Description
Chai-Spiced Poached Pears with Mascarpone is a dessert that features pears poached in a flavorful, aromatic chai-spiced syrup, complemented by a rich, creamy mascarpone cheese topping. The poaching liquid consists of warm spices such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and star anise, infusing the pears with deep, comforting flavors. The pears are then served with a sweet, slightly spiced mascarpone cream, making this dessert both indulgent and fragrant.
Ingredients
For the pears:
4 firm pears (Bosc or Anjou work well), peeled and halved (leave stems on if possible for presentation)
3 cups water
1 ½ cups apple cider (or white wine for a more adult version)
½ cup honey or sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
6 whole cardamom pods, lightly crushed
1 star anise
1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
2 black tea bags (or 2 tsp loose-leaf strong black tea)
1 tsp vanilla extract (or ½ vanilla bean split lengthwise)
For the mascarpone cream:
1 cup mascarpone cheese
2 tbsp powdered sugar (or honey)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the poaching liquid
In a saucepan large enough to hold the pears, combine water, cider (or wine), honey/sugar, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, star anise, ginger, and tea bags.
Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring to dissolve honey/sugar.
Poach the pears
Add the peeled pears to the liquid.
Simmer gently for 20–30 minutes, turning occasionally, until pears are tender but not mushy.
Remove pears with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Reduce the syrup
Remove tea bags (and whole spices if you prefer a smooth sauce).
Simmer poaching liquid until reduced by about half and slightly syrupy.
Make the mascarpone cream
In a small bowl, whisk mascarpone with powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
Serve
Place pear halves on plates or shallow bowls.
Drizzle with the chai-spiced syrup.
Dollop or pipe mascarpone cream on the side.
Garnish with crushed pistachios, toasted almonds, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
For an elegant finish, drizzle the pears with a touch of honey or caramel and sprinkle with toasted nuts. They also pair beautifully with a glass of dessert wine or a spiced black tea.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: Fusion / Modern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear with mascarpone (~200g)
- Calories: ~310
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Chai-Spiced Poached Pears with Mascarpone