Name: Red Wine Poached Pears
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 firm pears (I used Bosc pears); 750 ml red dry wine (I used Merlot); ¾ cup granulated sugar; Juice of 1 orange; Juice of ½ lemon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cinnamon sticks; Whipped cream (optional); Ground cinnamon (optional)

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These Red Wine Poached Pears are a decadent and flavorful treat that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. The pears are poached in a mixture of red wine, cinnamon, orange juice and sugar for a sweet and spicy flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These are a unique and delicious twist on traditional poached pears – they’re sweet, spicy and full of flavor.
Plus, you can prepare the entire dish in one pot, making it an easy and convenient dessert to serve at any gathering.
And, with only a few common ingredients you can whip this up for your friends and family in no time at all.

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients for this flavorful yet elegant dessert recipe. All of these ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store which makes it great for any day of the week.

firm pears
red dry wine
granulated sugar
orange juice
lemon juice
vanilla extract
cinnamon sticks
Whipped cream, optional
Ground cinnamon, optional

Equipment

You only need a couple of kitchen tools to help you make this delicious recipe.

vegetable peeler or sharp knife
medium or large pot with lid

How to Make Red Wine Poached Pears

While this delicious recipe looks beautiful and elegant it’s easy to make. Just follow these simple steps below and you will a tasty dessert in no time at all.

Step 1: Peel the pears

Start by peeling your pears. Make sure to leave the stalk on the pears.

Step 2: Make the poaching liquid

In a medium size pot, add the red wine, sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, vanilla extract and cinnamon sticks and bring to a boil. Make sure to stir occasionally so the sugar dissolves.

Step 3: Simmer the pears in the red wine sauce

Once the wine cooks, add your pears, bring the heat down to low and cover. Cook for about 30 minutes, or until the pears are tender.

Step 4: Allow the pears to cool before serving

Let the pears cool off completely before serving. You can serve it with whipped cream and cinnamon, or vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

Storage

Store leftover poached pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat before serving.

Pro Tips

Here are a few tips to make sure that your pears turn out perfectly every time that you make them.

Use ripe but firm pears for the best flavor and texture.
Make sure not to overcook the pears – they should still be slightly firm when done cooking
If you don’t have red wine, you can substitute it with white wine, apple cider or grape juice
Feel free to mix up the spices – try adding cloves or star anise
Add a little honey if you want them to be sweeter
Add a few tablespoons of butter while cooking for added richness and flavor.
You can also add a splash of brandy or other liqueur at the end for added depth.

FAQs

Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe.

What is the best pear to use for poached pears?

The best pears to use for poached pears are ones that are ripe but still firm. Bosc pears are my favorite pears to use.

Should I core the pears?

You don’t have to core the pears, but if you able to gently core them before adding them to pot you can. Just make sure to leave the stem attached.

How do I remove the pears from the pot?

Once the pears are cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the pot. Be careful to not life them by the stem.

Can I make this recipe without alcohol?

Yes, you can definitely make this recipe without alcohol. Just substitute the red wine for apple cider or grape juice and it will still be delicious!

More Delicious Recipes You May Enjoy

If you love pears you may also enjoy these sweet pear recipes.

Recipe Card

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