Pomegranate Poached Pears

These pomegranate poached pears are an elegant yet effortless pear dessert that’s naturally sweet and full of warm, spiced flavors. Simmered in a rich pomegranate syrup infused with cinnamon, vanilla, and citrus, this poached fruit dish is a perfect blend of tart and sweet. Whether you’re looking for healthy dessert ideas or a refined alternative to baked pears, this recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Yet Elegant – A gourmet-quality dessert with minimal effort.
• Naturally Sweetened – The poached pears recipe uses fruit and pomegranate juice for a refined, lightly sweetened treat.
• Warm and Comforting – Infused with cinnamon and citrus zest, creating a cozy spiced pear flavor.
• Healthy and Light – A great alternative to heavier desserts, perfect for those seeking healthy dessert ideas.
• Versatile – Serve warm or chilled, on its own or with toppings like yogurt, whipped cream, or nuts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 ripe pears, halved
• 2 cups pomegranate juice
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange

Directions

1. Prepare the Poaching Liquid – In a medium saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, sugar, cinnamon stick, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
2. Poach the Pears – Add the halved pears, cut side down, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, occasionally spooning the poaching liquid over the pears.
3. Check for Doneness – The pears should be tender when pierced with a fork but not mushy. Remove them from the saucepan and set aside.
4. Reduce the Syrup – Increase heat to medium and simmer the poaching liquid for another 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Serve – Drizzle the warm syrup over the pears and enjoy your poached fruit warm or chilled. Garnish with additional orange zest or nuts if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Wine-Poached Pears – Replace half of the pomegranate juice with red wine for a more indulgent wine poached pears variation.
• Baked Pears – Instead of poaching, bake the pears at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes with the spiced syrup.
• Vanilla Bean Twist – Use a whole vanilla bean instead of extract for a more intense vanilla flavor.
• Nutty Topping – Sprinkle with toasted almonds or walnuts for a crunchy contrast.
• Dairy-Free Creaminess – Serve with coconut yogurt or cashew cream for an extra luscious touch.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store poached pears in an airtight container with their syrup for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the pears may change.
• Reheating: Serve cold, or warm gently in a saucepan over low heat before serving.

FAQs

What type of pears work best for poaching?

Firm varieties like Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett hold their shape well during poaching.

Can I use honey instead of sugar?

Yes! Substitute sugar with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener.

How do I know when the pears are done?

They should be fork-tender but still hold their shape, not too soft or mushy.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors deepen when chilled, making it a great make-ahead dessert simple for entertaining.

Can I use a different fruit instead of pears?

Yes! Apples, peaches, or even plums work well with this poached fruit method.

What can I serve with these poached pears?

Try pairing them with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of dark chocolate.

How do I thicken the poaching liquid into a syrup?

Simmer the liquid for an extra 5-10 minutes after removing the pears until it slightly thickens.

Can I poach whole pears instead of halving them?

Yes! Just increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes to ensure even poaching.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This poached pears recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I add spices to enhance the flavor?

Absolutely! Try adding star anise, cloves, or cardamom for extra warmth.

Conclusion

These pomegranate poached pears are an easy yet sophisticated pear dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a poached pears recipe that feels indulgent yet light or a new way to enjoy poached fruit, this dish delivers both elegance and simplicity. Try it today and enjoy a beautifully spiced, naturally sweet treat!