Vanilla Cider Poached Pears
Indulge in the elegance of these Vanilla Cider Poached Pears, a dessert that perfectly balances sweet, spiced, and fruity flavors. Tender pears are gently poached in a fragrant blend of apple cider, vanilla bean, cinnamon, and cloves, creating a luscious and aromatic treat. The cider reduces into a golden, syrupy drizzle that enhances the pears with a touch of rich sweetness. This recipe is a stunning yet simple way to spotlight seasonal produce and is perfect for both casual dinners and elegant gatherings. Serve these poached pears warm or at room temperature, with an optional dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra layer of indulgence. With minimal prep time and big flavor payoffs, this dessert offers a taste of sophistication that’s as easy as it is delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc or Anjou)
- 4 cups Apple cider
- 0.25 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 piece Vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 1 piece Cinnamon stick
- 3 pieces Whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 serving Optional garnish: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Instructions
Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact if possible. Slice a small portion off the bottom of each pear so they can stand upright. Use a melon baller or paring knife to core the pears from the bottom, removing seeds and leaving the stems intact.
In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
Slice the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the pod (or substitute with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract) to the pan. Add the cinnamon stick and whole cloves.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Carefully lower the prepared pears into the cider mixture. Ensure the liquid covers the pears; if not, rotate them occasionally during cooking to ensure even poaching.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are tender but still hold their shape. Test doneness by inserting a knife or skewer into the thickest part of a pear—it should slide in easily.
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the pears and set them upright on a serving plate or shallow bowl.
Increase the heat under the pan to medium-high and simmer the cider mixture until it reduces into a slightly thickened syrup, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Drizzle the syrup over the pears and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally garnished with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1114 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.2 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.7 g | 18% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 15 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 54 mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 274.5 g | 100% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.5 g | 98% | |
| Total Sugars | 214.8 g | ||
| Protein | 3.8 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 182 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 1867 mg | 40% | |
*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.
