Chocolate Poached Pears are an elegant dessert where pears are cooked in a flavored syrup and served with a decadent chocolate sauce. It's a delightful winter treat that is surprisingly easy to make.
This dessert is quick to prepare and combines the sweet flavor of fruit with the richness of chocolate, creating a treat that everyone will love—even those with the most refined tastes.
The pears are gently cooked in a syrup made with sugar, lemon juice, and a hint of cinnamon for added warmth and aroma. Once cooked, they are topped with a smooth dark chocolate sauce that enhances their natural sweetness.
For an extra touch, you can add candied orange peel, which makes the dish not only more flavorful but also visually stunning. However, you can decorate the pears as you prefer, or keep it simple with just the melted chocolate.
The pairing of pears and chocolate is a timeless classic, and the hint of cinnamon makes this dessert perfect for the Christmas season and colder months. It’s a light yet sophisticated way to end a hearty winter meal.
For an added indulgence, serve your Chocolate Poached Pears with a dollop of pastry cream or a scoop of creamy gelato. Choose pears that are firm and not overly ripe to ensure they hold their shape during cooking. You can use any variety of pear based on what’s in season, allowing you to enjoy this dessert all year round.
Follow this step-by-step recipe to discover how to make Poached Pears with a rich chocolate sauce. They are are sure to impress!
Ingredients
Prep Time: 10 Min | Cook Time: 30 Min | Servings: 4
NOTE: The cooking time depends on the size of the pears - 30 minutes is a time for small to medium-sized pears. I have based the servings on one pear per person. However, if the pears are very small, such as Pere Coscia (small, sweet Italian pears with a thin skin, similar in size and texture to Seckel pears), you can serve two per person. On the other hand, if the pears are very large, you can consider serving half a pear per person.
- 4 pears, medium size
- 500 ml (~2 cups) water
- 2 tablespoons whole cane sugar
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 1 lemon
For the Dark Chocolate Sauce
- 100 g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate
- 100 ml (~½ cup) milk
For the Garnish
- Candied orange zest, to taste (optional)
Kitchen Tools and Equipment
To prepare this simple recipe, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools.
- A thick-bottomed, high-sided sauce pan: Ideal for slowly dissolving the sugar and gently cooking the pears over low heat.
- A citrus juicer: Perfect for extracting juice from the lemon, paired with a fine-mesh strainer to remove any pulp or seeds.
- A fruit peeler: A handy tool to easily and efficiently peel the pears.
- A double boiler: Essential for melting chocolate using the bain-marie method, ensuring smooth and even results.
These simple tools will help you make this delicious fruit and chocolate dessert in no time!
Instructions
Step 1) - Start by pouring water and brown sugar into a thick-bottomed saucepan. The thick bottom will help distribute the heat evenly and prevent the sugar from burning.
Add a piece of cinnamon stick or, if you prefer, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the pan. This will give the syrup a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the pears.
Squeeze the juice from a fresh lemon using a citrus squeezer. Make sure to strain the juice through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any seeds or pulp. Add the strained lemon juice to the saucepan with the water, sugar, and cinnamon.
Place the saucepan on the stove over low heat. Let the sugar dissolve slowly, stirring occasionally to help it along. Keep an eye on it to ensure the sugar doesn’t burn, as this would give the syrup a bitter taste.
Step 2) - While the syrup is heating, prepare the pears. Peel them carefully, leaving the stems intact for a beautiful presentation. Avoid cutting off the bottom of the pears so they stay whole and can stand upright when plated.
Step 3) - Once the syrup is ready, gently place the peeled pears into the saucepan. Cook them over medium heat for about 30 minutes, or until they are tender but still hold their shape. Turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. When done, remove the pears from the syrup and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess liquid.
While the pears are cooking, you can prepare the chocolate sauce. Pour the milk into a heatproof bowl, add the chopped dark chocolate, and melt it using a double boiler. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy.
Step 4) - To serve, arrange the cooked pears on individual dessert plates. Drizzle them generously with the warm chocolate sauce. For an extra touch of flavor and elegance, garnish with small cubes of candied orange peel. Serve immediately and enjoy this stunning and delicious dessert.
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Storage
I recommend serving the chocolate poached pears warm or at room temperature, ideally right after they are prepared.
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day.
To save time, you can cook the pears in advance and add the warm melted chocolate just before serving.
Tips and Variations
Check the Pears' Texture
While cooking the pears, regularly check their firmness using a toothpick or fork. The pears should be tender enough to eat with a teaspoon but still hold their shape without flaking. To achieve this, select pears that are ripe yet firm and not overly juicy.
Choosing the Perfect Chocolate
For the chocolate sauce, my preference is dark chocolate. Its slight bitterness creates a fantastic contrast with the natural sweetness of the pears. However, if you prefer something milder, you can use milk chocolate or even white chocolate for a sweeter flavor profile.
Pairing with Creamy Complements
Enhance your Chocolate Poached Pears by serving them with a scoop of vanilla gelato, a spoonful of lemon-flavored pastry cream, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. These creamy options balance the dessert beautifully.
Adding Crunchy Textures
For a bit of crunch, sprinkle the pears with dried fruit chips, crumbled meringues, or crushed Amaretti biscuits. These toppings add an interesting texture that complements the softness of the pears.
A Festive Red Wine Variation
For a colorful and aromatic twist, add one cup of red wine and a couple of cloves to the syrup while cooking the pears. This variation infuses the pears with warm, spicy flavors and is perfect for cold winter evenings or festive Christmas celebrations.
Recipe Card
Delicious Chocolate Poached Pears with a Rich Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 pears - medium size
- 500 ml water - ~2 cups
- 2 tablespoons cane sugar - whole
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 1 lemon
- 100 g dark chocolate - 3.5 oz
- 100 ml milk - ~½ cup
- orange zest - candied, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Start by pouring water and brown sugar into a thick-bottomed saucepan. The thick bottom will help distribute the heat evenly and prevent the sugar from burning.
- Add a piece of cinnamon stick or, if you prefer, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the pan. This will give the syrup a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the pears.
- Squeeze the juice from a fresh lemon using a citrus squeezer. Make sure to strain the juice through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any seeds or pulp. Add the strained lemon juice to the saucepan with the water, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Place the saucepan on the stove over low heat. Let the sugar dissolve slowly, stirring occasionally to help it along. Keep an eye on it to ensure the sugar doesn’t burn, as this would give the syrup a bitter taste.
- While the syrup is heating, prepare the pears. Peel them carefully, leaving the stems intact for a beautiful presentation. Avoid cutting off the bottom of the pears so they stay whole and can stand upright when plated.
- Once the syrup is ready, gently place the peeled pears into the saucepan. Cook them over medium heat for about 30 minutes, or until they are tender but still hold their shape. Turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. When done, remove the pears from the syrup and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess liquid.
- While the pears are cooking, you can prepare the chocolate sauce. Pour the milk into a heatproof bowl, add the chopped dark chocolate, and melt it using a double boiler. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy.
- To serve, arrange the cooked pears on individual dessert plates. Drizzle them generously with the warm chocolate sauce. For an extra touch of flavor and elegance, garnish with small cubes of candied orange peel. Serve immediately and enjoy this stunning and delicious dessert.
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