If you’re looking for a dessert that feels both elegant and surprisingly easy to make, this Poached Pears with Mascarpone Cream and Spiced Orange Syrup Recipe is absolutely the one to try. Imagine tender, subtly sweet pears steeped in warm spices and bright citrus, paired with a luxuriously smooth mascarpone cream that melts on your tongue. The spiced orange syrup ties everything together, adding a fragrant richness that captivates every sense. It’s a comforting yet impressive dish that’s perfect for sharing with family or impressing guests without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role to build layers of flavor and texture, from the tender pears to the creamy mascarpone, all enhanced by aromatic spices and bright orange essence.
- 4 firm ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou): Their firmness holds texture during poaching while offering natural sweetness.
- 3 cups (720 ml) water: The poaching base that gently cooks the pears without overpowering flavor.
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness to the syrup, balancing the tartness of the orange.
- 1 orange, peeled in wide strips: Delivers a vibrant citrus aroma and bright flavor to the spiced syrup.
- 1 cinnamon stick: Introduces warm spice notes that enhance the pears’ natural sweetness.
- 2 whole cloves: Bring depth and a slightly exotic hint to the syrup.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile with creamy, mellow warmth.
- 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone: The luscious Italian cheese that forms the creamy base of the topping.
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream: Whipped to lighten the mascarpone into a silky, fluffy cream.
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone cream without graininess.
- 1/2 vanilla bean, seeds scraped (or 1 tsp vanilla extract): Adds fragrance and enhances the creamy notes of the mascarpone.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
How to Make Poached Pears with Mascarpone Cream and Spiced Orange Syrup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spiced Orange Syrup
Start by combining the water, sugar, orange peel, cinnamon stick, cloves, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the spices to infuse the syrup with their warm, aromatic flavors. This fragrant base will gently poach the pears, so take your time letting those lovely aromas develop.
Step 2: Poach the Pears
Gently add the peeled pears, stem side up, into the simmering syrup. Let them cook quietly for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally so they absorb the syrup evenly. The goal here is perfectly tender fruit that holds its shape without becoming mushy. This slow, gentle simmer infuses the pears with subtle citrus and spice notes, making every bite bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Reduce the Syrup
Carefully remove the pears from the syrup and set them aside. Increase the heat slightly and reduce the syrup for 5 to 7 minutes. You want it thick enough to coat the back of a spoon—a luscious, sticky glaze that enhances the dessert’s richness. This concentrated syrup can be poured generously over the pears later to bring everything together beautifully.
Step 4: Make the Mascarpone Cream
While your syrup is reducing, it’s time to whip up the mascarpone cream. In a mixing bowl, combine mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla bean seeds or extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture until it becomes softly whipped—silky, fluffy, and just sweet enough to perfectly complement the spiced pears. This cream is the indulgent finish your dessert deserves.
How to Serve Poached Pears with Mascarpone Cream and Spiced Orange Syrup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, sprinkle toasted pistachios over the pears. Their crunchy texture and vibrant green color offer a delightful contrast to the soft pears and creamy topping. If you like a boozy hint, adding a splash of brandy to the syrup before serving adds warmth and complexity that’s simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own as a sophisticated dessert, but pairing it with a simple shortbread cookie or a delicate almond biscotti can provide a lovely textural counterpoint. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside a scoop of vanilla gelato, which adds a cool, creamy element that works wonderfully with the warm syrup.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the bowl by slicing the poached pears and fanning them elegantly on dessert plates. Drizzle with the spiced syrup and dollop the mascarpone cream artistically. Serving in clear glass bowls or stemmed glasses highlights the beautiful amber syrup and the pears’ delicate color, turning your dessert into a visual treat as well.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the poached pears and syrup separately from the mascarpone cream in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The pears will keep well for up to 3 days, soaking in even more flavor as the syrup continues to mingle.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this dessert because the pears’ texture can become watery and mushy after thawing. However, you can freeze the spiced syrup on its own for future use in cocktails or as a flavor booster in teas.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, gently warm the pears and syrup together on low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid high heat to keep the pears tender and prevent caramelization that could alter the flavor. Serve with freshly whipped mascarpone cream for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pears for this recipe?
While Bosc and Anjou pears are preferred for their firmness and sweetness, you can experiment with Bartlett or Comice pears, keeping in mind they may soften more quickly during poaching.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the mascarpone cream?
Yes! You can substitute with coconut cream whipped with a little powdered sugar and vanilla extract for a dairy-free version that still offers a creamy texture and sweetness.
Can I make the syrup spicier or milder?
Absolutely. Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and clove quantities to your taste, or add a slice of fresh ginger for a different aromatic twist. Just remember the spices should complement, not overpower, the pears.
How do I know when pears are done poaching?
They should be tender when tested with a small knife or skewer but still hold their shape. It typically takes 15 to 20 minutes, but timing can vary with pear ripeness and size.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time for a dinner party?
Definitely! Poach the pears and prepare the mascarpone cream earlier in the day. Store separately and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and perfectly textured.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the combination of tender poached pears, rich mascarpone cream, and fragrant spiced orange syrup in this Poached Pears with Mascarpone Cream and Spiced Orange Syrup Recipe. It’s a dessert that invites cozy, joyful moments and makes any occasion feel a little more special. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become one of your favorites to share over and over again.
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Poached Pears with Mascarpone Cream and Spiced Orange Syrup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Poached pears are a classic, elegant dessert featuring ripe pears gently simmered in a fragrant spiced syrup made with orange peel, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla. Served warm or at room temperature with a luscious mascarpone cream, this dish offers a delicate balance of sweetness and aromatic spice, perfect for intimate dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pears and Poaching Syrup
- 4 firm ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou), peeled with stems on
- 3 cups (720 ml) water
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 1 orange, peeled in wide strips
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mascarpone Cream
- 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 vanilla bean, seeds scraped (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Poaching Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, orange peel strips, cinnamon stick, cloves, and vanilla extract. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat to infuse the flavors into the syrup.
- Poach the Pears: Carefully add the peeled pears with stems intact into the simmering syrup. Gently simmer the pears for 15 to 20 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking, until they are tender but still hold their shape without becoming mushy.
- Reduce the Syrup: Remove the cooked pears from the syrup using a slotted spoon. Continue to simmer the poaching liquid for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens slightly, concentrating the flavors into a luscious sauce.
- Prepare the Mascarpone Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat together mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla seed (or extract), and a pinch of salt until the mixture is softly whipped and smooth, creating a rich, creamy accompaniment.
- Serve: Arrange the poached pears on plates, drizzle generously with the reduced syrup, and add a dollop of the mascarpone cream. For an optional touch, add a splash of brandy to the syrup before serving or garnish with toasted pistachios for added color and crunch.
Notes
- Choose firm pears like Bosc or Anjou to ensure they hold their shape while poaching.
- You can store leftover poaching syrup in the refrigerator and use it to enhance cocktails or hot tea.
- For richer flavor, add a splash of brandy to the syrup after reducing.
- To add texture and color, sprinkle toasted pistachios over the finished dish.
- If using vanilla bean, scrape the seeds carefully; alternatively, vanilla extract works well.
