Juicy, fragrant pears are one of fall’s best treats, and they make it easy to create an elegant dessert with just a few ingredients. Whether you poach them, glaze them, or serve them fresh, pears always feel a little special.
Here are three easy pear desserts to try this season, plus tips on choosing the best pear for each one.
Which Pears Are Best for Desserts?
Each pear variety brings something different to the table, so it helps to match the pear to the recipe.
Comice Pears are the sweetest and juiciest of all, with a buttery texture that’s best enjoyed fresh. They’re perfect for a cheese board.
D’Anjou Pears have firm, dense flesh that holds its shape when cooked, making them ideal for poaching and baking.
Bartlett Pears are the classic, aromatic pear. They’re wonderful in cooked desserts when slightly underripe.
Holiday Red Pears add a festive pop of color to platters and dessert tables.
Can’t decide? The Perfect Pear Assortment lets you try several varieties at once.
Fresh Pear and Cheese Board
For a no-cook dessert, a pear and cheese board is hard to beat. Sweet, juicy pears balance rich, salty cheeses beautifully.
Core and slice a mix of Comice and Holiday Red Pears and fan them across a platter. Add a few favorite cheeses, such as blue cheese, Gorgonzola, Stilton, Brie, Parmesan, or creamy chèvre.
Finish with toasted pecans or walnuts and a drizzle of honey. Serve with a glass of port for the pear-fect ending to any meal.
Tip: Slice pears just before serving, or brush them with a little lemon juice to keep them from browning.
Simple Poached Pears
Poached pears look impressive but couldn’t be easier. They simmer gently in a sweet, spiced syrup until tender, then chill overnight to soak up even more flavor.
Serves: 4 | Total Time: 40 minutes, plus cooling
Ingredients
- 4 firm-ripe D’Anjou or Bartlett pears
- 4 cups water (or half water, half white wine or fruit juice)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 1 strip of zest from a Hale Groves Navel Orange (optional)
Directions
- In a pot just large enough to hold the pears, bring the water, sugar, cinnamon stick, and orange zest to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Peel the pears, leaving the stems on. Add them to the pot and reduce the heat to low.
- Place a small plate on top of the pears to keep them submerged. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, until a knife slides in easily.
- Remove from the heat and let the pears cool in the liquid to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate overnight for the best flavor.
- Serve with a drizzle of the poaching syrup and a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Tip: Choose pears that are slightly underripe. Overripe pears can turn mushy while they simmer.
Maple-Glazed Pears with Whipped Cream
This warm, cozy dessert comes together in about 15 minutes. Pears caramelize in butter and maple syrup until golden and tender.
Serves: 4 | Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 ripe but firm D’Anjou or Bartlett pears
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Directions
- Whip the cream in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Peel the pears, cut them into quarters, and remove the cores. Cut each quarter in half lengthwise.
- Melt the butter in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the pears in a single layer and cook until browned on one side, about 3 minutes.
- Add the maple syrup and cook for 1 minute. Turn the pears and cook until tender, 1 to 2 minutes more.
- Let cool slightly, then divide among bowls, spoon over the syrup, and top with whipped cream.
More Pear Recipes to Try
Looking for more ways to enjoy pears? Bake up our Easy Pear Crisp with Oats and Pecans or a loaf of Hale Groves Fresh Pear Bread.
Want to learn more about the sweetest pear of all? Read What Are Comice Pears?
Ready for dessert? Shop all Hale Groves Pears and find your favorite variety.