Cider poached pears are naturally gluten free and vegan. This simple poached pear recipe takes just 6 ingredients and 25 minutes to make.
It's pear season! In addition to apples, pumpkins, and cranberries, pears are also in season right now.
Pears are fantastic in salad (especially when there’s also bleu cheese or goat cheese!). They’re also really good for breakfast with yogurt or as a healthier dessert option – like these cider poached pears.
Not only are these poaches pears healthy, but they’re also an easy and delicious fall dessert. Plus, they make your house smell amazing as they cook.
Poached pears look super fancy, but they are so simpler to make. You can use a variety of liquids to poach pears. Wine is traditionally used, but, really, you can use lots of different liquids (like coconut milk!).
For this recipe, I used apple cider and “warm” spices because I wanted to stick with fall flavors for this dish. The pears soak up the spices and cider, and the cider cooks down to make a delicious syrup.
How to pick a ripe pear
So, when you’re picking out your pears, how do you tell if a pear is ripe? It's actually really easy - just apply gentle pressure to the narrow "neck" of the pear with your thumb.
If it yields to pressure, it's ripe. However, you can also poach under-ripe pears, which is what I did.
I’m a big texture person. I like my fruit borderline under-ripe. Also, when they're a little under-ripe they hold up well to poaching.
How to make cider poached pears
Step 1: Peel pears, and slice in half lengthwise. Leave the stems but remove the core.
Step 2: In a large, shallow skillet, bring apple cider and spices just to boil over medium heat.
Step 3: Add pears. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer pears until tender, about 20-25 minutes. I flip my pears over half way through.
Step 4: Serve pears warm with cider spooned over the top.
Serving suggestions
In addition to serving poaches pears with yogurt for breakfast, these pears would also be good with pancakes, waffles, or crepes.
For dessert, serve the pears with sweetened homemade whipped cream and vanilla ice cream. I suggest spooning the syrup over the pears when you serve them.
Storage
Store any leftover poached pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pears will keep for 2-3 days when properly stored in the fridge.
More fall recipes!
If you’ve tried this cider poached pear recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who've made my recipes!
You can subscribe to receive my latest recipe newsletters or follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for even more delicious food.
Cider Poached Pears
Ingredients
- 4 ripe Green Anjou pears*
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Peel pears, and slice in half lengthwise.
- Leave the stems but remove the core.
- In a large, shallow skillet, bring apple cider and spices just to boil over medium heat.
- Add pears.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer pears until tender, about 20-25 minutes. I flip my pears over half way through.
- Serve pears warm with cider spooned over the top.
Notes
- Check out the section above the recipe for tips on choosing ripe pears.
- Nutrition values are estimates.
Nutrition
Originally published 10/29/14.
Mary o callaghan
I’ve two trees of pears not ripe though tried this will do again smell alone was wonderful will have them for dinner 😊
Kate
Thank you! How wonderful that you have pear trees! We have a couple of young fruit trees, and I look forward to the day when we'll get fruit from them.
christine g. Culverwell
Would the pears poached in cider still contain alcohol after cooking?
I'm on medication that doesn't allow alcohol. A lovely recipe otherwise.
Kate
Hi! The cider is just regular apple cider; it isn't a hard cider. So, there won't be any alcohol in the dish. Hope that helps! =)
Lisa
Poached pear recipe
Kate
Hi! Did you find the recipe ok?
Linda
Lovely dessert! This was very easy to make, and it made my house smell wonderful as it cooked. I'll make this again as it is a healthy dessert.
Kate
Thank you so much! And thank you for leaving a comment. =)
Suzanne
Hi can you confirm how much cider you put in. This looks amazing
Kate
Sure! I used 2 cups of apple cider. Thanks! =)
Melanie
When did you add in the spices. Or did i miss read?
Kate
No, I left that out. You add them in step #3. Thanks for catching that! =)
ellie elliott
These look amazing! Thank you for sharing! I cannot wait to try!
Kate
Thank you! Hope you enjoy them as much as we did!
Kimi
delicious!!!
Kate
Thank you!
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel
Yum, these look delicious!! Cider is such a great idea for poaching! Love how easy poaching pears is :)
Kate
Thanks so much! By the way, your blog name is really cute!
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh
Poached pears are such an easy dessert with so many flavor choices! I love it! Perfect for the fall.
Kate
They are! I think they're my new favorite healthy dessert. =)