Description
Poached Pears in Red Wine with Mascarpone is a dessert that takes firm pears and gently simmers them in a red wine-based poaching liquid infused with spices and citrus. The result is a soft, tender fruit that absorbs the deep flavors of the wine and spices. The pears are then paired with a creamy mascarpone mixture that adds richness and a smooth, contrasting texture. The dessert is typically garnished with citrus zest, mint leaves, or toasted nuts to add color and complexity.
Ingredients
For the Poached Pears:
- 4 firm pears (Bosc or Anjou work well), peeled with stems intact
- 750ml bottle of dry red wine (Merlot, Shiraz, or Cabernet)
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3–4 cloves
- 1 star anise (optional)
- Peel of 1 orange or lemon
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 1 vanilla pod (split) or 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
1. Poach the Pears
- In a large saucepan, combine wine, sugar, spices, citrus peel, juice, and vanilla.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add peeled pears and simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, turning every 5 minutes for even color.
- Pears should be tender but hold their shape.
- Let cool in the liquid, then refrigerate for 4+ hours (or overnight) for deeper flavor and color.
2. Make the Mascarpone Cream
- Whip mascarpone, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until soft peaks form.
- Chill until ready to serve.
3. Reduce the Wine Syrup
- Strain poaching liquid and simmer until reduced by half into a syrup.
- Optional: whisk in 1 tbsp butter for gloss.
4. Serve
- Plate pears upright or sliced.
- Drizzle with wine syrup and add a dollop of mascarpone cream.
- Garnish with mint, citrus zest, or toasted nuts.
Notes
Poached pears in red wine are elegant, tender, and bursting with rich, spiced flavor. Paired with creamy mascarpone, this dessert is perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. Serve with a drizzle of the reduced poaching syrup or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added texture and indulgence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Poaching / Chilling
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 290
- Calories: 28g
- Sugar: 45mg
- Sodium: 15g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Poached pears in red wine, Red wine poached pears