Red Wine Poached Pears

Red wine poached pears are an elegant, dairy-free pear dessert perfect for fall and winter. This refined sugar-free, gluten-free pear dessert is an easy make-ahead option for holidays, romantic dinners, and dinner parties.

Red Wine Poached Pears

As a nutrition consultant and chef, I’m on a mission to help you make delicious desserts that feel special and easy to make. And when it comes to dessert, I get a lot of requests for something that looks impressive, tastes indulgent, and still feels aligned with a balanced lifestyle. This is exactly why I keep coming back to red wine poached pears.

Peras are one of my favorite fruits after peaches. I love them when they are ripe and juicy. Plus, you can make so many delicious recipes with them. I first fell in love with pears poached in wine years ago while I was travelling in Portugal. I started experimenting with fruit and wine recipes after that, during the colder months. I love watching simple pears slowly transform in a pot of red wine, warm spices, citrus, and vanilla. The kitchen literally smells like a holiday dessert, a romantic dinner, and a cozy winter evening all at once. Nothing better than warm spices in a dessert. This recipe has since become my go-to fall pear dessert, winter pear dessert, and dinner party dessert because it checks every box. It’s elegant, naturally sweet, refined sugar-free, and incredibly forgiving.

Whether you’re planning a Valentine’s Day dessert, a Mother’s Day treat, or an ideal make-ahead dessert for guests, these red wine poached pears with spices always deliver. They feel luxurious without being heavy, making them one of my favorite gluten-free pear desserts to serve after a rich meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This is an easy dessert that feels fancy without the stress
• It’s naturally dairy-free and gluten-free
• It’s an ideal make-ahead dessert for entertaining
• It uses warm spices that make your home smell incredible
• It works beautifully for holidays, romantic dinners, and special occasions

A fresh, juicy red pear served with creamy vanilla ice cream on a white textured plate.

Ingredients for Red Wine Poached Pears

• Bosc pears: I always choose Bosc pears for this poached pear recipe because they hold their shape beautifully during cooking. They soften just enough while staying elegant, which is key for a stunning pear dessert that looks elegant on the plate.
• Red wine: Red wine is the backbone of this red wine pear dessert. I like using a dry red wine that I would actually drink, such as a merlot or cabernet sauvignon. As it simmers, it reduces into a deeply flavored syrup that coats the pears, turning them into classic wine-poached pears.
• Cinnamon sticks: Cinnamon sticks add warmth and depth without overpowering the fruit. They’re essential for red wine poached pears with cinnamon and give this dessert that unmistakable flavor.
• Honey: I use honey instead of refined sugar to sweeten the poaching liquid gently. It balances the acidity of the wine, making this a refined, sugar-free poached pears recipe that still tastes delicately sweet.
• Cloves: Cloves bring a subtle spice that pairs beautifully with pears and red wine. A little goes a long way, adding complexity to these spiced red wine pears.
• Orange juice: Fresh orange juice brightens and balances the entire dish. Adding citrus to a dessert always acts as a flavor balancer. It lifts the wine and spices, adding a fresh note.
• Ground cardamom: Cardamom adds a slightly floral, citrusy warmth, making this dessert feel special and layered. It’s one of my favorite warm spices for fruit desserts.
• Star anise: It adds a hint of licorice flavor that pairs beautifully with wine-poached pears. It’s subtle but unforgettable.
• Vanilla pod: A vanilla pod rounds out everything and adds softness to the poaching liquid, making these red wine-poached pears for dessert feel complete.

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Did you know?

An interesting thing about red wine poached pears is how the color develops. Pears don’t just absorb the wine on the surface. As they gently simmer, the pigments from the red wine slowly move inward, creating that dramatic ruby-to-blush gradient. It’s why pears poached in wine look so elegant without any extra effort. Another fun detail is that this dessert actually improves with time.

How to Make Red Wine Poached Pears

• Peel the pears, keeping the stems intact if possible. This makes for a more elegant presentation.
• In a wide pot, combine red wine, orange juice, honey, and all the spices.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow the flavors to incorporate.
• Add the pears and simmer gently, turning them occasionally to ensure even color.
• Cook until the pears are tender but not falling apart.
• Remove the pears and continue reducing the liquid until it becomes a syrup.
• Pour the syrup over the pears and let them cool in the liquid.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Bosc pears: You can use Anjou pears if Bosc aren’t available, but choose firm ones.
• Red wine: A non-alcoholic red wine can work for a similar flavor profile.
• Honey: Maple syrup is a great alternative and keeps this a refined-sugar-free poached pears recipe.
• Orange juice: Blood orange juice adds a deeper, richer citrus note.Health

Chef Angie’s Tips

• Choose pears that are firm to the touch
• Simmer gently to avoid mushy pears
• Let the pears cool in the liquid for a deeper flavor
• Reduce the sauce separately for a glossy finish
• Make these a day ahead for even better taste

Ways To Serve

• Serve warm with coconut yogurt, for a dairy-free pear dessert
• Pair with whipped coconut cream or whipped cream for a romantic dessert
• With cocktails: Pomegranate Blackberry Cocktail, Dragon Fruit Lavender Gin Cocktail, Pink Gin Cocktail, Hazelnut Espresso Martini.
• With mocktails: Very Berry Mocktail, Pineapple Ginger Ale Mocktail, Juniper and Cranberry Mocktail.
• Add chopped nuts for texture
• With Valentine’s Day cocktails: Creamy Red Velvet Martini Cocktail, Strawberry and Cream Cocktail.

Storage

Store pears submerged in syrup. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container. They last up to four days. Flavors deepen over time. Perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays

Equipment

• Wide pot or saucepan
• Vegetable peeler
• Sharp knife
• Ladle
• Airtight storage container

FAQ

Can I make red wine poached pears ahead of time?

Yes, this is an ideal make-ahead dessert and tastes even better the next day.

Is this a gluten-free pear dessert?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.

Can I serve this cold?

Absolutely. Cold or warm, this poached pear dessert shines.

If you loved this red wine poached pears recipe, share it with someone who loves elegant desserts. Save it, pin it, and keep it handy for your next dinner party or holiday gathering. This is one of those dessert recipes you’ll come back to again and again.

Print

Red Wine Poached Pears

Red wine poached pears are an elegant, dairy-free pear dessert perfect for fall and winter. This refined sugar-free, gluten-free pear dessert is an easy make-ahead option for holidays, romantic dinners, and dinner parties.

Course Dessert

Cuisine European

Keyword Red Wine Poached Pears

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 55 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 259kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Chef knife
• Vegetable peeler
• Ladle

Ingredients

• 4 Bosc pears
• 750 ml Red wine Cabernet or Merlot
• 1 cup Orange juice
• 1/4 cup Honey
• 6 Cloves
• 2 Cinnamon sticks
• 1/4 tsp Ground cinnamon

Instructions

• Peel the pears, keeping the stems intact if possible.

  2. In a wide pot, combine red wine, orange juice, honey, and all the spices.

  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow the flavors to incorporate. Add the pears.

  4. Once the mixture starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the pears cook for about 35-45 minutes. To ensure even cooking, gently turn the pears every 5-10 minutes.

  5. Remove the pears and continue reducing the liquid until it becomes a syrup.

  6. Pour the syrup over the pears and let them cool in the liquid.

Nutrition

Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.05g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 388mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 134IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Red Wine Poached Pears appeared first on The Tastes of Life Holistic Cooking and Living.

The post Red Wine Poached Pears appeared first on The Tastes of Life Holistic Cooking and Living.

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