Pears are a versatile fruit used in a variety of dishes, from salads to desserts. The Bartlett pear, in particular, is a great addition to any recipe because of its sweet and juicy flavor.
However, what do you do when you can’t find Bartlett’s pears? Or maybe you want to switch things up in the kitchen?
Don’t worry!
Here are 13 of the best Bartlett pear substitutes that will allow you to continue cooking your favorite dishes while still maintaining that sweet and fruity taste.
In short, " What I Can Use instead of Bartlett Pear?" Bosc Pears, Asian Pears, Comice Pears, Anjou Pears, Seckel Pears, Red Pears, Pineapple Guava, Forelle Pears, Starkrimson Pears, Starfruit, Quince, Fuyu Persimmons, Guavas.
What is Bartlett’s pear, and what does Bartlett’s pear taste like?
Bartlett pears are a type of pear that’s large, sweet and juicy. They have yellow-green skin with a hint of red blush when ripe. The flesh inside is off-white to white, tender and juicy.
Bartlett pears are known for their sweet flavor with subtle hints of honey. They can be enjoyed fresh out of hand or used in recipes such as pies, salads, sauces and jams.
When cooked, they become more fragrant, making them an excellent choice for desserts like cobblers or crisps.
Their taste pairs nicely with cheeses like Brie or blue cheese as well as other fruits like apples and berries.
Whether you’re eating them raw or cooked, Bartlett pears provide the perfect combination of sweet and tart flavors. Enjoy!
Uses of Bartlett pear
Bartlett pears are one of the most versatile fruits used in cooking. They can be used to make pies, crumbles, cakes and jams, as well as in savory dishes like chutneys and curries.
The flesh of a Bartlett pear is tender and juicy, making it great for baking and poaching.
The sweet-tart flavor of the fruit complements spices like cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg. Bartlett pears are also great for pickling or preserving syrups.
These fruits have a high sugar content, so they caramelize well when cooked, adding a depth of flavor to dishes like roasted pork or baked apples.
Bartlett pears also contain antioxidants which help protect the body from oxidative damage and reduce inflammation.
It’s no wonder why these delicious fruits are such an important part of many cuisines around the world!
Where to buy Bartlett pear?
If you want to for where to buy ramps, there are a few other places you can try. Many specialty food stores carry it, as do some international Bartlett pear.
You can also order online from many retailers that provide a variety of diverse flavors and types of Bartlett pear.
Best Barlett Pear Substitutes
Bartlett pears are one of the most popular varieties of pears, their sweetness and juiciness making them a favorite for salads, desserts, and other culinary creations.
While they may be difficult to find in some areas, there are several substitutes that can give you the same flavors and textures. Here are 13 of the best Bartlett pear substitutes:
1. Bosc Pears
If you want a pear that has a sweet and subtle flavor, then Bosc pears are the perfect alternative to Bartlett pears.
They hold their texture well when cooked and are firmer than Bartlett pears, which makes them ideal for baking pies.
Ratio or Measurement: In recipes that call for Bartlett pears, use a 1:1 ratio of Bosc pears.
Bartlett pears are perfect for sweet dishes like pies, tarts, and crisps.
2. Asian Pears
Asian pears have a natural crunchiness and sweetness that makes them perfect for salads and desserts.
They are extremely juicy but have a firmer texture than Bartlett pears, which makes them perfect for grilling or sauteing.
Ratio or Measurement: In recipes that call for Bartlett pears, use a 1:1 ratio of Asian pears.
Asian Pears have a sweet and crisp flavor that’s similar to apples. Asian pears have a high water content, so they won’t break down as much when cooked.
3. Comice Pears
– Comice pears are a delicious substitute for Bartlett pears in cooking. Comice pears are sweet, juicy, and have a melting texture that’s ideal for poaching.
They are a great substitute for Bartlett pears in dishes that require a softer texture, such as fruit sauces or compotes.
Ratio or Measurement: In recipes that call for Bartlett pears, use a 1:1 ratio of Comice pears.
Comice pears are softer than Bartlett pears, so they’ll break down more when cooked.
4. Anjou Pears
Anjou pears are not as sweet as Bartlett pears, but they have a hint of vanilla flavor that’s perfect for savory dishes.
Ratio or Measurement: use a 1:1 ratio of Anjou pears.
They have a firm texture that creates them perfect for baking, roasting, and grilling.
5. Seckel Pears
Seckel pears are small, sweet, and perfect for snacking. They are also ideal for recipes that require small, bite-sized fruit, such as tarts and pastries.
Seckel pears are sweeter than Bartlett pears, so adjust the amount of sugar in your recipe accordingly.
Seckel pears are smaller than Bartlett pears, so you’ll need to use more of them in recipes that call for Bartlett pears.
It is also perfect for poaching or baking into pies; these little gems are sure to add an unforgettable flavor punch to any dish!
6. Red Pears
Red pears have a slightly sweeter and crisper taste than Bartlett pears. They are great for eating raw or adding to salads, and their vibrant red color makes them a beautiful addition to any dish.
7. Pineapple Guava
Pineapple Guava looks like a pear but is not related to the fruit. It has a sweet and tangy flavor and a texture similar to that of a cooked pear.
It is perfect for adding to fruit salads, pastries, and cocktails.
8. Forelle Pears
Forelle pears are a lesser-known pear variety that’s a great replacement for Bartlett pears in cooking.
They have a sweet and tangy flavor that’s perfect for savory dishes. Forelle pears are similar in texture to Anjou pears, so they hold their shape well when cooked.
Ratio or Measurement: In recipes that call for Bartlett pears, use a 1:1 ratio of Forelle pears.
9. Starkrimson Pears
Starkrimson pears are a sweet and juicy pear variety that’s perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.
They have reddish skin and buttery flesh that’s similar to Bartlett’s pears.
Ratio or Measurement: In recipes that call for Bartlett pears, use a 1:1 ratio of Starkrimson pears.
10. Starfruit
Starfruit, also known as carambola, is native to Southeast Asia but is now grown worldwide due to its popularity in organic markets and grocery stores alike.
They have a tart flavor with hints of citrus when unripe and become sweeter as they ripen. Starfruit makes great accompaniments to salads or desserts when sliced thin.
11. Quince
Quince is an ancient fruit that has been harvested since Biblical times and was once believed to possess magical properties!
It tastes similar to apples but with hints of a pear when cooked; it’s excellent baked into pies or roasted with other fruits for compotes or jams.
12. Fuyu Persimmons
Fuyu persimmons look like tomatoes but taste like honeyed pears!
When fully ripe, they’re extremely juicy and sweet—perfect for adding richness to cakes or mousses—but if you want a more intense flavor, they can also be eaten while still firm in salads or paired with cheese plates.
13. Guavas
With their soft fleshy centers and tropical sweet-tart flavors, guavas make an excellent substitute for Bartlett pear recipes calling for fresh fruit slices or cubes such as cobblers, jams, sorbets, tarts etc.
Their slightly acidic flavor gives a balance between sweetness and tartness when added to desserts too!
10 Best bartlett pear recipes you can try with those alternatives
Bartlett pears are one of the most popular varieties of pears in the world, prized for their sweet, juicy flavor and versatile uses in cooking.
From baked desserts to savory dishes, Bartlett pears can transform a meal into something extraordinary!
Here are the 10 best recipes featuring Bartlett pears:
1. Roasted Pear Salad
Start with a bed of greens and roasted Bartlett pear slices for a unique salad creation! Top with a delicious vinaigrette or favorite dressing for an unforgettable meal.
2. Spiced Pear Crisp
Perfect for fall, this crisp pair of tart Bartlett pears with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Fill with a scoop of ice cream for an extra-special treat!
3. Pear & Brie Grilled Cheese
For a gourmet twist on classic grilled cheese, add thinly sliced Bartlett pear and creamy brie to your sandwich! A touch of honey adds just enough sweetness to make this sandwich irresistible.
4. Caramelized Pear Pizza
Load your pizza dough up with sweet caramelized pear slices and salty prosciutto for an unforgettable flavor combination!
Sprinkle over some mozzarella cheese before baking until golden brown perfection is achieved.
5. Prosciutto-Wrapped Pear Appetizer
Halved Bartlett pears work perfectly as bite-sized appetizers when wrapped in prosciutto and lightly grilled or pan-fried until crispy! Add a dollop of bleu cheese if desired.
6. Walnut & Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears
Hollow out some fully ripened Bartletts and stuff them with a mix of walnuts, blue cheese, honey, and fresh thyme for an amazing dish that’s perfect as an appetizer or light lunch option!
7. Baked Pears With Vanilla Ice Cream
Cut ripe Bartletts down the middle lengthwise and bake them in the oven until soft, then top off this simple creation with scoops of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert treat!
8. Cinnamon Pear Smoothie
Whip up a tasty breakfast smoothie using frozen chunks of peeled and cored Bartlett pear blended together with some yogurt or milk and plenty of cinnamon spice!
This smoothie also makes a great summertime snack when topped off with some granola or crushed nuts.
9. Lentil & Pear Stew
Packed full of flavor, this stew features hearty lentils alongside juicy slices of freshly cut pear to create one comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone around the table!
Top it off with freshly chopped parsley leaves before serving warm over steamed rice or mashed potatoes.
10. Honey Glazed Pears
Drizzle ripe halved Bartletts with melted butter before roasting in the oven until tender perfection has been reached, then douse them in honey for added sweetness that will make this dessert truly shine!
You can top it off with fresh mint leaves or sprinkles before serving if desired.
Conclusion on Bartlett pear substitute
Now that you have seven great alternatives to Bartlett pears, you can freely experiment with new recipes without worrying about not having the right kind of pears.
Just remember to adjust the recipe and take into consideration the sweetness and texture of the substitute fruit you are using.
Enjoy your new favorite dishes with these exciting pears alternatives!
FAQs on Bartlett pear substitute
Q1. What is similar to Bartlett Pear?
Asian pears are a similar-looking fruit to Bartlett pears. They have the same pear-shaped appearance but tend to be smaller and rounder than Bartlett pears. The skin of an Asian pear is also much smoother, shinier, and less fuzzy than that of a Bartlett pear.
The flesh of an Asian pear is crunchy and juicy like a regular pear, but it has more sugar content which makes it slightly sweeter in taste.
Additionally, Asian pears have fewer seeds compared to their firmer and grainier counterparts, making them easier to eat without having to pick out the seeds first. Overall, they provide a refreshingly sweet snack or addition to salads and other recipes!
Q2. What is the difference between a Bartlett and a regular pear?
The primary difference between a Bartlett pear and a regular pear is its shape. The Bartlett pear has an oblong shape that is slightly wider at the top, while a regular pear tends to be more rounded.
Additionally, the Bartlett pear typically ripens faster than other varieties of pears and has a distinctively sweet taste with a juicy texture. It also has yellow or green skin when ripe, and its flesh can range from white to yellow depending on its variety.
In contrast, regular pears tend to have firmer flesh and may not always be as sweet as the Bartlett pear. Furthermore, regular pears don’t usually get as soft when ripe, making them ideal for baking in pies or cobblers.
All in all, the Bartlett pear is considered by many to be the juiciest and sweetest of all pear varieties.
Q3. What can I substitute pear with in baking?
When baking with pears, you have several options for substitutions. Apples can be used in place of pears in many recipes as they are similarly sweet and soft when cooked.
Peaches and nectarines can also offer a similar flavor profile while adding a unique twist to the dish.
Other fruits that could work include mangoes, apricots, plums, or grapes.
If you want to avoid using fruit altogether, try swapping out the pear for cubes of firm tofu or even cooked quinoa. All these alternatives will provide different flavors and textures that can transform your recipe into something truly special!
Q4. What vegetable tastes like a pear?
The vegetable that tastes like a pear is a fennel bulb. Fennel has a sweet, mild anise-like flavor that can be likened to licorice or aniseed. It lends itself well to salads and sautéed dishes as it adds a delicate sweetness while also delivering a crunchy texture.
It is often used in Mediterranean and Italian cooking, such as soups and sauces, where its subtle licorice flavor pairs nicely with other ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, onions, olive oil and herbs. Fennel is also popularly used raw in salads for its bright flavor and crunchy texture.
Roasted fennel is great for providing warmth to winter dishes too! In addition to being delicious, fennel is packed with essential nutrients and vitamins, including vitamin C, folate and potassium. Whether you eat it raw or cooked, fennel can be a great addition to your diet. Give it a try!
Q5. Can I use apple instead of pear for bulgogi?
Yes, you can use apple instead of pear for bulgogi. Apples are a great substitute for pears in this popular Korean barbecue dish due to their similar sweetness and texture. When substituting apples for pears in bulgogi, it is important that you also adjust the amount of sugar or other sweeteners that you add to the marinade.
Apples are sweeter than pears, so too much sugar will make your bulgogi overly sweet.
Additionally, apples have a much firmer texture than pears; therefore, if you choose to slice them into thin strips before marinating, they will require more time in the marinade to achieve the desired tenderness.
But overall, apples and pears both work well as substitutes in a bulgogi marinade because they both impart sweetness and tang to the dish.