Poached Pears in Sparkling White Wine with Mint

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

Elegant pears simmered in a fragrant wine syrup and finished with fresh mint for a delicate dessert. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes layers pears, sparkling white wine, 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 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 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 4 cored and peeled pears, 1 cup sparkling white wine, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup honey, 1 cinnamon stick, and 2 whole cloves.
  2. Step 2: Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until pears are tender but hold shape.
  3. Step 3: Remove pears with a slotted spoon and let cool slightly. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean saucepan.
  4. Step 4: Simmer the liquid until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Return pears to the reduced syrup and simmer for 2 more minutes.
  6. Step 6: Remove cinnamon stick and cloves. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped mint.
  7. Step 7: Serve warm or chilled, with 2 tablespoons heavy cream drizzled over each portion.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Poached Pears in Sparkling White Wine with Mint take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Poached Pears in Sparkling White Wine 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 Poached Pears in Sparkling White Wine 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 Poached Pears in Sparkling White Wine 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 Poached Pears in Sparkling White Wine 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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