Vanilla Poached Pears
Indulge in the elegance of Vanilla Poached Pears, a refined yet simple dessert that transforms ripe, firm pears into tender, aromatic delights. Gently simmered in a fragrant bath of water, sugar, and vanilla bean (or extract), these pears absorb the essence of vanilla, zesty lemon, and a hint of optional cinnamon for added warmth. Perfect for dinner parties or a cozy night in, this recipe features a luscious reduction of the poaching liquid to create a glossy syrup that drapes the pears beautifully. With only 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, this gluten-free and dairy-free treat is as easy to make as it is stunning to serve. Pair with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’s both indulgent and effortlessly sophisticated.
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Pears (ripe but firm, preferably Bosc or Anjou)
- 4 cups Water
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 piece Vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)
- 1 piece Lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 piece Cinnamon stick (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Peel the pears, leaving the stem intact. Trim the bottom of each pear slightly so they can stand upright if desired.
Step 2
In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, and lemon zest. If using a vanilla bean, slice it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds; add both the seeds and the pod to the saucepan. Alternatively, add the vanilla extract if using. Add the cinnamon stick if desired.
Step 3
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the syrup comes to a gentle boil.
Step 4
Lower the heat to a simmer and carefully place the pears into the saucepan. Add the lemon juice to the syrup.
Step 5
Simmer the pears gently for 20-30 minutes, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly. The pears are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a knife, but still hold their shape.
Step 6
Once cooked, remove the pears from the liquid and set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 7
Increase the heat under the saucepan and boil the poaching liquid until it reduces and thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. This will create a lovely syrup for serving.
Step 8
To serve, place each pear on a plate or in a bowl and drizzle with the reduced syrup. Optional: Garnish with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added texture.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1937.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1200.9 |
| Total Fat 1.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 40.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 316.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 27.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 270.0g | |
| Protein 3.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 163.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 1.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 921.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories