreciated by family and friends.
By using simple, seasonal ingredients, this jam brings the flavors of autumn into your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it yourself or share it with others, Homemade Spiced Honey Pear Jam will make your holidays a little sweeter.
Conclusion
Homemade Spiced Honey Pear Jam is more than just a delicious treat—it’s a cozy, comforting recipe that brings the warmth of the holiday season into your home. With its blend of sweet pears, aromatic spices, and natural honey, this jam will make everything from toast to cheese boards feel extra special. Easy to make and perfect for gifting, this jam is sure to be a hit at any time of year. Whether you’re making it for yourself or to share with loved ones, this homemade pear jam is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of fall and winter all year long.
FAQ About Homemade Spiced Honey Pear Jam
Can I use different fruits for this recipe?
Yes! While pears are the star of this jam, you can experiment with other fruits like apples, quinces, or even a combination of different fruits. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the fruit you choose.
Is it necessary to use pectin in this recipe?
Pectin helps the jam set and gives it the right consistency, but if you prefer to make a pectin-free version, you can cook the fruit longer to achieve a thicker texture. However, using pectin ensures a more consistent and quicker result.
Can I substitute the honey with sugar?
While honey adds a unique flavor to this jam, you can substitute it with sugar if necessary. If you choose to use sugar, you will need about 3 cups for the recipe. Keep in mind that the honey contributes to the depth of flavor, so the taste will be slightly different.
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Homemade Spiced Honey Pear Jam
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 6–8 jelly jars 1x
Description
This Homemade Spiced Honey Pear Jam combines juicy pears with the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey. Perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheese, or gifting during the holidays.
Ingredients
- 8–9 ripe pears, cored and peeled
- 1 lemon, or about 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 6 tbsp fruit pectin powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 1/2 cups Don Victor® Orange Blossom Honey
Instructions
- Fill the canner with water and set it to simmer. Add empty jelly jars to sterilize and warm them.
- Peel, core, and cube the pears, then place them into a large pot. Add the lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Stir together and taste to adjust flavors.
- Heat the pear mixture over medium heat for about a minute to incorporate the spices.
- Add the honey and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir frequently and cook for 5-8 minutes until it thickens to the consistency of coating the back of a spoon.
- Carefully spoon the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving space at the top. Seal with the lids.
- Place the jars in the boiling water canner and process for 10 minutes (20 minutes for altitudes above 1,000 feet).
- Remove the jars from the canner and allow them to cool for several hours. The jam will thicken as it cools over 24-48 hours.
Notes
- If the jam appears runny right after processing, don’t worry—it will set as it cools.
- Use a ladle or funnel to avoid spilling hot jam during the filling process.
- Adjust the boiling time based on your altitude to ensure proper sealing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Jam, Condiments
- Method: Canning, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
