Looking for an easy, quick, healthy, yet delicious sweet treat?
Elegant, fragrant, and gently sweet, these Honey and Citrus Poached Pears are the kind of dessert that feels fancy but is secretly simple!
They’re naturally sweetened with honey, adding an earthy, caramel taste, infused with warm spices, and balanced out with just the right amount of citrus tang.
These poached pears are perfect for a sweet breakfast or brunch, served with yogurt and our granola, or a light, guilt-free dessert!
READ MORE: How to choose the healthiest honey for your family
honey and citrus poached pears recipe
Ingredients
- 4 firm pears (Bosc or Anjou), peeled and cored
- 3 cups water
- ½ cup pure honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or ½ vanilla bean, split and scraped)
- 3–4 strips lemon peel (or orange peel for a twist)
- (Optional): 2–3 whole cloves or a small slice of fresh ginger
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the water, honey, cinnamon, vanilla bean (if using vanilla extract, add it after removing from heat), and citrus peel. Add any optional spices. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Gently place the pears into the liquid. Make sure they’re mostly submerged. If needed, spoon liquid over the tops during cooking.
- Lower the heat and simmer the pears gently for 20–30 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but not collapsing. Cooking time depends on ripeness.
- Remove from the heat and let the pears cool in the syrup for at least 30 minutes (or refrigerate for a few hours to infuse more flavor).
- Serve warm or chilled, drizzled with the syrup and a drizzle of your favorite dark chocolate sauce. Add a spoonful of vegan yogurt, whipped cream, or ice cream on the side. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted nuts or granola for a nice crunch.
Optional Tips:
- To reduce the syrup: After removing the pears, boil the poaching liquid until it thickens into a syrup, about 10–15 minutes.
- For a deeper flavor: Add a splash of white wine or apple cider to the poaching liquid.
- Make it a showstopper: Garnish the pears with edible flowers or fresh mint. Or add some mini pavlovas for added crunch and elegance!