Wine-Poached Pears with Michigan Maple Syrup and Walnuts
Tender pears poached in red wine and sweetened with Michigan maple syrup, topped with toasted walnuts for a delicate dessert. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers peeled and halved ripe but firm pears, dry red wine, Michigan 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 210 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 and halved ripe but firm pears
- 3 cups dry red wine
- 1/2 cup Michigan maple syrup
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine 3 cups dry red wine, 1/2 cup Michigan maple syrup, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 cinnamon stick, and 3 whole cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add 4 peeled and halved pears to the simmering wine mixture, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Cover and poach gently for 25-30 minutes until pears are tender but hold shape.
- Step 3: Remove pears with a slotted spoon and set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 4: Increase heat to medium-high and simmer the poaching liquid uncovered for 10-12 minutes until it reduces to a syrupy consistency.
- Step 5: Stir 1 tsp vanilla extract into the reduced syrup and discard cinnamon stick and cloves.
- Step 6: Plate pears and drizzle with the warm syrup, then sprinkle 1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts over the top before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Wine-Poached Pears with Michigan Maple Syrup and Walnuts 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 Michigan Maple Syrup and Walnuts?
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 Michigan Maple Syrup and Walnuts?
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 Michigan Maple Syrup and Walnuts 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 Michigan Maple Syrup and Walnuts?
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.
