Stovetop Poached Pears in Spiced Red Wine
Tender pears gently poached in a fragrant blend of red wine, cinnamon, and cloves for an elegant and warming dessert. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers (720ml) dry red wine, (150g) granulated sugar, cinnamon sticks 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.
Ingredients
- 4, peeled, halved, and cored firm ripe pears
- 3 cups (720ml) dry red wine
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 2 strips lemon zest strips
- 1, split lengthwise vanilla bean
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine 3 cups (720ml) dry red wine, 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, 6 whole cloves, 2 strips lemon zest, 1 split vanilla bean, and 1/2 cup (120ml) water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and liquid simmers.
- Step 2: Add 4 peeled, halved, and cored pears to the simmering wine mixture. Reduce heat to low and gently poach the pears, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Step 3: Carefully remove pears with a slotted spoon and set aside. Increase heat to medium-high and boil the poaching liquid until reduced by half and syrupy, about 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Serve the pears warm or at room temperature, drizzled with the spiced red wine syrup.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stovetop Poached Pears in Spiced Red Wine take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 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 Stovetop Poached Pears in Spiced Red Wine?
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 Stovetop Poached Pears in Spiced Red Wine?
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 Stovetop Poached Pears in Spiced Red Wine 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 Stovetop Poached Pears in Spiced Red Wine?
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.
