Citrus and Ginger Poached Pears with Mint

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

Ripe pears gently simmered in a fragrant citrus-ginger syrup, finished with fresh mint for a delicate, elegant dessert. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 40 minutes layers pears, water, honey 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 French cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tbsp fresh ginger, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 cloves, and 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until honey dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add pear halves to the saucepan, cut side down so they're submerged. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until pears are tender when pierced with a fork.
  3. Step 3: Remove pear halves from saucepan and set aside on a plate. Simmer the poaching liquid for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
  4. Step 4: Place pears on serving plates and drizzle with the reduced poaching liquid. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus and Ginger Poached Pears with Mint take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Citrus and Ginger Poached Pears with Mint?

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 Citrus and Ginger Poached Pears with Mint?

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 Citrus and Ginger Poached Pears with Mint 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 Citrus and Ginger Poached Pears with Mint?

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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