Spiced Red Wine Poached Pears
Red Wine Poached Pears are a simple way to make a classic dessert. The pears cook tender in a lightly spiced red wine, making them flavorful and ready to enjoy with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Poached pears are popular during fall and winter, especially around the holidays. This recipe works well for dinner parties or festive gatherings.
Looking for a delightful pairing? These Red Wine Poached Pears are a perfect match with my Rosemary and Sea Salt Focaccia. The focaccia's airy texture and savory notes complement the tender, spiced pears beautifully. It's a combination that elevates any meal, whether it's a cozy dinner or a special gathering.
Quick Look
- Prep time: 10 mins.
- Cook time: 35 mins.
- Servings: 4.
- Main ingredients: Pears, red wine, honey, spices
- Cooking method: Poaching π‘’ Stovetop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Serving ideas: Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream
Jump to:
- Quick Look
- Important Ingredients
- Substitutions & Variations
- How to Make Red Wine Poached Pears
- πCrucial Success Tips
- Recipe FAQs
- How To Store Red Wine Poached Pears
- Other Delicious Recipes
- Spiced Red Wine Poached Pears
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Important Ingredients

- Bosc pears Soft and firm, perfect for poaching.
- Red wine Choose Merlot, Shiraz, or Sauvignon for flavor.
- Honey Adds subtle sweetness and balances the wine.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
You can adjust this recipe to fit different diets or flavors:
- Vegan: Replace honey with maple syrup.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of ground ginger or star anise to the poaching liquid.
- Kid friendly: Swap red wine with grape juice for a non-alcoholic version.
How to Make Red Wine Poached Pears

Step 1: Peel the pears, keeping the stems attached (Image 1).

Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine red wine, orange juice, honey, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Stir until well mixed (Image 2).

Step 3: Add the peeled pears to the wine mixture and bring it to a boil (Image 3). Lower the heat to medium and simmer the pears for 35-45 minutes, turning them gently every 5-10 minutes to cook evenly.
Once tender and infused with the wine and spices, remove the pan from heat and let the pears cool slightly.

Step 4: Serve the poached pears with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple and flavorful dessert (Image 4).
Hint: Let the poaching liquid cool slightly before storing leftovers to maintain the flavor.
πCrucial Success Tips
Turn the pears gently while cooking to prevent breaking. Don't overcook, they should hold their shape while being tender and flavorful.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, poached pears can be stored in their liquid in the fridge for 2-3 days.
They freeze well for up to 1 month, but texture may soften slightly.
Medium-bodied red wines like Merlot or Shiraz give the best flavor.
How To Store Red Wine Poached Pears
Keep poached pears in the poaching liquid in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Other Delicious Recipes
- Honey Oat Sourdough Sandwich Loaf
- Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough Bread
- Easy Sourdough Sandwich Bread
- No Tools, no Dutch Oven Sourdough Bread Recipe
If you tried these Spiced Red Wine Poached Pears or any other recipe on my blog please leave a π star rating and let me know how it went in the π comments below! Happy Baking!

Spiced Red Wine Poached Pears
Ingredients
- 4 Bosc pears
- 1 bottle 750 ml red wine (Shiraz, Merlot, or Sauvignon; Merlot works well)
- 1 cup orange juice
- Β½ cup honey
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Peel the pears, keeping the stems attached.
- In a medium saucepan, combine red wine, orange juice, honey, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the peeled pears to the wine mixture and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and simmer the pears for 35-45 minutes, turning them gently every 5-10 minutes to cook evenly.
- Once tender and infused with the wine and spices, remove the pan from heat and let the pears cool slightly.
- Serve the poached pears with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple and flavorful dessert.





