When it comes to impressing your guests at special occasions, few desserts can rival the elegance and sophistication of a beautifully presented poached pear. The combination of tender fruit, fragrant spices, and sweet or savory sauces creates a dish that’s both familiar and exotic, making it perfect for everything from intimate dinner parties to grand holiday celebrations.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 stunning poached pears recipes that are sure to wow your friends and family. From classic combinations like Red Wine Poached Pears with Vanilla Bean to more adventurous pairings like Ginger and Star Anise Poached Pears, there’s something for every taste and occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for a new dessert idea, these recipes are sure to inspire.
Red Wine Poached Pears with Vanilla Bean
Elevate your dessert game with this elegant and easy-to-make recipe that combines the richness of red wine, the comfort of poached pears, and the warmth of vanilla bean. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe but firm Bartlett pears
– 1 bottle of full-bodied red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large saucepan, combine red wine, sugar, and water.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the vanilla bean and poach pears for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Spiced Honey Poached Pears with Cinnamon
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of pears with the warmth of cinnamon and the richness of honey, creating a delightful dessert or snack. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
• 3-4 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou work well)
• 1 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups water
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Add the pears to the saucepan, making sure they are fully covered by the honey mixture.
3. Pour in the water, ensuring the pears are completely submerged.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chocolate-Drizzled Poached Pears
Treat your taste buds to a delightful combination of tender pears, rich chocolate, and warm spices. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou work well)
– 1 cup sugar
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, water, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Peel, halve, and core the pears. Add them to the poaching liquid.
4. Simmer the pears for 15-20 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Remove the pears from the poaching liquid and let cool slightly.
6. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl.
7. Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled pears.
8. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Ginger and Star Anise Poached Pears
Transform ordinary pears into a sweet and aromatic dessert with the warmth of ginger and star anise. This poaching liquid infuses the fruit with a unique blend of spices, perfect for serving as a standalone treat or accompanying cheese and charcuterie.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou work well)
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
– 2 whole star anise pods
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 cups water
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the sliced ginger, star anise pods, and sugar.
2. Add the water to the saucepan, making sure that all the ingredients are submerged.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact, and add them to the poaching liquid.
5. Simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Remove the pears from the liquid with a slotted spoon, and let them cool to room temperature.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Rosemary and Honey Poached Pears
Savor the sweet and savory combination of rosemary and honey in this elegant dessert. Perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion, these poached pears are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou work well)
– 1 cup honey
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large saucepan, combine honey, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and add rosemary sprigs. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Peel pears and add them to the poaching liquid. Poach for 20-25 minutes, or until pears are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Remove pears from liquid and let cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Poached Pears in Earl Grey Tea
This recipe combines the sweetness of pears with the subtle bergamot flavor of Earl Grey tea, creating a unique and refreshing dessert.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou work well)
– 1 cup Earl Grey tea
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups water
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the Earl Grey tea and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Peel, core, and halve the pears. Add them to the poaching liquid, making sure they’re fully submerged in the tea.
4. Simmer the pears for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Remove the pears from the heat and let them cool in the tea. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Maple Syrup and Walnut Poached Pears
Elevate your dessert game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the natural sweetness of pears with the richness of maple syrup and crunch of walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou)
– 1 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/2 cup walnut halves
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– Water, enough to cover the pears
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine maple syrup, water, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Peel, core, and halve the pears. Add them to the poaching liquid, making sure they’re covered with the liquid.
4. Simmer the pears for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Stir in the walnut halves during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
6. Remove the pears from the liquid with a slotted spoon and let them cool to room temperature.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Orange and Cardamom Poached Pears
This recipe combines the sweetness of pears with the brightness of orange and the warmth of cardamom, creating a perfect winter treat. With minimal effort, you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously fragrant dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe but firm pears (Bartlett or Anjou)
– 1 cup orange juice
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Peel, core, and halve the pears.
2. In a large saucepan, combine orange juice, water, sugar, cardamom, and salt.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the pear halves to the poaching liquid and cook for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Remove the pears from the liquid with a slotted spoon and let them cool slightly.
6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Poached Pears with Lavender and Honey
Elevate your dessert game with this elegant and flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of pears, the floral note of lavender, and the warmth of honey.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou work well)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
– 2 tbsp honey
– Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the lavender buds to the syrup and remove from heat. Let it steep for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Peel, core, and halve the pears. Place them in a large bowl.
4. Strain the lavender syrup into the bowl with the pears, discarding the solids.
5. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the honey until dissolved.
7. Let the pears cool in the syrup before serving. Garnish with lemon slices, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pomegranate Poached Pears with Mint
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of pears with the tartness of pomegranate, all wrapped up in a refreshing minty package. Perfect for a light dessert or a healthy snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored, and halved
– 1 cup pomegranate juice
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, honey, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add the pear halves to the poaching liquid, making sure they are covered. Simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Remove the pears from the poaching liquid and let them cool slightly.
5. Stir in chopped fresh mint leaves.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Poached Pears in Chai Spiced Syrup
Poached Pears in Chai Spiced Syrup: A Warm and Inviting Dessert
This recipe combines the comfort of poached pears with the aromatic spices of chai, creating a unique and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou)
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons loose black tea leaves (or 1 teaspoon chai spice mix)
– 1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
– 6 whole cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions:
1. Combine water, sugar, tea leaves or chai spice mix, cinnamon stick, and cloves in a large saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Peel, core, and halve the pears.
4. Add the pear halves to the syrup and cook for an additional 20-25 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes
Vanilla and Almond Poached Pears
Elevate your dessert game with this elegant and flavorful recipe. Tender pears poached in a sweet vanilla-almond syrup, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored, and halved
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups water
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup almond extract
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, water, milk, almond extract, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add the pear halves to the syrup, cover, and poach for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
4. Remove pears from the syrup with a slotted spoon and transfer to a serving dish.
5. Pour the warm syrup over the pears and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Poached Pears with Saffron and Rosewater
Poached Pears with Saffron and Rosewater: A Delicate and Exotic Dessert
This elegant dessert is perfect for special occasions or as a unique treat any time of the year. The combination of poached pears, saffron, and rosewater creates a sweet and sophisticated flavor profile that will impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe but firm Bartlett pears
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1/4 teaspoon rosewater
– Lemon slices or mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Peel the pears and remove the stems.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, water, saffron (with its soaking liquid), and rosewater. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Add the pears to the poaching liquid and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Remove the pears from the liquid and let them cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with lemon slices or mint leaves.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Poached Pears
Elevate the humble pear to new heights with this simple yet impressive dessert recipe. The sweetness of the pears is perfectly balanced by the tangy flavor of balsamic glaze, creating a delightful contrast that will impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou work well)
– 1 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 cinnamon stick
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel, core, and halve the pears.
3. In a large saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the cinnamon stick and poach the pears for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Remove the pears from the glaze and let them cool slightly. Strain the glaze through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the spices.
6. Serve the pears warm or at room temperature, drizzled with the balsamic glaze and garnished with fresh thyme leaves.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Poached Pears in Coconut Milk with Lime
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of pears with the creaminess of coconut milk and a hint of lime, resulting in a unique and delicious dessert perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou)
– 1 can full-fat coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Peel, core, and halve the pears.
2. In a large saucepan, combine coconut milk, honey, lime juice, and cinnamon.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Add the pear halves to the saucepan and poach for 20-25 minutes or until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
5. Remove the pears from the liquid with a slotted spoon and let them cool slightly.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional lime juice if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Caramelized Poached Pears with Pecans
Poaching pears in a flavorful liquid and then caramelizing them brings out their natural sweetness, while toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch. This elegant dessert is perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe but firm pears (Bartlett or Anjou)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, water, and wine (if using). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add pears, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to the poaching liquid. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until pears are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Remove pears from the liquid and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Caramelize by broiling for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. Sprinkle toasted pecans over pears and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Poached Pears with Thyme and Black Pepper
Poached Pears with Thyme and Black Pepper: A Simple yet Elegant Dessert
This recipe combines the sweetness of pears with the savory flavors of thyme and black pepper, resulting in a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored, and halved
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 sprig fresh thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Optional: lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and honey. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the thyme sprig and pear halves. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the pears are tender.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Strain the poaching liquid and discard the solids.
4. Serve the pears warm or at room temperature, garnished with lemon slices if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Poached Pears in Apple Cider with Cinnamon
This recipe transforms ordinary pears into a deliciously sweet and aromatic dessert, perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender pears, fragrant cinnamon, and rich apple cider creates a cozy and inviting treat.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou)
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Peel, core, and halve the pears.
2. In a large saucepan, combine apple cider, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the pear halves to the poaching liquid and cook for an additional 20-25 minutes or until pears are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Elevate your special occasions with these 18 elegant poached pears recipes. From classic combinations like Red Wine Poached Pears with Vanilla Bean to unique flavor profiles like Ginger and Star Anise Poached Pears, there’s something for every taste. Enjoy the versatility of poached pears with infusions like Earl Grey Tea or Chai Spiced Syrup, or add a touch of luxury with ingredients like saffron and rosewater. With these recipes, you’ll be sure to impress your guests with a delicious and visually stunning dessert.