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)

Red Cabbage with Apples
Plate of sauteed cabbage and apples.

Red Cabbage with Apples

A sweet and savory combination of sautéed cabbage, onion and apples that makes a perfect side dish.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Sweet Carrot Bread or Muffins
Moist carrot and raisin muffins and sliced bread.

Sweet Carrot Bread or Muffins

Sweet carrots, brown sugar and warm cinnamon make the perfect combination for muffins or bread.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
60 minutes
Makes:
12 slices or muffins
Simple Sautéed Mushrooms
Photo of Simple Sautéed Mushrooms

Simple Sautéed Mushrooms

These sautéed mushrooms add rich flavor to roasted proteins, grain bowls, baked potatoes and so much more!
Prepare:
7 minutes
Cook:
10 to 15 minutes
Makes:
4 Servings
Roasted Radishes with Peas
Plates of a vibrant pea and radish mix.

Roasted Radishes with Peas

Mild, slightly sweet, roasted radishes paired with bright and creamy peas make the perfect side to a spring or summer meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Mix and Match Pasta Salad
Mix and Match Pasta Salad

Mix and Match Pasta Salad

Enjoy a pasta salad in under 30 minutes, made from the ingredients you have on hand! Change the flavors and match your food preferences with different proteins, veggies and dressing.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Apple Bars
Baked Apple Bars with oatmeal crumble on top are displayed on a platter.

Apple Bars

A comforting apple bar with an easy crust, spiced apple filling and crumble topping.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
12 bars