Pears Helene
Indulge in the timeless elegance of Pears Helene, a classic French dessert that combines the natural sweetness of poached pears with a luxurious chocolate sauce. Perfectly ripe pears are gently simmered in a fragrant vanilla-infused syrup until tender, preserving their delicate texture. A rich, silky sauce made from dark chocolate, heavy cream, and butter envelops the fruit, creating a decadent pairing that’s beautifully complemented by a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. For an added touch, a sprinkle of roasted almonds or pistachios provides a delightful crunch. With its stunning presentation and irresistible flavor, this dessert is ideal for special occasions or as a show-stopping finale to a dinner party. Simple yet sophisticated, Pears Helene is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the art of French confectionery.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Pears (medium-sized, firm, ripe)
- 1 liter Water
- 200 grams Granulated sugar
- 1 piece Vanilla bean (split lengthwise)
- 150 grams Dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
- 120 ml Heavy cream
- 20 grams Unsalted butter
- 4 scoops Vanilla ice cream
- 30 grams Chopped roasted almonds or pistachios (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. Slice a small portion off the bottom of each pear so they can stand upright if desired.
In a large saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, and the split vanilla bean. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
Once the sugar is dissolved, gently place the peeled pears into the poaching liquid. Ensure they are fully submerged; you can use a plate to weigh them down if needed.
Simmer the pears gently for 20-30 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife. Avoid overcooking as the pears should hold their shape.
While the pears are poaching, prepare the chocolate sauce. In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler or in a microwave (using 30-second increments, stirring between each interval).
Once the chocolate is melted, stir in the heavy cream and unsalted butter until you achieve a smooth and glossy sauce. Keep warm until ready to serve.
When the pears are tender, remove them from the poaching liquid and let them cool slightly. Discard the vanilla bean or save it for another use.
To assemble, place each pear on a serving plate. Drizzle generously with the warm chocolate sauce.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the plate next to the pear.
For garnish, sprinkle with chopped roasted almonds or pistachios, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this elegant dessert.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
831 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.4 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.4 g | 107% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 69 mg | 23% | |
| Sodium | 77 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 114.4 g | 42% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.9 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 89.9 g | ||
| Protein | 6.9 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 170 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 3.8 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 672 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
