How to Use Overripe Pears: 10 Recipes to Try Out

Pears taste best when perfectly ripe—juicy, sweet, and fragrant. The trick is knowing how to get them there and how to keep them fresh once they’re ready.

• Ripen at room temperature: Leave firm pears on the counter until they soften.
• Speed it up: Place them in a paper bag with a ripe apple or banana. These fruits release ethylene gas, which helps pears ripen faster.
• Slow it down: Once ripe, move pears to the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for one to two weeks.
• Keep them separate: Store away from ethylene-heavy fruits like apples, bananas, avocados, melons, and peaches to prevent overripening.

If you’re dealing with underripe pears, check out our tips on how to ripen pears quickly and easily.

Are Overripe Pears Safe to Eat?

Overripe pears are perfectly safe to eat, but they’re best used in cooked dishes—they can be messy and overly sweet when eaten raw.

Avoid pears that smell sour, look shriveled, or release liquid. These signs indicate rot. And if you see any mold, discard them immediately. 

How to Use Overripe Pears

If you have a few overripe pears in the refrigerator, there are plenty of ways to use them. Make the most of your slightly squishy bounty with these simple ideas:

1. Bake with them

The riper a pear becomes, the sweeter and juicier it gets—perfect for pies, crumbles, and cakes. Trim away any bruised spots and use the rest in your favorite dessert. Pears also work beautifully in most recipes that call for apples.

2. Freeze them 

Short on time? Slice the pears and arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer to labeled freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to six months.

3. Blend them into drinks

Soft pears are perfect for smoothies. Combine them with other fruits for a naturally sweet, fiber-rich drink.

4. Turn them into Preserves

Overripe pears are ideal for jams, jellies, and chutneys because they’re already soft before cooking. Their natural sugars concentrate beautifully as they simmer.

10 Recipes for Overripe Pears

1. Pear Ice Pops

Soft, ripe pears are ideal for these refreshing pear and yogurt ice pops from My Food Book. They make a light dessert or snack on a warm summer day.

2. Pear Smoothie

Slightly overripe pears are perfect for smoothies, like this healthy yet indulgent green pear smoothie from The Spruce Eats. Packed with kale, banana, honey, and spices, it’s a nutrient-rich start to your day that still tastes like a treat.

3. Vanilla-Spiced Pear Butter

This gourmet pear butter from Baked in Arizona blends pear, vanilla, orange, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. Spread it on toast, or drizzle it over pancakes or oatmeal for a warm, spiced flavor boost.

4. Pear Jam

This simple pear jam from Practical Self Reliance uses just three ingredients—pears, sugar, and lemon juice—so you can enjoy their flavor long after the season ends.

5. Pear Sauce

Like applesauce—but with pears—this versatile sauce recipe from Good Life Eats can be drizzled over pancakes or waffles, spooned onto ice cream, stirred into oatmeal, or served alongside roast pork.

6. Pear Crumble

A crumble is the perfect way to use overripe pears. Their natural sweetness enhances the filling, and since the fruit is baked under a topping, uneven pieces don’t matter. This almond pear crumble from Your Guardian Chef is designed for overripe pears and takes just 15 minutes to prepare.

7. Caramelized Pear Bread Pudding

Caramelized pears in a rich orange-cardamom caramel sauce top this comforting pear bread pudding from Rhubarb & Lavender.  

8. Poached Pears

Simple, elegant, and delicious, this classic recipe from Bigger Bolder Baking is easy to make and tastes great hot or cold, with ice cream or caramel sauce.

9. Pear Vinaigrette

This fragrant pear vinaigrette from Allrecipes makes a bright dressing for salads and pairs beautifully with goat cheese. Because the pear is puréed, its texture doesn’t matter—making it another great use for overripe fruit.

10. Pear Muffins

Diced pear keeps cakes and muffins moist while adding natural sweetness. Once baked, you won’t be able to tell ripe and overripe pears apart. These pear and almond muffins from Food52 are decadent, delicious, and freezer-friendly.