Moscato-Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone

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

Sweet pears gently poached in Moscato d’Asti wine paired with a luscious honey-infused mascarpone cream make an elegant and light dessert. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 35 minutes layers Bosc pears, Moscato d’Asti, water 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 260 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: 25 min Serves 4 French cuisine 260 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups Moscato d’Asti, 1 cup water, 1/4 cup honey, and 1 cinnamon stick. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 peeled and halved Bosc pears to the simmering liquid, cover partially, and poach for 15 minutes until pears are tender but still hold shape. Remove pears and set aside to cool.
  3. Step 3: Increase heat and boil the poaching liquid for 8-10 minutes until reduced by half and syrupy; remove cinnamon stick and let cool slightly.
  4. Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup mascarpone cheese, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Serve the cooled pears drizzled with the Moscato syrup, topped with a dollop of honey mascarpone and sprinkled with 1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Moscato-Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Moscato-Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone?

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 Moscato-Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone?

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 Moscato-Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone 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 Moscato-Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone?

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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