Ginger-Infused Poached Pears with Spiced Red Wine Reduction

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

Elegant poached pears simmered in a fragrant ginger and cinnamon spiced red wine sauce that reduces to a rich glaze. This french-inspired desserts (gluten-free) ready in about 55 minutes layers firm pears (Bosc or Anjou), red wine, granulated sugar 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 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 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 3 cups red wine, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2-inch sliced fresh ginger, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 split vanilla bean pod; bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 peeled whole pears standing upright in the liquid, pour in 1 cup water and 2 tbsp lemon juice to cover about half the pears; cover partially and simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, turning pears every 10 minutes, until tender when pierced with a knife.
  3. Step 3: Carefully remove pears and set aside to cool.
  4. Step 4: Increase heat to medium-high and boil poaching liquid until reduced by half and syrupy, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: To serve, place each pear on a plate and drizzle generously with the spiced red wine reduction sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ginger-Infused Poached Pears with Spiced Red Wine Reduction take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 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 Ginger-Infused Poached Pears with Spiced Red Wine 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 Ginger-Infused Poached Pears with Spiced Red Wine 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 Ginger-Infused Poached Pears with Spiced Red Wine 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.

Is Ginger-Infused Poached Pears with Spiced Red Wine Reduction gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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