Moscato-Soaked Apple Cider Poached Pears

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

Poached pears gently simmered in a fragrant blend of Moscato d’Asti wine and apple cider, infused with warm spices for an elegant dessert. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 45 minutes layers Bosc pears, Moscato d’Asti wine, apple cider 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 140 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: 35 min Serves 4 French cuisine 140 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups Moscato d’Asti, 2 cups apple cider, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 whole cloves, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp honey. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 peeled and cored Bosc pears to the simmering liquid, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Cover partially and poach for 20-25 minutes, turning pears occasionally until tender when pierced with a knife.
  3. Step 3: Remove pears carefully and set aside. Increase heat and boil poaching liquid until reduced by half and syrupy, about 10 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Spoon the reduced syrup over the pears before serving warm or chilled.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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-Soaked Apple Cider Poached Pears?

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-Soaked Apple Cider Poached Pears?

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-Soaked Apple Cider Poached Pears 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-Soaked Apple Cider Poached Pears?

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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