Poached Pears In Red Wine Recipe
As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, Easy Homemade Life may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
The first cool evenings of fall always remind me to bring out red wine poached pears, a dessert that fills the kitchen with the smell of honey, citrus, and warm spices. With just a few ingredients and about 45 minutes, they’re ready for a holiday table, a dinner with friends, or a quiet night in.
I once leaned on apricot cheesecake for every special occasion, until I tried red wine poached pears at a friend’s restaurant opening. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the tender fruit with its balance of sweet and spice completely won me over. Now they’re my go-to for celebrations big and small, from cozy date nights to festive gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients
- Minimal prep
- Warm and inviting
- Great for planning ahead: They get even better after resting in the syrup, so you can make them hours before serving.
- Serve two ways: Enjoy them warm with syrup or chilled with cream or ice cream.
- Make it your own: Swap the wine or spices to suit your taste.
How to Make Red Wine Poached Pears
With just 6 ingredients and under an hour, you can have poached pears that look and taste restaurant-worthy. The pears simmer in a spiced wine syrup until they’re soft and take on a gorgeous ruby color.
Scroll down to find the printable recipe card with the full ingredient list, exact measurements, and easy step-by-step directions.
Ingredients You Need
- Pears: Bosc pears work best since they keep their shape during poaching. Their natural sweetness and hint of spice pair wonderfully with red wine and warm spices.
- Red wine: Go with Merlot, Shiraz, or Sauvignon.
- Orange juice: Freshly squeezed has the brightest flavor, though bottled works fine in a pinch.
- Honey
- Cloves
- Cinnamon sticks
Step-By-Step Instructions
Start with a pot of wine, honey, citrus, and spices to build the poaching liquid. Slip the pears in, let them simmer until tender, then cool right in the pot. For serving, cook down the liquid into a syrup and spoon it over the pears.
Step 1: Make the poaching liquid
Combine red wine, orange juice, honey, cloves, and cinnamon sticks in a medium saucepan and stir to blend.
Step 2: Add the pears
Place the peeled pears in the pot so they’re mostly covered by the liquid. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Simmer
Lower the heat and let the pears simmer for 35 to 45 minutes, turning them every 5 to 10 minutes so they cook evenly and take on color.
Step 4: Let them rest
When the pears are soft and full of flavor, take the pan off the heat and let them sit in the liquid for a short while.
Step 5: Serve with syrup
Drizzle the spiced wine syrup over the pears and serve.
Substitutions
Red wine poached pears use ingredients that are easy to find. If you’d like to switch things around, these simple swaps work perfectly:
- Pears: If Bosc pears aren’t available, Anjou pears hold their shape well and stay juicy, while Bartlett pears cook faster and need less time to avoid over-poaching.
- Red wine: For a non-alcoholic option, pomegranate juice works nicely.
- Orange juice: Apple cider or cranberry juice make great stand-ins.
- Honey: Maple syrup or brown sugar bring a similar sweetness.
- Cinnamon sticks: Star anise or cardamom pods add a different but cozy spice.
Expert Tips
- Plan ahead: The pears taste even better the next day once the flavors have had time to deepen.
- Pick a wine you enjoy: Since the flavors intensify as the pears cook, go with a red wine you’d be happy to drink. Skip anything overly sweet.
- Keep pears standing: If they tip over, turn them every few minutes so they take on color and flavor evenly.
- Add citrus: A strip of orange or lemon peel enhances the syrup and adds depth.
- Save the syrup: Use leftovers to drizzle over yogurt, pancakes, or even mix into a holiday cocktail.
- Balance with creaminess: Serve alongside whipped cream, mascarpone, or ice cream for a soft-and-creamy contrast.
How to Store This Recipe
Cool the pears in their poaching liquid before transferring them, liquid and all, to a sealed container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavor only improves as they rest.
When you’re ready to serve them warm, place the pears and syrup back in a saucepan and heat gently over low. Warm them through slowly, avoiding a boil so the fruit stays tender without falling apart.
What to Serve with Red Wine Poached Pears
Start with something creamy to complement poached pears. Whipped cream, mascarpone, crème fraîche, or ice cream will work beautifully. Our favorite thing to add is chai ice cream! Add a little crunch with candied nuts, biscotti, or shortbread cookies for contrast.
They pair just as well with savory foods. A few slices on a charcuterie board with blue cheese, brie, or aged cheddar add a sweet balance, and they’re equally delicious next to roasted pork or duck. To sip alongside, try a dessert wine, a bold red, or keep it cozy with espresso or spiced chai. Try it with a dirty chai tea latte!
More Fruity Desserts To Try
- Applesauce cake
- Apple cinnamon cake
- Peach cobbler
- Frog eye salad
- White chocolate mousse with raspberries
Red Wine Poached Pears Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine red wine, orange juice, honey, cloves, and cinnamon sticks in a medium saucepan and stir to blend.
- Place the peeled pears in the pot so they’re mostly covered by the liquid. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Lower the heat and let the pears simmer for 35 to 45 minutes, turning them every 5 to 10 minutes so they cook evenly and take on color.
- When the pears are soft and full of flavor, take the pan off the heat and let them sit in the liquid for a short while.
- Drizzle the spiced wine syrup over the pears and serve.
Notes
- The pears taste even better the next day after the flavors have time to deepen.
- Choose a red wine you’d enjoy drinking, and avoid anything too sweet.
- If the pears tip over, turn them every few minutes so they cook evenly.
- Add a strip of orange or lemon peel for extra depth in the syrup.
- Use leftovers to drizzle over yogurt, pancakes, or stir into a holiday cocktail.
- Pair with whipped cream, mascarpone, or ice cream for a creamy contrast.
