Skip to main content

Microwave Pear Sauce

Enjoy this easy-to-make pear sauce as a fruit snack, or as a topping for pancakes or French toast.
Bowl of chunky textured mashed pears topped with spices.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

8 medium pears, peeled, cored and cut into about 1-inch pieces (about 8 cups) 
1 teaspoon lemon juice 
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional) 
½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional) 
½ teaspoon vanilla (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse fresh fruits under running water before preparing.
  3. Place pears and lemon juice in a large microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe cover.
  4. Cook on HIGH for 5 minutes. Let the dish sit for a few minutes, then remove from oven.
  5. Mash pears with a fork, potato masher or hand-held blender. If you would like a smoother sauce, return bowl to the microwave for another 3 to 5 minutes and mash again.
  6. Stir in remaining ingredients, as desired. Enjoy warm or chilled.
  7. Refrigerate leftovers to use within a week or freeze for longer storage. To freeze, place in airtight containers and label with the date. For best quality, use within 2 months.

Notes

  • Frozen and canned pears are easy to make into a sauce.
  • Try other spices such as nutmeg and cardamom.
  • You can leave the pear peels on the fruit for more fiber.
  • No microwave? You can make the recipe in a saucepan on a stovetop or in an electric skillet. Bring pears and lemon juice to a simmer over medium heat. Stir a few times while cooking until the pears have softened, about 15 to 20 minutes. Mash or blend to the thickness you like and add other ingredients, as desired.

Comments

We had a lot of pears this fall and I wasn't sure what to do with them in a short amount of time. Using the microwave to cook the pears was a perfect solution! We do prefer pears to be blended smooth so I used an immersion blender but you could easily use a regular blender. Our favorite spicing was a bit of ginger and vanilla. We enjoyed the sauce as a healthy dessert and also on pancakes. I froze some to use in muffins and quick bread. Thanks so much for the inspiration.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Baked Carrot Fries
 Plate of Baked Carrot Fries and bowl of dipping sauce.

Baked Carrot Fries

Kids of all ages will love these baked carrot fries. Add a dipping sauce for more fun and flavor.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 to 20 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Potato Salad
Bowl of potatoes, celery and olives with a creamy dressing.

Potato Salad

A creamy potato salad with tangy mustard and crunchy celery. Perfect potluck or summer BBQ dish.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Quick Lasagna
Skillet of layered flat pasta, beef, sauce and cheese.

Quick Lasagna

This lasagna uses just one pan and is ready in 45 minutes.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
9 cups
Couscous Salad
Large bowl of a vegetable packed Couscous Salad.

Couscous Salad

A light and colorful salad combining sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans and fresh vegetables with couscous pasta.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Tuna Veggie Melt
Plate of english muffins topped with a tuna mix and cheese.

Tuna Veggie Melt

A quick and satisfying meal that uses English muffins topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
6 Muffin Halves
Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
Plate of square red oatmeal and raspberry bars.

Raspberry Oatmeal Bars

Sweet-tart raspberries, whole grain oats and a buttery crust make the perfect dessert or snack.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
12 Bars (2 inches x 2.5 inches)