Sweet Honey Poached Pears

Sweet Honey Poached Pears have always been a favorite of mine. The combination of honey and soft, poached pears creates a warm and comforting treat that’s perfect for chilly evenings. I first discovered this dessert when I was looking for a simple way to make pears more exciting. After experimenting a bit, Sweet Honey Poached Pears became a staple in my kitchen. The honey syrup brings out the natural sweetness of the pears, creating a treat that feels both cozy and fancy at the same time.

Perfect for Any Occasion

What I love most about Sweet Honey Poached Pears is how versatile they are. Whether I’m preparing them for a dinner party or simply for a quiet evening at home, they always impress. The pears are gently poached in a mix of honey, cinnamon, and vanilla, which fills the house with the most delicious aroma. It’s one of those dishes that instantly makes your home feel warm and inviting. Plus, it doesn’t take much effort, so it’s easy to prepare even on busy nights.

A Light Yet Satisfying Dish

Even though Sweet Honey Poached Pears feel like a rich dessert, they’re surprisingly light. The pears soak up all the sweet, fragrant syrup, but they still retain their delicate texture. This dish isn’t heavy or overwhelming, which makes it the perfect ending to any meal. I like to serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a little extra indulgence.

A Taste of Fall in Every Bite

Sweet Honey Poached Pears really remind me of fall with their warm, sweet flavors. It’s the kind of dessert that feels just right when the days start to cool off. The pears are tender and soak up the syrup, and every bite tastes like a little taste of autumn. If you’re looking for a simple dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl, Sweet Honey Poached Pears are the answer.

Chef’s Notes-  Sweet Honey Poached Pears

• Pan Heating: Make sure the fish-shaped pan is preheated properly over medium-low heat. If the pan isn’t hot enough, the pastries may not achieve that crispy golden exterior, and the batter might stick to the molds.
• Greasing the Pan: Brush the pan with a generous amount of melted butter or cooking oil to ensure the pastries don’t stick and to promote even browning. Use a paper towel to wipe away any excess oil to avoid greasy pastries.
• Batter Consistency: The batter should be smooth and slightly thick, but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or water to loosen it up. If it’s too runny, add a little extra flour to thicken it.
• Filling Placement: Be careful not to overfill the pastries with your choice of filling. About 1 tablespoon per pastry is ideal, as too much filling can cause leaks or uneven cooking.
• Cooking Time: Don’t rush the cooking process. Cook the pastries for about 2 minutes on each side. If they are undercooked, they’ll be soggy; if overcooked, they’ll be too dry. Adjust heat as needed, especially with different types of pans.
• Shaping the Pastries: After pouring the batter into the molds, give the pan a gentle shake to help the batter settle and fill the corners of the molds for even cooking.
• Resting the Batter: Allowing the batter to rest for 5 minutes before cooking activates the baking powder, resulting in fluffier pastries with a better texture.
• Cooling: Let the pastries cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. This helps the exterior crisp up and allows the filling to set, preventing a gooey mess when bitten into.
• Customization: Feel free to experiment with different fillings! Try sweet options like caramel, matcha cream, or savory fillings such as spinach and feta, or even a spicy kimchi blend for a Korean twist.
• Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding a dash of vanilla or cinnamon to the batter for an extra burst of flavor. For an additional texture boost, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the batter before cooking.

Sweet Honey Poached Pears

Recipe by Kimmy

Course: DessertCuisine: KoreanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

29

kcal

Resting Time

2

hours 

Total time

2

hours 

25

minutes

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Sweet Honey Poached Pears, a timeless Korean dessert that effortlessly blends simplicity and elegance. Perfect for any occasion, this delightful treat combines tender pears with aromatic honey and ginger, delivering a harmonious balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re seeking a light end to a meal or a sophisticated dessert for your guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its authentic and refined taste. Elevate your culinary repertoire with this enchanting dish that’s as beautiful to serve as it is to savor!

Ingredients

• Fruit

• 1 peeled Korean pear approximately 1 pound, cut into 8 wedge-shaped slices

• Liquids

• 3 cups water

• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar

• Spices

• ½ ounce peeled ginger thinly sliced

• 24 whole black peppercorns optional, for added flavor

• Garnish

• Pine nuts a handful, optional

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Honey: Substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.

• Black Peppercorns: Omit for a milder flavor or use white peppercorns as an alternative.

• Pine Nuts: Replace with almonds walnuts, or sesame seeds for garnish.

• Korean Pear: Use a regular pear such as Bartlett or Bosc if Korean pears are unavailable.

Directions

• Prepare the Ginger Base – Begin by placing the thinly sliced ginger into a medium saucepan. Pour in 3 cups of water and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Let it simmer for about 7 to 8 minutes to infuse the water with ginger’s aromatic flavor.
• Prepare the Pears – While the ginger water is boiling, take the peeled Korean pear and slice it into approximately 8 wedge-shaped pieces. For each slice, gently press 3 black peppercorns into the back using a chopstick or a similar tool. This step is optional but adds a subtle peppery undertone to the dish.
• Poach the Pears – Once the ginger water has simmered, remove the ginger slices and add the prepared pear wedges along with 2 tablespoons of honey or sugar to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let the pears gently poach for about 10 minutes, allowing them to absorb the sweet and spicy flavors.
• Cool and Chill – After poaching, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the pears to cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the mixture to the refrigerator and chill for a few hours to enhance the flavors and serve either cold or warm.
• Garnish and Serve – Before serving, sprinkle a handful of pine nuts over the poached pears for added texture and visual appeal. Serve the dish chilled or warm, depending on your preference.

Equipment

• saucepan
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 29kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 5mg
• Potassium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 0.5g
• Vitamin A: 50IU
• Vitamin C: 3mg
• Calcium: 10mg
• Iron: 0.2mg

FAQ- Sweet Honey Poached Pears

Can I make this recipe without honey?

Yes! You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option or to cater to different dietary preferences. The flavor will still be deliciously sweet.

What if I don’t have Korean pears?

If Korean pears aren’t available, you can use other firm varieties such as Bartlett or Bosc pears. These alternatives still work well for poaching and absorb the honey-ginger flavors beautifully.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, poached pears can be made up to two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and serve them chilled or reheated for a warm dessert.

What can I use instead of black peppercorns?

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the black peppercorns or replace them with white peppercorns for a subtler spice.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the poached pears?

You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey or sugar. Start with the recommended amount and taste the poaching liquid to ensure it’s sweet enough for your liking before adding the pears.