Poached Pears with Cinnamon & Pomegranate Syrup
Tender pears simmered in a spiced pomegranate and cinnamon syrup — glossy, flavorful, and beautifully simple. A healthy, refined dessert perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
- 4 firm pears Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett
- 2 cups pomegranate juice unsweetened
- 1 cup cranberry juice or apple juice unsweetened
- ¼ cup erythritol or coconut sugar adjust to taste
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise pods
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or ½ vanilla bean
- Peel of 1 orange or lemon
- 1 tsp lemon juice optional, to balance sweetness
Optional Garnish:
- Mint leaves or a drizzle of reduced syrup
- Greek yogurt or sugar-free vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Pears – Peel pears, keeping stems intact. Slice a small piece off the base so they stand upright.
- Make the Poaching Liquid – Combine juices, sweetener, cinnamon stick, star anise, vanilla, orange peel, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Poach the Pears – Add pears to the liquid. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and evenly colored.
- Reduce the Syrup – Remove pears and boil the liquid for 10–15 minutes until thickened and glossy.
- Serve – Place pears on plates, drizzle with syrup, and garnish with cinnamon sticks or mint. Serve warm or chilled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.