Baked Moscato-Infused Apple Cider Poached Pears
Tender pears poached in a fragrant blend of Moscato d’Asti and apple cider, baked to a delicate finish with warm spices. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 45 minutes layers Bosc pears, Moscato d’Asti wine, Apple cider into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 medium, peeled and halved Bosc pears
- 2 cups Moscato d’Asti wine
- 1 cup Apple cider
- 3 tbsp Honey
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 4 Whole cloves
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
- 2 tbsp, melted Unsalted butter
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups Moscato d’Asti, 1 cup apple cider, 3 tbsp honey, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 whole cloves, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 4 peeled and halved Bosc pears to the poaching liquid, cover, and poach gently for 10 minutes until slightly tender but still holding shape.
- Step 3: Transfer pears to a baking dish, spoon some poaching liquid over them, and brush with 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until edges are caramelized and soft.
- Step 4: Remove pears from oven and let cool slightly before serving with a drizzle of the reduced poaching syrup.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Moscato-Infused Apple Cider Poached Pears take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Baked Moscato-Infused Apple Cider Poached Pears?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Moscato-Infused Apple Cider Poached Pears?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Moscato-Infused Apple Cider Poached Pears for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Moscato-Infused Apple Cider Poached Pears?
French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This is exactly what I wanted for a French-inspired dessert. The Moscato-infused cider created such a delicate, sophisticated aroma—my guests were raving!
- ★★★★★
The perfect balance of sweet and floral! I served these with a dollop of whipped cream for my mother's birthday—she called it 'restaurant quality'.
- ★★★★★
The poached pears were elegantly flavored with Moscato and cider—perfect for a fancy dinner with my partner. Served warm with crème fraîche, it was pure magic!
