Pears are a wonderfully versatile fall fruit that lend themselves nicely to a variety of accompanying sauces. The citrus and spice flavors of this light dessert make it a great finish for a heavy meal. Pair with a light-bodied, semi-sweet dessert wine like Moscato.
PrintOrange-Spiced Poached Pears
Pears poached in orange juice spiced with ground ginger, nutmeg and vanilla make a light, fruity dessert for a fall meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slightly under ripe Bartlett pears, peeled, halved and cored
- 1–1/2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Combine orange juice, water, brown sugar and honey in a large sauce pan. Stir well to mix and bring to a simmer. Add the vanilla extract, nutmeg, ginger and lemon juice.
- Add the pears and simmer for about 30 minutes, turning frequently to be sure they cook through evenly. Remove them from the pan and cover to keep warm.
- Let the remaining liquid cook until it thickens into a syrup. Cut pears into lengthwise slices and arrange on individual dessert plates. Drizzle with the syrup and garnish with mint leaves.
Liz Pearce says
Fab recipe, so easy to make & so tasty. For personal preference I left out the honey & only used half the sugar & left the pears whole & it was still lovely & sweet. Perfect to make ahead when you have guests coming over for supper. 10/10
Lynne Webb says
Hi Liz,
So glad you enjoyed the pears – they are easy and make such a nice dessert alternative to cake or pie.
Lynne Webb says
You’ll love them ~ they have such a velvety texture.
Hillary says
Poached pears are amazing! I had some at a French restaurant once, and they were poached in red wine. Would love to branch out and try these too!