This sweet vanilla bean pear sauce is the perfect switch up to traditional applesauce. Super simple to make and ready in just 30 minutes start to finish.
Table of Contents
What is pear sauce?
Pear sauce is just like apple sauce but made with pears!
Super simple, right?
I think it’s a great twist up to the normal fall fruit puree. I’m always looking for ways to jazz up lunches.
What type of pears should I use?
Don’t stress out over the types of pears you can use.
I have successfully used red pears, bosc pears, and Anjou pears in batches of this sauce and it has always worked out.
The biggest thing is making sure you’re using ripe pears. That way when they hit the pan and start cooking on the stovetop they will break down relatively easily.
If your pears are not ripe you may need to add a little more water and simmer for a bit longer until they are soft enough to mash.
Do I have to add sugar?
No.
It’s an optional ingredient because depending on the natural sweetness level of your pears you may not need it.
Or maybe you just dislike overly sweet sauce. Both ok.
I typically find I do not need to add any sugar because my pears are oftentimes sweet enough.
Also, if you cook your pears in pear juice instead of water you will bring in a little extra sweetness too.
What is vanilla bean paste?
Vanilla bean paste is one of the most used ingredients in my kitchen!
I rarely keep full vanilla bean pods in my baking stash so to the rescue comes vanilla bean paste.
Vanilla Pear Sauce
Ingredients
- 6 ripe pears peeled, cored, and chunked
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 2 tablespoons vanilla sugar optional
Instructions
- Peel, core, and chunk pears.
- Add pears, water, and vanilla beans to a medium-size pot.
- Set over medium heat and simmer until the pears starts to soften and release their juices, about 10 minutes. If your pears were somewhat hard you may need to add a little more water for a long simmer to soften.
- Smash the pears with a potato masher in the pot until smooth.
- Taste the sauce and add sugar if needed or desired.
- Simmer the sauce for a few minutes longer or until you have reached the desired thickness.
- Let the sauce rest until room temperature and then store in the refrigerator.
- Serve warm or cold.
Notes
- Use pear juice instead of water for a sweeter pear sauce.
- Sugar is optional based on the level of sweetness you desire in your pear sauce.
- A whole vanilla bean (cut in half and scraped) can be substituted for the vanilla bean paste.