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)

Pear Quesadillas
Plate of golden tortilla folded over a cheese, pear and vegetable filling.

Pear Quesadillas

A unique and delicious sweet and savory quesadilla recipe.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
8 wedges
Turkey Ginger Rice Lettuce Wraps
Plate of lettuce boats filled with a turkey and carrot mix.

Turkey Ginger Rice Lettuce Wraps

Fresh and filling meal with a warm blend of rice, vegetables and a savory sauce.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Fruit Smoothie 1 (with yogurt)
Bright orange smoothies in glasses with straws.

Fruit Smoothie 1 (with yogurt)

A delicious homemade fruit-flavored shake for breakfast, snack or on-the-go!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Baked Berry Oatmeal
A piece of spiced baked oatmeal with juicy blackberries and raspberries is shown on a plate.

Baked Berry Oatmeal

Healthy baked oatmeal recipe with berries. A great make-ahead meal that kids love!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Stovetop Teff
Bowl of fine textured teff.

Stovetop Teff

Teff has a mild and nutty flavor with a soft texture.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 ½ cups
Tomato Melt
Plate of english muffin halves with cheese and a tomato slice.

Tomato Melt

Warm and toasty English muffins make this a quick and satisfying meal.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
6 to 8 minutes
Makes:
4 muffin halves