The Most Elegant Poached Pears Recipe

The Most Elegant Poached Pears Recipe is a timeless dessert that combines simplicity with sophistication. In just 35 minutes, you can create a dish that feels like a luxurious treat, with tender pears infused with warm spices and a silky, aromatic syrup.

The delicate balance of sweet and floral notes, paired with the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, makes every bite unforgettable.

Perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a cozy night in, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary. The pears’ velvety flesh, enhanced by the rich, spiced syrup, offers a sensory experience that’s both comforting and refined. It’s a dessert that proves elegance doesn’t have to be complicated—just pure, delicious magic.

Ingredients for The Most Elegant Poached Pears

• 2 quarts (64 fl oz/1800 ml) water
• 2 ½ cups (20 oz/565 g) granulated sugar (can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor)
• 2 cinnamon sticks (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon as an alternative)
• 1 medium orange, sliced (use lemon slices for a tangier twist)
• 6 large pears, very firm (Bosc or Anjou pears work best)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine the water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices in an 8-quart lidded stockpot over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. While the water is heating, peel the pears: for each pear, slice the bottom so it can stand upright. Carefully peel away all the skin, leaving the stem intact for presentation.
3. Add the peeled pears to the pot. Cut a circle of parchment paper large enough to fit inside the pot on top of the pears. Cut a small vent hole in the center and place the parchment over the pears in the liquid.
4. Keep the water at a very gentle simmer (avoid boiling). Cook until the pears can be easily pierced with a knife, about 20 minutes (adjust time based on pear size and firmness).
5. Let the pears cool in their liquid. Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream, crème anglaise, salted caramel sauce, or your preferred accompaniment.
6. Store leftover pears in their liquid in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Elevate Your Dessert with Delicious Toppings

Take your poached pears to the next level with creative sauce and topping ideas. Drizzle them with rich vanilla crème anglaise or a decadent salted caramel sauce. For a refreshing twist, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts or a dusting of cocoa powder for added texture and flavor.

Serve in Style for Maximum Elegance

Presentation is key to making these pears shine. Serve them in shallow bowls with a spoonful of their poaching liquid, or place them on a dessert plate with a drizzle of sauce. For a special touch, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a few edible flowers. Pair with a glass of dessert wine like Moscato or Sauternes for a truly sophisticated experience.

Make Ahead and Store Like a Pro

These poached pears are perfect for preparing in advance! Store them in their poaching liquid in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to serve, you can enjoy them cold, at room temperature, or gently reheated in their liquid on the stovetop or microwave for a warm treat.

Shake Things Up with Flavor Variations

Experiment with different flavor profiles to suit your taste. Swap the cinnamon for star anise or cardamom pods, or add a splash of red wine to the poaching liquid for a deeper color and flavor. You could also try using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetness. Let your creativity guide you!

Tips for Perfectly Poached Pears Every Time

Use very firm pears like Bosc or Anjou for the best results. Make sure to keep the poaching liquid at a gentle simmer to prevent the pears from overcooking. The parchment paper “lid” helps the pears absorb the flavors evenly while keeping them submerged. Test for doneness with a knife – it should slide in easily when they’re ready!

The Most Elegant Poached Pears Recipe

Shaziya

The Most Elegant Poached Pears Recipe is a timeless dessert that combines simplicity with sophistication. In just 35 minutes, you can create a dish that feels like a luxurious treat, with tender pears infused with warm spices and a silky, aromatic syrup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings 6 pears

Equipment

• 8-quart lidded stockpot

Ingredients

  

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• 2 quarts water 64 fl oz/1800 ml
• 2 ½ cups granulated sugar 20 oz/565 g
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 medium orange, sliced
• 6 large pears, very firm

Instructions

 

• Combine the water, sugar, cinnamon sticks and orange slices in an 8-quart lidded stockpot over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
• While the water is heating, peel the pears: for each pear, first slice the bottom so that it can stand upright. Then peel away all of the skin but leave the stem (for looks).
• Add the pears to the pot, then cut a circle of parchment paper large enough to fit in the pot on top of the pears. Cut a small circle in the middle for venting and place it on top of the pears in the water.
• Keep water at a very gentle simmer and cook until the pears can be easily pierced through with a knife, about 20 minutes (more or less, depending on the size, variety, and firmness of the pears).
• Let pears cool in their liquid, then serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream, vanilla crème anglaise, salted caramel sauce or however you wish!
• Store leftover pears in their liquid in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keyword elegant dessert, gourmet recipe, poached pears, sophisticated dessert, wine poached pears

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