Honey-Rosemary Poached Pears with Mascarpone Cream
Tender pears gently poached in honey and rosemary syrup, served with a luscious mascarpone and vanilla cream. This mediterranean-inspired desserts ready in about 40 minutes layers peeled and halved firm pears, water, pure 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 280 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, peeled and halved firm pears
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 cup pure honey
- 3 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups water, 1/2 cup pure honey, 3 fresh rosemary sprigs, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the honey.
- Step 2: Add 4 peeled and halved firm pears to the simmering liquid, cover partially, and poach for 20-25 minutes until pears are tender when pierced with a knife but still hold shape.
- Step 3: Remove pears carefully with a slotted spoon and set aside to cool slightly. Strain the poaching liquid and discard rosemary sprigs; reserve the syrup.
- Step 4: In a chilled bowl, beat 1 cup mascarpone cheese, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp powdered sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and slightly fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Step 5: To serve, place each pear half in a shallow bowl, drizzle with warm honey-rosemary syrup, and add a generous spoonful of mascarpone cream alongside.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Rosemary Poached Pears with Mascarpone Cream take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 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 Honey-Rosemary Poached Pears with Mascarpone Cream?
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 Honey-Rosemary Poached Pears with Mascarpone Cream?
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 Honey-Rosemary Poached Pears with Mascarpone Cream 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 Honey-Rosemary Poached Pears with Mascarpone Cream?
Mediterranean 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.
