If you are looking for a cozy, comforting dessert that tastes as delightful as it smells, you have to try this Stewed Pears with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe. It melds the natural sweetness of ripe pears with warm cinnamon and fragrant vanilla, creating a tender, luscious dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you want a quick dessert or a luscious topping, these stewed pears offer that perfect balance of spice and sweetness that makes every bite memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Stewed Pears with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the aroma and flavor, while also enhancing the texture and color of the pears as they soften and absorb those warm spices.
- 4 ripe pears: Choose pears that are tender but still firm to ensure they stew to perfection without turning mushy.
- 250 ml water: Acts as the simmering base, gently cooking the fruit and infusing the spices.
- 25 g brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the pears beautifully.
- 2 small cinnamon sticks or ½-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and subtle spice for that classic cinnamon flavor.
- ½ vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped: Infuses the syrup with luxurious vanilla aroma and flavor, taking this recipe to the next level.
- Juice of ½ lemon: Sprinkled over the pears to prevent browning and add a fresh, tangy lift.
How to Make Stewed Pears with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Bean
Start by splitting the vanilla bean lengthwise and scraping out the tiny, flavorful seeds. Using both the seeds and the split pod in your pot will maximize the vanilla essence that will infuse every bite of these stewed pears, making the dish incredibly aromatic.
Step 2: Create the Spiced Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, the vanilla seeds, and the pod. Bring this mix to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and the flavors meld together into a fragrant syrup.
Step 3: Prepare the Pears
While your syrup warms, peel, core, and quarter the pears. This quick prep is key to the texture of your final dish. Sprinkling the pears immediately with fresh lemon juice is a clever trick that prevents them from turning brown, preserving their fresh look and a little added brightness in flavor.
Step 4: Combine Pears and Syrup
Gently place the prepared pears into the simmering liquid, making sure they are mostly submerged in the syrup so that they cook evenly and absorb all those lovely flavors. If the liquid doesn’t quite cover the pears, add a splash more water to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Allow the pears to stew gently for anywhere between 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how ripe your fruit is. Stir occasionally to keep everything coated in syrup. You’ll know they’re done when a knife slides in effortlessly, signaling that the pears have softened to that melt-in-your-mouth texture without falling apart.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your pears are tender and beautifully infused with cinnamon and vanilla, remove the pot from the heat. You can enjoy the stewed pears warm or at room temperature—their rich, aromatic flavors shine both ways and invite you to savor each spoonful fully.
How to Serve Stewed Pears with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for an irresistible crunch that contrasts perfectly with the softness of the pears. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for an indulgent touch that complements the warm spices wonderfully.
Side Dishes
These stewed pears are perfect alongside a simple bowl of oatmeal, French toast, or even pancakes, elevating your breakfast or brunch to a decadent treat. They also pair beautifully with creamy cheeses like mascarpone or ricotta for a sophisticated dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the stewed pears with granola and Greek yogurt in a glass for a stunning parfait, or use them as a topping on a spiced cake or tart. Their vibrant color and enticing aroma will make any dish feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover stewed pears, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even further as they sit.
Freezing
You can freeze the stewed pears in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them gently in the refrigerator before reheating to enjoy their tender texture and wonderful flavor without any compromise.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the pears gently on the stove over low heat or microwave them for short bursts until they’re heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the fruit to become too soft.
FAQs
Can I use canned pears instead of fresh?
Fresh pears lend the best texture and flavor for this recipe, but if you’re in a pinch, canned pears can work. Just reduce the cooking time since canned pears are already soft, and adjust the syrup sweetness to taste.
What if I don’t have a vanilla bean?
If a vanilla bean isn’t available, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract added at the end of cooking. While the flavor won’t be as intense, it will still provide that lovely vanilla note.
Are these stewed pears suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! This Stewed Pears with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe contains only plant-based ingredients, so it’s naturally vegan and perfect for any diet.
Can I make this recipe without cinnamon?
The cinnamon adds warmth and depth, but if you prefer, you can omit it or try substituting with a pinch of ground cardamom or nutmeg for a different but delicious twist.
What type of pears is best for stewing?
Firm but ripe varieties like Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett hold up well during cooking, softening nicely without turning mushy. Choose pears that give a bit when pressed but aren’t overly soft or bruised.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about this Stewed Pears with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe—a simple, soulful dessert that feels like a quiet celebration of fall and winter’s best flavors. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to brighten their day with something both nourishing and delicious. Next time you have ripe pears on hand, give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen!
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Stewed Pears with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the comforting warmth of stewed pears infused with aromatic cinnamon and sweet vanilla. This simple yet elegant dessert combines tender pears simmered gently in a lightly sweetened spiced syrup, perfect for a cozy treat or a light, fruity finish to any meal.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 4 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and cut into quarters or chunks
Stewing Liquid
- 250 ml water
- 25 g brown sugar
- 2 small cinnamon sticks or ½–1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ vanilla bean, split open and seeds scraped out
- Juice of ½ lemon (to sprinkle over the pears)
Instructions
- Prepare vanilla bean: Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Use half the bean and add both seeds and pod to the pot for maximum flavor infusion.
- Make simmering syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and the vanilla seeds and pod. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to fully dissolve the sugar.
- Prepare pears: While the syrup heats, peel, core, and quarter the pears. Immediately sprinkle them with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning and maintain a fresh appearance.
- Add pears to syrup: Place the prepared pears into the simmering syrup, making sure they are mostly submerged. Add a little extra water if necessary to cover the pears completely.
- Simmer pears: Cook the pears gently over low heat for 5 to 15 minutes based on their ripeness, stirring occasionally. They are ready when a knife slides through easily with minimal resistance.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the stewed pears warm or at room temperature, savoring the rich blend of cinnamon and vanilla flavors.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears for the best texture; overly soft pears may disintegrate during cooking.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar to taste.
- For a smoother syrup, remove the cinnamon sticks and vanilla pod before serving.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a more indulgent dessert.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
