Elevate your dessert game with these elegant Spiced Poached Pears, a stunning combination of tender fruit and warm, aromatic flavors. Perfect for dinner parties or a cozy night in, this recipe transforms firm pears like Bosc or Anjou into a luscious treat by simmering them in a fragrant blend of cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and vanilla, enhanced by a touch of honey, citrusy orange zest, and lemon juice. The result? Pears that are beautifully infused with spice and sweetness, served with a silky, spiced syrup that's irresistibly indulgent. Ready in just under 40 minutes, these poached pears can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, paired with whipped cream, velvety vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of nuts for an extra touch of sophistication. Whether you're looking for a gluten-free dessert or a sophisticated way to highlight seasonal produce, these spiced pears are a showstopper!
Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. Trim the bottoms slightly so they can stand upright if desired.
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, honey, and lemon juice. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
Add the cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the saucepan.
Place the peeled pears into the saucepan, making sure they are mostly submerged in the liquid. If needed, you can lay the pears on their sides or use a small plate to keep them submerged.
Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and poach the pears for 20–30 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are tender when pierced with a knife.
Carefully remove the pears from the liquid and set them aside to cool slightly. Continue simmering the poaching liquid for 10–15 minutes to reduce it into a slightly thicker syrup.
Discard the spices and orange zest from the syrup. Allow the syrup to cool for a few minutes.
Serve the pears warm or at room temperature, drizzled with the spiced syrup. Optionally, pair with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra indulgence.
Calories |
1348 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.1 g | 3% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 34 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 353.9 g | 129% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.9 g | 103% | |
| Total Sugars | 304.0 g | ||
| Protein | 3.4 g | 7% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 152 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 986 mg | 21% | |
*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.