How To Make Poached Pears For Desserts At Home

Poached pears are the dessert of elegance, simple yet sophisticated, they are perfect for any occasion. From hosting a dinner party to just wanting to level up your weeknight meal, poached pears bring restaurant quality to your table with minimal effort. The pear absorbs the flavors of the poaching liquid and turns an everyday fruit into a work of art.

You will love how versatile this dessert is, pair with ice cream for a sweet contrast or drizzle with chocolate for extra indulgence. From spiced red wine poaching to vanilla-infused syrup, the options are endless, so you can customize it to your taste. Poaching pears is not just about the end result, the process fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma, so it is a joy to do.

How To Make Poached Pears For Desserts

Poached pears are a fancy dessert that’s easy to make and bursts with flavor in every bite. Here is how to poach a pears:

Ingredients

• 4 medium pears (Bosc or Anjou)
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup sugar (200g)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2-3 cloves
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ cup white wine

Method

1. Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. Cut the pears in half and remove the core using a spoon or melon baller.
2. In a deep pan, combine water, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, vanilla extract and lemon juice. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
3. Add the pear halves to the pan with the poaching liquid. If using wine, add it now for extra flavor.
4. Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat and let the pears cook for 20-30 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are tender and soaked in the poaching liquid.
5. To check if the pears are done, insert a fork into the flesh. It should slide in easily.
6. Once the pears are done, remove them from the liquid. You can serve them warm or let them cool in the liquid to intensify the flavor.
7. As is or with the reduced poaching syrup. Whipped cream, chopped nuts or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

7 Tips To Make Poached Pears For Desserts At Home

1. Pick The Right Pears

Choosing the right pear is key to a successful poached pear dessert, go for firm pears like Bosc or Anjou. These pears hold their shape when poached and will not turn mushy. Avoid overripe pears as they will become too soft and break apart during cooking. Firm pears will give you that perfect tender yet intact texture that makes poached pears so lovely.

2. Use A Flavored Poaching Liquid

The poaching liquid is where the magic happens and where the pears get infused with flavor. A basic poaching liquid is water, sugar and spices but you can take it up a notch by adding wine (red or white), fruit juice (apple or orange) or even a splash of brandy for extra depth. The pears will absorb all these flavors as they cook and you will be left with a beautifully spiced result.

3. Do Not Boil

To avoid overcooking or breaking the pears, always simmer the poaching liquid and not boil. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat then reduce the heat to low and let the pears cook slowly. This slow cooking will cook the pears evenly, absorb the flavors from the liquid and retain their shape and texture.

4. Soak them Underwater

For even cooking, make sure the pears are fully submerged in the liquid. If needed, use a spoon or small plate to weigh them down so they stay under. This way every part of the pear gets the sweet, spiced liquid for maximum flavor.

5. Add Lemon Juice For Zing

A splash of lemon juice in the liquid will help balance the sweetness and add a bit of acidity. It will also prevent the pears from browning too much while they cook and keep their color bright. Lemon juice enhances the overall flavor, giving your poached pears a fresh, zesty kick that complements the fruit.

6. Do Not Overcook

One of the most important rules for poaching pears is not to overcook them, if you want them to be tender but not falling apart. Check the pears for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the thickest part of the pear. If it slides in easily, the pears are done.

7. Let them Sit in the Liquid

Once the pears are poached, let them sit in the liquid for a few minutes or even a few hours. This allows the pears to absorb even more of the flavored liquid, making them more fragrant and rich.