It’s autumn, and you know what that means. Pears! As anyone with fruit trees knows, there are good years and there are bad years. This year, we had a very good year that gave us a bumper crop of my favorite fruit.

But try as we might, we just can’t eat that many pears all at once, so I thought I’d share 25 things you can do with your pears. We’ve tried pretty much every one of these…along with recipes for dealing with 10 billion pounds of zucchini, tomatoes, and green beans (stay tuned for those articles).

The great news is that pears are incredibly versatile, shining in both sweet and savory dishes. From long-term preservation to a quick weeknight dinner, we’ve gathered 25 creative and delicious ways to use every last pear from your harvest.

1. Pear pie

A comforting classic for a reason. The tender, spiced fruit in a flaky crust is the perfect way to celebrate your harvest. This recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction is fabulous (like all of her recipes). We use our own version of a gluten-free crust.

Get the recipe: Caramel pear pie from Sally’s Baking Addiction 

2. Pear crisp or crumble

Is it a crumble or a crisp? You decide! Easier than a pie but just as delicious. A warm, bubbly pear filling topped with a crunchy oat or streusel topping is irresistible with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Get the recipe: Best easy pear crisp from Sidewalk Shoes

3. Maple-pear upside-down cake

A moist, tender cake infused with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger is a perfect companion for a cup of coffee or tea.

Get the recipe: Maple-pear upside-down cake from King Arthur Baking

4. Pear and almond tart

Impress your guests with a beautifully arranged pear tart. Whether it’s a rustic galette or a refined frangipane tart, it’s a showstopper.

Get the recipe: Pear and almond tart from Bon Appétit

5. Easy baked pears

Halve your pears, core them, and fill with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon before baking. It’s a simple, healthy-ish dessert that feels luxurious.

Get the recipe: Easy baked pears from Minimalist Baker

6. Poached pears

Gently simmer whole, peeled pears in a honey mixture for an elegant and versatile dessert. You can serve them warm or cold.

Get the recipe: Honey and spice poached pears from The Kitchn

7. Pear and cardamom scones

Upgrade your breakfast or afternoon tea with scones studded with diced pear and a hint of warm cardamom.

Get the recipe: Pear and cardamom scones from Milk & Cardamom

8. Gorgonzola pizza with pear and prosciutto

The combination of sweet pears, salty prosciutto, and tangy gorgonzola or blue cheese on a pizza is a game-changer for your next pizza night.

Get the recipe: Gorgonzola pizza with pear and prosciutto from What a Girl Eats 

9. Pork tenderloin with pears

Add chunks of pear to the roasting pan alongside a pork loin or whole chicken during the last 30-40 minutes of cooking. They become soft, caramelized, and infuse the pan juices with incredible flavor.

Get the recipe: Pork tenderloin with pears from Washington Fruit Growers

10. Roasted butternut squash and pear soup

The sweetness of pears perfectly complements the earthy flavor of butternut squash. Blend them into a creamy, silky soup for a perfect autumn meal.

Get the recipe: Roasted butternut squash and pear soup from Flavor the Moments

11. Pear salad with balsamic and walnuts

Add thin slices of fresh, crisp pear to a salad with mixed greens, toasted walnuts, cranberries, and a sharp cheese like feta or goat cheese.

Get the recipe: Pear salad with balsamic and walnuts from Love & Lemons

12. Grilled pears

Grilling brings out the natural sugars in pears. Serve grilled pear halves with savory dishes like grilled steak or as a dessert with a drizzle of honey.

Get the recipe: 8 hot tips to make the best grilled fruit from Allrecipes

13. Pear chutney

A spiced pear chutney is a fantastic condiment to serve with cheese boards, roasted meats, or on sandwiches. It’s a great way to preserve your pears with a savory twist.

Get the recipe: How to make and can pear chutney from The Spruce Eats

14. Canned pears

Canning is the classic way to preserve your harvest. Enjoy the taste of summer sunshine in the middle of winter by canning pear halves in a light syrup.

Get the recipe: Canning pears from NCHFP

15. Pear butter

Similar to apple butter, this is a slow-cooked, concentrated pear spread that is intensely flavorful. It’s perfect on toast, scones, or swirled into yogurt.

Get the recipe: Homemade pear butter from Simply Recipes

16. Pear and ginger preserves

Make a beautiful, golden pear jam. You can keep it simple or add flavors like vanilla bean, ginger, or cinnamon.

Get the recipe: Pear and ginger preserves from Serious Eats

17. Dehydrated pear slices

Chewy and sweet, dried pears make a fantastic, healthy snack. They are also great for adding to granola or trail mix.

Get the recipe: Dehydrating pears from Practical Self Reliance

18. Freeze them for smoothies

Don’t have time to process everything? Simply peel, core, and chop your pears, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They are perfect for adding to smoothies later.

Get the recipe: Creamiest pear smoothie from Running to the Kitchen

19. Pickled pears

For a tangy, unexpected treat, try pickling your pears. They are a wonderful accompaniment to rich, savory dishes and cheese plates.

Get the recipe: Sweet and spicy pickled pears from Constantly Cooking

20. Pear vinegar

Fill a jar with pear scraps (cores and peels) and cover with apple cider vinegar. Let it infuse for a few weeks, then strain. The resulting vinegar is wonderful for salad dressings.

Get the recipe: Pear vinegar from USA Pears

21. Homemade pear sauce

Just like applesauce, but with pears! It’s a great snack for all ages and can be canned for later use.

Get the recipe: Easy pear sauce from Two Peas & Their Pod

22. Homemade spiced pear vodka

Add sliced pears and a cinnamon stick to a bottle of vodka. Let it sit for a week or more, shaking daily. Strain and use it to make delicious fall cocktails.

Get the recipe: Homemade spiced pear vodka from Boulder Locavore

23. Homemade pear cider (perry)

If you have a truly massive crop, consider making hard pear cider, traditionally known as “perry.” It’s a fun project for the dedicated homesteader.

Get the recipe: How to make perry from Stacy Lyn Harris

24. Pear sorbet

A light, refreshing, and dairy-free dessert that purely captures the essence of fresh pears.

Get the recipe: Easy pear sorbet from Sweet Potato Soul

25. Pear and honey face mask

Pears contain vitamins and antioxidants that are great for your skin. Mash a ripe pear with a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of yogurt for a simple, hydrating DIY face mask.

Get the tutorial: DIY honey and pear facial mask from Factory Direct Craft

With so many options, a bumper crop of pears is a wonderful opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!