Wine-Poached Pears with Cinnamon and Vanilla
Elegant poached pears simmered gently in red wine infused with warm cinnamon and vanilla aromas. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers Bosc pears, peeled, halved and cored, dry red wine, granulated sugar 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 Bosc pears, peeled, halved and cored
- 3 cups dry red wine
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 sticks cinnamon sticks
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine 3 cups dry red wine, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 split vanilla bean, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 cup water, and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Step 2: Add 4 peeled, halved, and cored Bosc pears to the simmering wine mixture, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low and poach the pears gently for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender but not mushy.
- Step 4: Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the pears and set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 5: Increase the heat to medium-high and boil the poaching liquid until it reduces to a thick syrup consistency, about 10-15 minutes.
- Step 6: Serve the pears drizzled with the warm wine syrup and garnish with a cinnamon stick or fresh mint if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Wine-Poached Pears with Cinnamon and Vanilla take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 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 Wine-Poached Pears with Cinnamon and Vanilla?
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 Wine-Poached Pears with Cinnamon and Vanilla?
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 Wine-Poached Pears with Cinnamon and Vanilla 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 Wine-Poached Pears with Cinnamon and Vanilla?
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.
