Poached Pears in Spiced Red Wine Syrup

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

Plump pears slowly imbibe a sweet, aromatic syrup of red wine, cinnamon, and vanilla, creating a elegant dessert with a silky texture. This recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, layers Bosc pears, Red wine, Maple syrup 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 220 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: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 International cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place pear halves cut-side down in a shallow baking dish. In a small saucepan, combine red wine, maple syrup, water, cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, lemon slices, star anise, and salt.
  2. Step 2: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until syrup is dissolved, then remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes to infuse flavors.
  3. Step 3: Pour the syrup mixture evenly over the pears, ensuring they're submerged. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
  4. Step 4: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes until pears are tender when pierced with a fork and the syrup has reduced slightly to a glossy consistency.
  5. Step 5: Carefully remove pears from the dish using a slotted spoon, reserving the syrup. Discard cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, and lemon slices. Let pears cool in the syrup for 15 minutes to fully imbibe the flavors before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Poached Pears in Spiced Red Wine Syrup take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Spiced Red Wine Syrup?

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 Spiced Red Wine Syrup?

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 Spiced Red Wine Syrup 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 Spiced Red Wine Syrup?

International 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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