Cider Poached Pears

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.