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Poached pears are a classic dessert that feels both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re serving them with whipped cream, ice cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt, their tender texture and subtly spiced flavour are sure to impress. I’ll show you how to make healthy poached pears using a simple recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious. Plus, I’ll share tips for perfect poaching and creative serving ideas to elevate your dessert game.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Poached Pear Recipe

Poached pears are a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. They:

  • Use Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like cinnamon, ginger, and maple syrup.
  • Are Incredibly Versatile: Perfect as a light dessert, a topping for yogurt, or even as a brunch centrepiece.
  • Feel Festive: With warm spices and the natural sweetness of pears, this recipe is ideal for the holiday season.
  • Are Easy to Make: Despite their fancy reputation, poached pears are a breeze to prepare.

Ingredients

To make this easy poached pear recipe, you’ll need:

  • 4 Pears: Bosc pears work best for poaching, as they hold their shape well.
  • 2 Cups Water: The base for the poaching liquid.
  • ½ Cup Maple Syrup or Honey: Adds a natural sweetness.
  • 2-3 Cinnamon Sticks: Infuse warm spice into the poaching liquid.
  • Fresh Ginger (2-inch piece): Adds a subtle zing.
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar: Enhances the caramel-like depth of the syrup.
  • ¼ Cup Greek Yogurt (for serving): Creamy and tangy, perfect with the spiced pears.

How to Make Poached Pears

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly tender and flavorful poached pears:

1. Prepare the Pears

Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact for a decorative touch. You can core them if desired, but it’s not necessary.

2. Create the Poaching Liquid

In a large pot, combine water, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.

3. Poach the Pears

Add the pears to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced with a knife.

4. Serve the Poached Pears

Serve the poached pears warm or at room temperature over a dollop of Greek yogurt. Drizzle with extra poaching syrup and garnish with granola or nuts for added crunch.

Tips for Perfect-Poached Pears

Choose the Right Pears: Bosc pears are ideal because they stay firm and don’t turn mushy during poaching. Avoid overly ripe pears.

Flavour the Liquid: Add star anise, vanilla bean, or orange juice for extra depth.

Use a Lid: Covering the pot ensures even cooking and keeps the pears submerged in the poaching liquid.

Check for Doneness: Test the pears with a knife. They should be tender but not falling apart.

Store the Leftovers: Keep poached pears and their syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Creative Ways to Serve Poached Pears

With Pancakes: Dice and use as a topping for pancakes or waffles with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

With Ice Cream: Drizzle warm poached pears with the poaching liquid and serve over vanilla ice cream.

On a Cheeseboard: Slice and serve alongside aged cheeses and nuts for a sophisticated appetizer.

In a Tart: Use poached pears as the star ingredient in a puff pastry tart or galette.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This recipe stands out for its balanced sweetness, spiced flavor, and simplicity. The combination of cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, and maple syrup creates a warm, cozy dessert that feels luxurious yet approachable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Red wine poached pears are a stunning dessert option. Substitute 1 cup of water with red wine and reduce the brown sugar slightly.

Pears usually take 20-25 minutes to poach, depending on their size and ripeness.

Reheat gently on the stovetop in their poaching liquid over low heat.

Other Cozy Desserts You’ll Love

Final Thoughts

Poached pears are a dessert that’s both effortless and elegant, making them perfect for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to holiday celebrations. Whether served simply with Greek yogurt or dressed up with ice cream and nuts, this dish always impresses.

I hope you’re enjoying the holiday season and that this recipe inspires you to create something delicious!

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Easy and Healthy Poached Pears

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Poached pears are a classic dessert that feels both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re serving them with whipped cream, ice cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt, their tender texture and subtly spiced flavor are sure to impress. 

Ingredients

  • 4 Pears
  • 2 Cups Water
  • ½ Cup Maple Syrup or Honey
  • 2-3 Cinnamon Sticks
  • Fresh Ginger (2-inch piece)
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
  • ¼ Cup Greek Yogurt

Instructions

  1. Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact for a decorative touch. You can core them if desired, but it’s not necessary.
  2. In a large pot, combine water, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
  3. Add the pears to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced with a knife.
  4. Serve the poached pears warm or at room temperature over a dollop of Greek yogurt. Drizzle with extra poaching syrup and garnish with granola or nuts for added crunch.

Notes

This recipe stands out for its balanced sweetness, spiced flavor, and simplicity. The combination of cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, and maple syrup creates a warm, cozy dessert that feels luxurious yet approachable.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 255Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 18mgCarbohydrates: 65gFiber: 6gSugar: 52gProtein: 2g
© Christopher

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