Poached Pears with Vanilla Sauce

Elevate your dessert game with these elegant Poached Pears with Vanilla Sauce, a simple yet sophisticated treat perfect for any occasion. Tender pears, gently poached in a fragrant infusion of sugar, lemon, and vanilla, become irresistibly succulent and aromatic. Served with a lusciously smooth vanilla sauce made from a dreamy blend of heavy cream, milk, and velvety egg yolks, this dessert is the embodiment of refined indulgence. Whether plated upright for a dramatic presentation or sliced to reveal their delicate texture, these poached pears are a stunning centerpiece for your table. Ideal as a dinner party dessert or a cozy night-in treat, this recipe combines elegance and ease, all while showcasing the timeless pairing of pear and vanilla.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 whole Pears (firm, ripe, such as Bosc or Anjou)
• 4 cups Water
• 1 cup White sugar
• 1 whole Vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 cup Whole milk
• 3 large Egg yolks
• 0.33 cup Granulated sugar (for sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)

Directions

Step 1

Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. Slice a small amount off the bottom of each pear so they can stand upright if desired.

Step 2

In a large saucepan, combine water, white sugar, and lemon juice. If using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds into the pan, then add the pod. If using vanilla extract, it will be added later.

Step 3

Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the liquid comes to a gentle simmer.

Step 4

Place the peeled pears into the simmering liquid and reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning the pears occasionally, until they are tender but not mushy.

Step 5

Remove the pears from the liquid and set aside. If using vanilla extract, stir it into the poaching liquid now and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 6

To prepare the vanilla sauce, combine heavy cream and whole milk in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat until just starting to simmer, then remove from heat.

Step 7

In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch (if using) until smooth and pale.

Step 8

Slowly pour a small amount of the heated milk-cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Gradually add the rest of the milk-cream mixture while continuing to whisk.

Step 9

Pour the entire mixture back into the saucepan and return to the stove over low heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (do not let it boil).

Step 10

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract (if not already added). Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve if desired for an extra-smooth texture.

Step 11

To serve, place each pear in a dessert dish, upright or sliced in half. Drizzle with the warm or slightly cooled vanilla sauce.

Step 12

Optionally, garnish with a sprig of mint or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for decoration.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2510.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2575.9

Total Fat 102.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 57.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 822.8mg	0%
Sodium 236.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 392.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.3g	0%
Total Sugars 347.2g
Protein 18.7g	0%

Vitamin D 162.3IU	0%
Calcium 495.9mg	0%
Iron 2.9mg	0%
Potassium 1287.7mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.9%

Protein: 2.9%

Carbs: 61.2%