Champagne-Soaked Moscato Poached Pears with Apple Cider Reduction

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate pears poached in Moscato d’Asti and champagne, finished with a sweetened apple cider reduction for an elegant dessert. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers ripe Bosc pears, Moscato d’Asti wine, dry champagne 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 180 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 French cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup Moscato d’Asti, 1 cup dry champagne, 1 cup apple cider, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 split vanilla bean pod. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 peeled and cored Bosc pears to the simmering liquid, cover partially, and poach gently for 20-25 minutes, turning pears occasionally until tender but still firm.
  3. Step 3: Remove pears with a slotted spoon and set aside. Increase heat to medium-high and boil the poaching liquid until reduced by half and syrupy, about 10 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Plate the pears and drizzle with the warm apple cider reduction sauce. Serve warm or chilled.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Champagne-Soaked Moscato Poached Pears with Apple Cider Reduction take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 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 Champagne-Soaked Moscato Poached Pears with Apple Cider Reduction?

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 Champagne-Soaked Moscato Poached Pears with Apple Cider Reduction?

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 Champagne-Soaked Moscato Poached Pears with Apple Cider Reduction 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 Champagne-Soaked Moscato Poached Pears with Apple Cider Reduction?

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.

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