Poached Pear Parfait with Mascarpone: Layers of Luxury

Desserts are more than just flavor; it is an experience, a delight for all senses. Consider a creamy, luscious treat layered with the delicate sweetness of poached pears. For those who indulge in the most decadent desserts but with a touch of refinement, this Poached Pear Parfait with Mascarpone is a must-have.

Parfaits are all about layers—every layer offering a unique texture and flavor. Poached pears, simmered in fragrant spices, give a soft, fruity base. Mascarpone lends creamy richness. Crunchy elements of nuts or biscuits balance this for an extraordinary combination. Great for dinner parties or an evening treat, this parfait will give sophistication to your table without being overly complicated to prepare. Let's discover the recipe for this decadent treat and make your dessert dreams come true.

Recipe for Poached Pear Parfait with Mascarpone

Ingredients:

For the Poached Pears:

• 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and halved
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise
• 1 vanilla pod or 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Juice of half a lemon

For the Mascarpone Layer:

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Crunchy Layer:

• 1/2 cup granola or crushed digestive biscuits
• 2 tbsp toasted almonds or walnuts (optional)

Method:

Place water, sugar, cinnamon stick, star anise, vanilla, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Add the pear halves to the liquid. Cover with a parchment paper circle to keep them submerged.

Simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the pears are tender but not mushy.

Remove the pears from the poaching liquid, then let them cool. Keep the liquid and cook on very low heat until syrupy.

In a bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and slightly puffed. Refrigerate until assembly.

Slice the poached pears thinly or chop them into small dice.

Layer the parfait in serving glasses: Start with granola or crushed biscuits, then the mascarpone mixture, and then a layer of poached pears. Repeat as desired.

Drizzle with the reserved poaching syrup and sprinkle with toasted nuts for garnish.

Why Pear and Mascarpone Pair Well

The pairing of pears and mascarpone is a match made in culinary heaven. The refreshing sweetness and juicy texture of pears contrast beautifully with the rich, creamy profile of mascarpone. The subtle flavor of mascarpone acts as a neutral canvas for the poached pears' fragrant notes, enhanced by spices like cinnamon and star anise. Together, they form a harmonious balance of light and rich, sweet and subtle, making them ideal partners for a layered dessert.

How to Plate Them

Glassware: Present this parfait in tall, clear glasses, so the beautiful layers will be shown to their fullest. Add a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of poaching syrup on top to make it all very finished.

Rustic Bowls: For a more casual approach, use shallow bowls and layer your ingredients artfully. Sprinkle the top with extra nuts or edible flowers for a rustic touch.

Plated Dessert: Break down the parfait into plated mascarpone cream, slices of poached pear, and granola in modern way. Garnish with quenelle of mascarpone and drizzle of syrup.

Storage Tips

Mascarpone Cream: Keep ready-to-use mascarpone mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Whisk just before using.

Poached Pears: Store poached pears in liquid in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Flavours will deepen with time.

Parfaits: Layer only just before serving for optimal crunch of granola or biscuits. If layers are done ahead, assemble no more than 4 hours in advance.

This Poached Pear Parfait with Mascarpone is one of those gorgeous desserts that would be sure to draw the eye, either when it is served at a cozy dinner party or forms part of a grand affair. A true masterpiece of blending flavors and textures, it gives witness to the elegance in simplicity.